Fall 2010 UCLA MECN applicants share your comments/concerns

[Amy2020]

Just a reminder for whoever interested in applying to fall 2010 UCLA MECN program, the deadline is Nov. 2, 2009.

Let me share my story. I mailed my application to UCLA SON two weeks ago via certified mail. I thought I could track my package on USPS website. However, it only showed that the postal service received my package and there was no more further info regarding the arrival at UCLA. I panicked and called the USPS three times with three different phone #s. And I went to my local postal office to recall my package. NO LUCK. They told me to call PO with 90095 zip code. Finally, I talked to the right person who worked in the Village postal in Westwood. He said UCLA had its own postal service system and it did not conform any kind of mailing. I was sort of relief that knowing my package was with UCLA SON. This is my first time applying to MECN. Anyone who is re-applicant out here, do you mind share your previous experience with UCLA-MECN?

[musictonurse]

Hi tokebi,

No problem!

1. Yes, you are part of a cohort and take every class together, which is why it's important to build relationships with everyone. You will see a LOT of each other. Our cohort is really collaborative and help each other a lot. It's really important to have teamwork to succeed in the program and in the nursing profession.

2. The days of classes vary. I think the first quarter we had three days of classes. In the winter and spring, we had two days, and now we only have one day of classes plus two clinical days. The days vary from all day of classes to classes til the early afternoon. The days are not always clustered. Sometimes it's a day of classes and then two days off and then class and then two days off.

3. The study load is pretty heavy! I wouldn't recommend working a job if you can avoid it. There are some people who work in our program (which I think is amazing!) but I know that it's also harder to keep up your grades with a job. It all depends on you, but I would say at least for the first quarter, try not to have a job and then gage how you feel. The winter quarter was really tough so I don't know...it's a personal preference, but I would not recommend it. Spring quarter is not as bad and you could pull off a part time job. But trust me, you'll be busy!

Hope this helps! We start our classes tomorrow!...let me know if you have any other questions. You'll also get a lot of this info at orientation :) Good luck!

Hi musictonurse, thanks for the warm welcome.

Can I ask you some questions about the program?

1. I've been looking at the "Sample Course Sequence" over and over... that's how excited I am! :) My questions is, do students choose their own sequence, or is it pre-determined? Does one cohort move along the courses together, having the same classmates through the entire program?

2. How many days of the week do you have classes? I assume clinicals will vary, but for lecture classes? I'm asking this because I really hope that the classes are clustered together with fewer days of the week rather than having to go to school almost everyday just for a few hours of class each day.

3. How is the study load? Is it doable while keeping jobs? Do a lot of MECN students work while in the program?

Sorry to bombard you with questions... but I'm just so itching to know more about what is to come. :)

[musicgal]

Hey musictonurse

Sounds from our user names that we might have a lot in common! I'm a musician, it's a huge lifelong passion for me, and one of the many things I love about the nursing profession is that I don't have to work 5 days a week so I can continue to record. I think a mix of nursing and music sounds like the perfect life, and i am so excited about the program :-)

How about you? Do you play?

Thanks for the info too..... good questions tokebi!

[tokebi]

Thank you musictonurse. I really like the idea of progressing together as a class through the entire program. As for working, yeah, I will keep my focus on studies first before tacking on more work load. This opportunity is too precious to screw up!

It sounds beautiful, Musicgal, the life of music and nursing... I'm sure the artistic side of you will also contribute to becoming a wonderful nurse!

[femmebot]

I'm thinking about applying for Fall 2011, does anyone know how merit based their decision making process is? My overall GPA is 3.25 (I think), and I got Bs in all my science classes. I currently work as a CNA as well. Would I have a shot at getting in?

[tokebi]

Hi femmebot,

Here's the evaluation criteria from the packet I got during their info session:

1. GPA

2. Academic performance

3. Life/volunteer experience

4. Statement of purpose

5. Letters of recommendation

I almost did not apply due to my GPA, which was even lower than yours although I had all A's for prereq's and strong science background. I don't know how much you perused this thread, but if you did, you know how impossibly competitive and strong these applicants are.

Anyways, I know from my experience that GPA is not the only factor. I worked as LVN for years, so I'm sure that helped a lot. I'm sure your CNA experience will help too. By the way, I wasn't accepted; I was put on their alternate list first.

What I think is unique in the application process for this particular program is that the statement of purpose serves as the "interview." So it's very important that you present yourself very well in your writing.

I wish you luck!

[ocennia]

Okay so I know that this is from last year BUT I thought that some of you could help me out with something.

I was wait lsted. for Fall 2011...number 30

I saw that some of you were also wait listed and I was just wondering what numbers you guys had who were taken from the wait list. I saw one of you was number 1 (how awesome was that?). I'm hoping that some people on the wait list end up declining to be considered. I'm just trying to figure out what my chances are

Thanks!!!