Fall 2010 UCLA MECN applicants share your comments/concerns

Published

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?

Oh gosh I didn't even realize that the thread had grown to multiple pages!

Hi everyone :) Let me introduce myself again, I'm Liz from San Diego, CA. I got a B.S. in psychology, focused on clinical psychology. I currently work at a hospital as a research assistant for a Sleep Clinic.

I plan on making a trip to UCLA soon to look around the campus (mainly the Louis Factor Building where the nursing courses are held) and see if I like it. If anyone wants to come along, that would be great! Most likely will be a weekend, although I haven't really made any final plans yet.

I just made a trip to NY to check out Columbia, where I am also applying and LOVED it. Fingers crossed, I just want to get in SOMEWHERE! :D

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hi CaliforNurse2Be, research at a sleep clinic sounds interesting. Most of the research I've done involves plant macromolecules, no great conversation starter there! I work on the weekends, so I probably won't be able to make it to UCLA, but you should check out the Mathias Botanical Garden while you're there; its across the street from the Factor building. I went to an information session at the beginning of summer and had a good time exploring the campus afterward. Walked over to Diddy Riese Cookies and my husband got an ice cream sandwich, which I can definitely say are best shared. Those things are huge; too much cookie for one person!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks Tanya :) Changed my username, don't mean to throw you off.

I am originally from the suburbs of LA but have to admit I haven't done much exploring around the UCLA campus...

Thanks for the tips. What exactly did they go over at the information session that you went to? I wasn't able to attend one :(

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatrics.

One of the things they stressed was how important the personal statement is and to be sure you include why you want to attend UCLA. Your references can attach letters, but must complete the forms. Neatness counts. Be sure to include two sets of transcripts to the nursing school and not to the Graduate admissions office.

When I dropped off my application they said that notices go out in March for everyone, whether they are accepted, declined or put on the waitlist.

Average GPA is 3.4 of acceptance which had me scared the most. The program is 7 qtrs. 95% of their graduates are actively employed in the Healthcare Industry.

Out of 500 applications, 50 accepted.

They use the Public Health Model - primary, secondary and tetiary in teaching. Topics are split over these three areas.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks! Can't do much about the app now since it's already in, but it's good to know what they put more weight on when reviewing them. I will be finding out about the other schools I've applied to in February-March as well... I hope everyone stays in touch so we can see where everyone ends up :)

50/500 accepted is kind of a rough ratio. yikes.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Hobbits.
95% of their graduates are actively employed in the Healthcare Industry.

Woow! Does employed mean payed employment, or does volunteering count as well? (Although, to be honest, I don't have too much volunteering experience in a hospital setting.)

Judging from this forum alone I can see how many qualified applicants there are! Good luck everyone!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatrics.

The 95% actively employed means that 95% of the graduates of the UCLA program are employed within Healthcare, that they found a job after getting their degree.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hello everyone!

I also applied to the UCLA MECN program and I just joined this group!

Lots of helpful information so far. Good luck to everyone! :o)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatrics.

I was so happy to check my status on their site last week and see that all is complete.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Same here! :lol2:

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I can't stand the wait any longer. How much difference will another 4-6 weeks make with the decisions? I guess because they have over 500 applicants I can give them a little slack. Not knowing where my life will be past May is a weird realization.

Where is everybody else applying? I've got a few cal states I won't know about until May unfortunately.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I applied to UCLA, USD, Columbia and Johns Hopkins.

I am putting together an application for USF (san francisco) just in case I get rejected from them all, but not sure if I'll even turn it in.

The wait is pretty anxiety provoking, but I'd say in the meantime, enjoy the freedom! nursing school will be intense..

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion