Huh....accepted to all...which to choose?

cccormier · Apr 6, 2011

Hi poohbear32,

First off, Congrats! :w00t::ancong!::anpom: :yeah:

Okay... I think you get the point; wow, you got accepted to great schools!

But, unfortunately that comes with a double edge sword where you can only choose one... I also had the same reaction as you when I got accepted to all schools and programs: "Huh?... really?" I couldn't believe it. But I finally chose after what seemed like an eternity.

I applied to Western as well, but for the regular 4-year BSCN degree. And that happens to be the one I decided to accept.

I chose Western for nursing because when I visited the facilities and school, it was beautiful and I had a "good feeling" about it. The people there showing me around were all so nice and seemed content studying there.

I also want to add that I heard that MacMaster is very hard to get in (once again, congrats for getting in) because so may people apply for the simple reason that it is one of the best (so I've heard many times), especially for any program in sciences, including the Nursing program. However, I hear the MacMaster program is more theoretical (less clinical, hands on) - so it all depends on what you prefer as a curriculum. I'm not sure about Trent... but U of T is definitely up there, and very well known. I'm sure U of T offers a great program too.

In the end, it all comes down on what you really want as a University or program, and I suppose location.

All in all, most of the programs will be the same or at least give you the same degree in the end - with which you can write your CRNE exam with once you are done.

Can I ask you if you have a preference in terms of location, or where you current live?

poohbear32 · Apr 6, 2011

Hi ccormier. Thanks do much for the informative answer. I live closest to u of t but have no preference re location. I just want the program that best prepares you for being a nurse. I rather the clinical aspect bc I could always read a text on my own for theoretical stuff.

thesingingrn · Apr 11, 2011

CONGRATS poohbear! Thats amazing!

I'm a recent grad from McMaster so of course I'm a little biased. The campus is gorgeous, I personally loved the program, and yes that are lots of clinical hours-

One thing about each school that you should look into is how the courses are run. For example I know for particularly McMaster quite a few people didn't like the problem based learning style and would have preferred more lectures. A lot of the learning happens on your own at home and then the actual class time is application of what you learned and sharing in small groups then taking things further etc. I personally loved it because if there was a topic that I totally grasped I didn't need to spend much time on it and the stuff that I loved I investigated more. I also liked having lectures at home because I could take my time and look stuff up and come up all in my pjs with a tea in hand, not being bothered by the loud and smelly kids etc. I LOVED the program.

I also was able to be a part of an international/outpost nursing placement with the school which was FANTASTIC. Life changing really.

I also met a UofT nurse doing the outpost placement thing too and she said that she loved the UofT program. I think that through there you get shorter times within each clinical setting but that way you get to experience more places and decide what you don't like. I believe that is the way it is. My discussion with her though was that by the time you feel comfortable on a floor then you have to leave where as other places you can get comfortable by midterm and then feel great about yourself and really grow in the rest of your time there.

So ya investigate into which kind of learning/teaching models each school uses because particularly I know for McMaster it takes a certain type of person. Plus nursing school is challenging enough without you hating the way that it is taught. Again, everyone is different.

GOOD LUCK!!!

Ladyj83 · Apr 14, 2011

Congrats on your acceptances! that's awesome!

I went to Trent for a general Arts degree and loved the school. It's smaller, the profs are really good (although i'm sure they're just as good at the other schools too!). I didn't take nursing while I was there but I roomed with people that did. They loved it. Sorry, this probably doesn't help you much in your decision, but I'm sure you will make the right one for you.

All the Best!!

=o)

Lynxclan · Aug 31, 2011

I received my BScN from Trentu; great because small classes mean you get to know your instructors very well. I had a wonderful experience there! All the best!