Ottawa U vs. McMaster U --need help

[SuAlaska]

Hi everyone!

I am a highschool student in Ottawa, and I have that massive decision...lol.

Some facts:

-Ottawa U is offering $4000 entrance scholarship to me first year, could be up to $16000 but honestly I don't expect to renew it; I'd be happy to get $2000 (I think you can get half the scholarship with a certain grade...I'm not sure though). Mac is offering a meager $1000, could potentially be renewed yearly

-Mac: Beautiful campus (I've heard), most people love the program, not everyone is a fan of PBL and I'm not sure if it's all that much better. I also hear that you have seven (seven?!) courses first semester, which blows my mind. Apparently it's more hands-on though in general first year, so I'm feeling torn.

-Ottawa: Most competitive program in Ottawa U and apparently pretty good, although I hear some..interesting things. Well, really just one or two really bad inputs. Idk. I still like the campus, and I'm hoping maybe to get a dorm so that I could get the "full experience" (is the caf food terrible? :) ) I also like that there's immunology first year.

Anyway, I'm really hoping that some of you could share your personal experiences!

Thanks for reading :)

[vintage_RN, BSN, RN]

I wouldn't say that MAC is hands on...it's very heavily research based. I'm glad I was an RpN with clinical skills before I entered the program. I don't know how the full 4 year program is, but based on 3rd year students doing placement on my floor the skill set is very lacking even by 3rd year. But I do love MAC as a school, great atmosphere and beautiful campus.

[xokw, BSN, RN]

I'm a Mac student as well and I couldn't agree more. The program is lacking in the hands-on department, and as was mentioned above, it is extremely focused on research.

I'm an RPN currently, and my classmates and I have all had multiple discussions about this. We all agree that if we weren't already RPNs with real-life experience, there is no way we would graduate from Mac feeling confident with our skills in a clinical setting. With that being said, however, a nurse is far more than just his/her skills. It is the knowledge that makes a nurse, an area Mac really focuses on, and the hands-on skills can be gained over time with experience.

Overall, I'm pretty happy with my time so far as a Mac student.

[SuAlaska]

Thank you so much for replying. That's actually really good to know, and from what I hear it's still an enjoyable program. Would you prefer more hands-on or traditional experience, or do you prefer it this way? How did you handle 7 courses; was that extremely stressful? I know this is a subjective question, but would you travel away from home (parents are willing to pay for first year, which I'm happy about. That means lots of student loans though -_- ), or is more practical, in your opinion, to stick to traditional?

[ktrop03]

I would go with Mac even if the scholarship is not that high. I hear great stuff about it. Starting hands on would be better that waiting. I believe you start hands on in 3rd year at ottawa u (or a bid in 2nd year, not a 100% sure).