julianth
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I'm actually on pins and needles for you all. I remember all too well how I felt this time last year (and the year before). I'm truly rooting for all of you get the positive email. But, if you don't, that doesn't mean you should give up. I know what it's like to get both, and after the tears I was just more determined the second time around. Good luck everyone!
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Just to clarify: you do practice placements the whole way through the program. The curriculum has changed slightly for 2017 applicants, but this past 2016 intake, we were in clinical by week 4 of the program. This is where the intensity of this program is really felt. The outline you are referring to is showing the classes, and within one of those classes/courses per semester there is clinical (2 or 3 days a week usually beginning in week 2 of each course). Not to worry, you get plenty of practice time, but probably less lab time when compared to other programs (from talking with friends in other programs). The drawback is less time to learn pathophysiology beforehand, but there are other benefits. Also keep in mind, a lot of what you hear from nurses who have worked with UBC grads are from experiences with students who graduated more than 5 years ago, and this reputation no longer applies.
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It's hard to know how they calculated my GPA, as I'm not sure which classes they used as my last ten classes. This is because I only did three classes my final semester of my undergrad degree, and then I'm not sure which grades they used from my third-to-last semester. When I was accepted I did not get a breakdown of how I placed. But, when I applied the first time and was rejected I got a breakdown of how I scored. My GPA was not the issue; it was my supplemental where I scored very low. The first time I applied I was still in my last semester, so the last ten classes were different than the second time I applied, so my GPA would have come out different. I'm surprised to see no one talking yet too, but I think you'll see more conversation in the next few weeks as people prepare their supplemental. This is the most important part of your application. Don't leave any blank spaces because you assumed you covered something elsewhere. Spread out what you're trying to say to fill in each section so that you don't repeat yourself. I'm sure that one of the mistakes I made the first time was not utilizing every area of the application. I stupidly put "see resume" under the leadership section, as I thought my numerous supervisory and management positions made it clear I had plenty of leadership experience. And you know what they say about assuming... The second time, I spent about two weeks polishing my application, and I treated each 300 word section as mini essays. I had others proofread everything for me. I then tried to leave it alone the last few days before I submitted it. That way, I could go back and see mistakes more clearly (although, I have since discovered two minor grammatical errors!). I also completely changed my volunteer and work in the year between being rejected and being accepted. I made all my volunteer health related and took a 6 month care aide course and then worked as a care aide for five months. I believe this not only helped me get in, but confirmed for me my passion for nursing. Most importantly, it helped me immensely in my first clinical - which starts three weeks into the program. That being said, others did better in clinical than I did, so it's extremely helpful, but not necessary. I've noticed the experiences of my fellow students are very diverse in work, volunteer and life. So, my experience is mine alone, but, I don't think I've talked to anyone whose background isn't impressive on some level. For this reason, I think the GPA is less of a concern. Some people have done just as well, if not better, than me in the program and they came in with minimum GPAs and/or not completed their degree. So as long as your GPA is sufficient to meet the minimum you can blow them away with your supplemental. I'm not going to lie. The first semester of the program was quite intense when you consider both the clinical and the schoolwork components. So, I'm glad that part's behind me. I managed to squeeze in a coffee or two with friends each week, but that's about it. The rest of my time was spent studying with an occasional Netflix show while I washed my dishes. Feel free to PM me if you have any specific questions.
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tdmah: I'm glad to see you've started a new thread for the next round of UBC Nursing applicants. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask away and I will do my best to help. I am a current UBC Nursing student, but I applied twice; so, I know what it's like to be both an unsuccessful (didn't even get an interview) and a successful applicant.
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They will only care about those last 30 credits (usually 10 courses), so don't worry about the rest of your degree. Even if you're at the bottom of the minimum for grades, you may still blow them away with your supplemental application. I believe grades are weighted at about 40%, so the rest is your experience and how you present yourself. I would also recommend making an appoint with the UBC School of Nursing Adviser, either in person or over the phone. They can help you understand where you should focus your attention.
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I know how you feel. Last year I pulled my car over, read the email, and then sobbed uncontrollably. But, do not lose hope. There is always next year. Your grades from this semester may boost your GPA next year, as they only counted up to Dec in their calculation. As well, I scored the lowest on my supplemental last year, and got an interview this year, so my standing has clearly changed. You have worked incredibly hard and overcome some huge obstacles. Let that strength continue to carry you forward.