RN school wait lists in BC

World Canada CA Programs

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First off, hello everyone. I'm new to the forum and stumbled on it while spending hours trying to research my alternatives.

I'm in Vancouver, BC (permanent resident) planning to go for my RN. I'm a mature student with 19 credit hours from a US university, but most of those credits are liberal arts, so I'm not sure what will really count except for the math and English. I know I'll have to take the A&Ps and Psychs- biology was much more than 5 years ago, but I did make an A! lol

When I first started looking, I found that VCC has a relatively new RN BSN program and I spoke to the academic advisers who told me that there was no wait list. I got approved for my student loan, requested all my transcripts and registered as a student. Today (only a week later) I spoke with a different adviser who informed me that not only is there a wait list, but that there are 49 students on it and that they will only be taking 24. VCC only has a fall intake so she told me that if I'm "lucky" I could get in the class of 2012 but likely 2013! ack. I suppose the only positive there is that they are a first come, first serve school so I will eventually move up the list for sure.

In the meantime, the adviser suggested I apply to multiple schools in the Lower Mainland, and choose one to attend for prerequisites while biding my time, hoping for one of them to eventually send me an acceptance. I'm sure many of you are in the same boat. I applied to Douglas and will probably actually attend there because it is much closer to home than VCC, plus they do two intakes per year so that's a plus. Will anyone be attending the Douglas psych or A&P for summer 2011? Would be nice to know someone going in.

So I guess the purpose of my post is to first make contact with anyone else currently waiting out their time, and also to compare any up-to-date info you have on wait lists. As far as Douglas' preferential placement goes, with a max number of points at 14, what is a "good" number of points to have to be competitive? I'm thinking I will have around 8. >

Thanks for reading!

Congrats!! Do you have a previous degree? Just wondering what they're looking for. I hope you love it!

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Hi Wildhope :)

congrats on getting in!! That's awesome for you! Do you remember when you found out that you were shortlisted? I know they changed the application deadline for our intake (July 15 instead of Aug 31), which might effect the timing of things.....i also read on another forum that they are no longer doing interviews, is that true? Thanks!

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You heard they're not doing interviews??? Wow, that's interesting lol. I wonder why...

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Ya, seems crazy but I read somewhere that they switched from

Individual interviews to group interviews, then eliminated them all together

Doesn't seem right though.....I guess we'll see :)

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I got notification that I was short listed around mid-March. Then I had to submit 2 references and a letter of intent. You're right that there isn't an interview. Then BCIT gave the final results at the end of April.

I applied with a bachelor's degree from UBC. I didn't have any hospital experience but I did have experience working with children for 2 years. I only have my first year English and a 2nd year Sociology class that was transferable from UBC. I hope this helps! :)

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That's awesome, thanks :)

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Wildhope: Did you use work references or volunteer? As for the letter of intent, was there a required length? Or did you just write until you felt was acceptable to get your point across? Thanks so much for the input!! It's so great to hear from someone who is in the program now and already jumped through the hoops. You must be getting excited to start soon.

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Karlyac,

I used work references for both of mine. I know they want at least one of them to be from an employer. As for the letter of intent, there wasn't too much criteria except for it to be no longer than 2 pages doubled sided. BCIT gave us about 3 weeks to get everything submitted.

I am getting pretty excited to start the program especially now that it's less than a month away!

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Nice!! That's helpful, thanks!

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Hey Wildhope,

I have my B.A. History major/English minor from UVIC. I have Math 11 C+, Chem 11 with a C+ and then I took the Human Anatomy and Phys at BCIT and ending up with a B. I know my marks aren't stellar but I have a ton of work exp. with people with extra support needs and children as well as 5 months vol. exp in a hosptial setting...

My question is:

Is BCIT really looking for the "perfect" applicant? Or are they just looking for someone who is committed, passionate, hard-working, well rounded applicant who will be able to finish this 3 year accelerated BSN?

Also, if you are rejected do you get feedback from BCIT?

Thanks so much

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Hi JMullahBaby

I know that last post was not directed to me but I know from researching the school for the past 2 years that grades are not weighted any heavier than volunteer experience or previous work history etc. They are looking for well rounded individuals who they feel will be successful in the program. Other than that it depends on the pool when you apply. It's basically the best of the bunch, so if everyone who applies also has a BA and the same experience, but they have straight A's you will be cut, likewise if everyone who applies has 90 post secondary credits and you have 60, you will be cut, regardless of grades. As far as finding out either way, we will all be notified when final decisions are made :) good luck

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Still pending.....pffft.

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