5-6 semester wait for mcccd!!!????

joyabella · Feb 15, 2010

I have actually heard the average wait time is 12-18 months to get accepted based on gpa and Hesi A-2 which is now required instead of the NET test.

azsummer · Feb 15, 2010

Joyabella,

Thanks for your response. Actually, for those that have already taken the NET, MCCCD will "grandfather in" and accept the scores 2 years from the date the test was passed. Also, placement on their wait list does not take into account GPA, or actual test scores. If you pass and meet their minimum test score requirement and pass the required prerequisites with a C or better you can be placed onto their wait list. My application was just accepted by them and since my last post I have found out they will be giving date and time stamps out on 2/19. This will determine an applicants actual place on the wait list. (not the gpa or test scores)

Below is the information I pasted from the website that states there is a 5.5 semester wait! That is outrageous. Before, I always heard exactly what you stated, about the wait being 12-18 months. I'm curious if the 5.5 semesters is the new norm, or if that changes once the spring semester starts and those starting students get removed from the wait list. ...?????

"Considering the totals from the grid above, it appears that placement for the upcoming semester is mostly complete except for a few possible last-minute replacement positions. That would mean that anyone not placed would be hoping for placement in Fall 2010 or beyond. Using the current semester capacity [485] as a benchmark and dividing into the number of applicants waiting [2586] plus the deferrals [94] (who will be back in the queue), we arrive at an estimated 5.5 semester wait (beginning with Fall 2010) for an applicant applying today."

NewBeginning · Feb 15, 2010

Well, taking the numbers as presented (2586 waiting divided by the 485), then 5.5 is certainly the worst case scenario. Out of this group, you will certainly have those that decide not to wait, go to school elsewhere, or decide to not continue with nursing as an option, so the wait will go down. However, I do think 12-18 months seems low due to the increased number of people applying to the program. Are Banner Nurse Fellows included in the 485? The wait may also decrease for those in queue who enter the Banner program.

Lizzyru · Feb 16, 2010

What I don't understand is when I went to the Placement White Board on nursing site it says: The most "recent" application in the database for a student that was placed in a public pool that did not require a special application was submitted on Dec 18, 2009 08:01:05 AM. That "public" pool was for PVJL.

Does it mean this individual was placed or is still in the waiting pool for PVCC/JCL? I don't understand this. I have friends who have been waiting for 2+ years and have no idea when they'll be placed and there are some that have been on the list shorter & are already placed. How does this really work? I've watched the presentation (online) and understand the math, but it still doesn't make any sense to me how & who are picked. There doesn't seem to be a rhyme or reason for anything how the individuals are picked!! I have less & less confidence that I will ever get to a NS before I start collecting social security checks!! lol

silentRN · Feb 16, 2010

In 2006 I applied for Yavapai College Nursing Program in Prescott, Az. I had no wait. I took the test in the summer and was admitted in the fall. I would advice you to apply there or at Coconino Community College in Flagstaff or NAU where there are no such thing as waiting list. Either you get in or you don't, and the majority of people do. I had to move to go to school, if I hadn't I would probably still be on a waiting list then, and I've already been a nurse for 2 years now. You should seriously think about it. WHen I went to Yavapai College, we had the highest NCLEX pass rate in the state at that time. Not a bad program, I actually enjoyed it.

-David

joyabella · Feb 16, 2010

Thank you David, that is great information. I have a hard time believing that it isn't based on higher gpa/test scores since that is what I have been told by secveral admissions and teachers in the MCC Nursing Program. I remember one school not including gpa, Mesa maybe? Also 5-6 semesters including fall, spring, winter and summer is 18 months if I am not correct? This really scares me since I am just finishing my pre-reqs now and do not have 2 plus years to wait to be accepted. I have been focusing on getting a 4.0 gpa and have heard if you score in the 90% and above you will get accepted the quickest. I also see other people retaking classes that they scored low to get a higher gpa which also proves the point of gpa being a consideration. This really should be able to be explained to all of us specifically and in detail, and without different answers being given. I am going to see what information I can find out this week and will post it as recieved.

azgirl84 · Feb 16, 2010

The Maricopa cc does not base it on grades. The People you may be talking about that are retaking classes for better grade might be doing other options on top of Mccnp, like ASU or Banner. Also there is a school called central arizona college in pinal county, they base it off of grades and a few other things as well. Maybe look into that school if you want them to look at GPA :)

Crystal74 · Feb 16, 2010

I'm not quite sure if this has been asked before, but every time I call and inquire about the program I was always told the wait was for two years depending on how flexible I am. Does anyone know what the flexibility part is. When I ask them, the only response I can get out of them is "it all depends on how flexible you are in your choices". Does this make sense to anybody? :uhoh3: My application was turned in August 09, but my time stamp was given on October 09, so I have no clue how long it's going to take me to get in:confused:

NewBeginning · Feb 16, 2010

My guess is that the flexibility lies in the number of program choices you make. If you know you can only take a part-time program, the options are limited. Your wait will be longer. If you can only do the weekend program, same thing. If you choose 5 options, your number will come up sooner than those who were more limiting with their choices, even if they were time stamped after you.

Sounds like they are saying if you chose 5 programs, you will likely be in one at the two year wait, but if you are more limited in choice choice (be it location, part-time), etc. your wait will be longer. How much longer? Who knows, but certainly above the 2 years.

I also understand that the wait begins with the semester after the semester in which your application was time stamped. If you are stamped Oct 2009, then your wait starts the semester following.

fromtheseaRN, BSN, RN · Feb 17, 2010

when you apply, you have up to 5 choices of schools you are willing to go to. the more choices you have, the quicker you will get in since you make yourself available to more openings. i am in block one, and everyone in my class was on the list for about 3 semesters. the wait will of course be longer now since rio salado closed it's program.

i recommend getting the highest grades you can in your pre-reqs and entrance exams, these will matter if you apply to banner fellow ship to get in sooner. also, while you're waiting, take a med terminology course, patho course, and if you still have time, take a cna course. those two classes have helped me tremendously, and if you have a job as a cna you definitely have your foot in the door for a RN job once you complete that program.

joyabella · Feb 20, 2010

Hi fromthesea and thank you very much for the practical information. I have been researching for a long time to try and avoid going in the wrong direction, I am turning 40 years old in September, I don't have the time to waste :) I will be continuing to focus on getting a high gpa, and test scores, making myself open to 5 programs, cna, and a med terminology course. Can you tell me specifically what class you mean when you say patho?