UBC 2020 Nursing

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Hey!

Just wanted to start this for anyone looking to apply to the 2020 cycle for UBC accelerated nursing. Let's share what we'll be applying with and any other info :).

Specializes in Emergency.

Is there 120 spots in the program? I would think there would be up to 100+ spots on waitlist?

Someone said typically 30ish people off waitlist typically get in?

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2 hours ago, FeefB said:

Hi all,

Major CONGRATS to all those that got accepted!

I unfortunately got a rejection letter. Trying to cope with the disappointment as I’m a mature student now and have been working 4 years towards this after finishing my undergrad.

Anyone who scored a 1 on their CASPer and/or supplemental have any tips? I have lots of relevant experience working in a hospital full time but don’t know how else to stand out. Also don’t know how to study properly for the CASPer!


Thanks in advance!

I'm really sorry you didn't get in. I am in awe by the amount of effort and persistence you put into this, and I think that blows anything I could ever put in an application...

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I wasn't able to respond earlier but I was finally accepted after 2 years of when I first decided to do this, while simultaneously improving my own grades and getting all the prerequisites done for other schools. I am intimidated by quite the impressive extracurriculars that people have achieved on here (I didn't do any research or have a job in a hospital or medical setting)...but I think I benefited in which the supplemental allows the team to see you more than someone that did XYZ, but rather a human, not someone that spends every second outside of school doing something (I would just burnout if that were the case, I'm not meaning anything negative if you do find enjoyment in doing many things of course! I wouldn't be able to do so, and I hope society wouldn't penalize people like me that just can't)

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Got accepted too, super excited and I hope things get better soon!

I do wish we got to know our CASPer scores though! I really wonder how I did on them haha.

My stats:
First time applying
Time of email offer: May 1st 4:10 p.m.
Alphabetical First/Last Name: in the middle of the alphabet
UBC BSc Graduate last Spring
Recent 30 credits: 86% avg (4? on a 4.33 scale)
CASPer: Felt rushed and didn't finish the last question on maybe 2 scenarios?
CASPer Prep: I rewatched BeMo's video answers literally 12 times. And tried to formulate my responses as close to it as possible, I spent 3 days (like 6 hours distracted.. each day) practicing.
CASPer Prep Schedule:
1. Watched BeMo's scenario response answer video
2. Googled for situational judgment questions
3. Practiced w/ the free BeMo questions. I saved 3 "full" tests to mimic test conditions with, that I used on the second day so that I had enough time to go over it.
4. I only "studied" for the CASPer 3 days before my scheduled testing time so that I could keep the method fresh in my head.
Supplemental: Talked about why I wanted to be a nurse and related all of my leadership roles/community service etc. back to nursing and why it validated my reasons for why I want to be a nurse or how it would help me as a nurse. I didn't have a lot of work experience, mostly non-hospital and non-health volunteer work like the Writer's Exchange and reading to inner-city school children.


I get super anxious with tests so knowing that the CASPer was timed freaked me out, so I really had to just read things over and over again. If anyone would like help with their supplemental or how I approached the CASPer, just let me know, more than happy to give some ideas!

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3 hours ago, FeefB said:

Hi all,

Major CONGRATS to all those that got accepted!

I unfortunately got a rejection letter. Trying to cope with the disappointment as I’m a mature student now and have been working 4 years towards this after finishing my undergrad.

Anyone who scored a 1 on their CASPer and/or supplemental have any tips? I have lots of relevant experience working in a hospital full time but don’t know how else to stand out. Also don’t know how to study properly for the CASPer!


Thanks in advance!

Hey! I'm guessing those that got accepted got a 1 LOL, but they don't let you know. Feel free to send me a message and I can see if I can help. That sucks, but there's next year too!

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33 minutes ago, lissynursing said:

Hey! I'm guessing those that got accepted got a 1 LOL, but they don't let you know. Feel free to send me a message and I can see if I can help. That sucks, but there's next year too!

Got a 1 on CASPer but waitlisted ? to be honest I didn't do anything to prepare for the exam and just did it on the spot. I guess not thinking too much helped. I don't think CASPer is a good representative of someone's personality etc.

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1 minute ago, aabc145 said:

Got a 1 on CASPer but waitlisted ? to be honest I didn't do anything to prepare for the exam and just did it on the spot. I guess not thinking too much helped. I don't think CASPer is a good representative of someone's personality etc.

It's more of a situational judgment test and I agree, it isn't a full representation of someone's personality, but I think it was the best way for them to avoid "in-person interviews" like they did in the past. That's why UBC ranks us on our GPA, CASPer, and Supplemental Application so that they can get a "better" picture of who we are.
I'd like to think of the waitlist as you're halfway there! You're 50% closer than before! What number are you on the list if you don't mind me asking?

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9 hours ago, reasonablecatlady said:

I'm so sorry to hear about that disappointing news FeefB! I am in a similar situation (4 years out from my undergrad) and am so grateful to have made it in this year.
For the CASPer, I found these links to be very helpful:
https://www.reddit.com/r/premed/comments/8t1kuk/what_is_casper_a_handy_casper_guide_for_the/
https://www.removeddit.com/r/premed/comments/8qm6ps/i_took_casper_last_year_and_scored_in_the_top_95/
https://docs.Google.com/document/d/19ONZOU9ebNmHc2Aar49t99RJfcsCmsFiXClcO3Nhf7E/edit

But my biggest tip is to do enough practice so that you can figure out a strategy to answer ALL the questions (as I found it very easy to get bogged down with the first question for each prompt), and of course practice typing fast.
Otherwise, I just kept a few mantras in mind such as: don't pass judgement before getting all the facts, remember your role and the responsibilities that come with it (eg. coworker, boss, peer), do not give one group preferential treatment over another, keep groups working together, and respect privacy and autonomy. There is also an interesting strategy a poster in the second link used called "PPRDJ (problem, perspectives, responsibility, decision, justify)", although I didn't really use this (as it seemed too complicated, but might be helpful if you're looking for more structure).

Hope this helps! Let me know if there is anything in particular that was holding you back on the CASPer!

Thank you so much! I scored a 2 on the CASPer, but I think my problem was that I was too vague with my answers in order to seem non-judgemental, haha. And CONGRATS on your acceptance! Can I ask if this was your first time applying? I’ll be trying again and hopeful for next year.

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8 hours ago, meowmeow said:

I'm really sorry you didn't get in. I am in awe by the amount of effort and persistence you put into this, and I think that blows anything I could ever put in an application...

Thank you for your kind words. I woke up this morning feeling a bit more positive that I can beef up my application for next year. Will be applying to more places as well.

I’m wondering if UBC nursing advising may be helpful. I just honestly wish I could get more detailed feedback!

Thanks again ?

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7 hours ago, lissynursing said:

Hey! I'm guessing those that got accepted got a 1 LOL, but they don't let you know. Feel free to send me a message and I can see if I can help. That sucks, but there's next year too!

True! Haha. Will work on things for next year. And thank you! Would love to chat, will send you a message shortly ?

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9 hours ago, ubcnursinghopeful2020 said:

I think a lot about CASPer is understanding what the examiners are looking for, and drafting your answers to best display your ability to quickly assess a situation from both sides, and justify your decision. I spent a lot of time reading about CASPer, looking at other people's justification, and practicing! I know a few friends who paid for services that give you timed practice tests to simulate real testing conditions, but I don't think they're necessary if you go through as much practice as you can!

Here are some links that helped me, you got this!

http://forums.premed101.com/topic/95629-casper-guide/

https://www.caspertest.com/casper-tips/

https://www.reddit.com/r/premed/comments/8qm6ps/i_took_casper_last_year_and_scored_in_the_top_95/

That’s awesome, thanks so much for the links! I scored a 2, I think my downfall was focussing too hard on being non-judgemental that my decision seemed too vague. Will definitely practice more to take it again.

Cheers ?

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8 hours ago, meowmeow said:

I wasn't able to respond earlier but I was finally accepted after 2 years of when I first decided to do this, while simultaneously improving my own grades and getting all the prerequisites done for other schools. I am intimidated by quite the impressive extracurriculars that people have achieved on here (I didn't do any research or have a job in a hospital or medical setting)...but I think I benefited in which the supplemental allows the team to see you more than someone that did XYZ, but rather a human, not someone that spends every second outside of school doing something (I would just burnout if that were the case, I'm not meaning anything negative if you do find enjoyment in doing many things of course! I wouldn't be able to do so, and I hope society wouldn't penalize people like me that just can't)

That’s awesome! CONGRATS. I’m in the same boat. I only found these boards about a month ago after I had applied, and was also very intimidated. I work full-time to help pay off my first undergrad, and wish I had more dedicated time to do Summer volunteer programs and the like while maintaining a balance.

I didn’t get in. This was my first time applying though. If you don’t mind, can I ask what has changed over your applications/your stats? Did you retake courses over the 2 years? I’m wondering if I should do so for better grades.

Thanks in advance!!

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