UBC 2021

[lbadaura]

Hiya folks!

It's a bit early, but since the application period opens in a couple of months, I thought I'd start this topic to share support/encouraging words/info/nervousness.

Is anyone else already excited for next September?

[2021applicant]

20 hours ago, Jiawei said:

Hey guys. This might be totally unrelated but I have been kind of debating on what to do. I just finished my third year at UBC in food nutrition and health. I have applied to both UBCV and UBCO nursing. And I received the offer from UBCO and not from UBCV. I have been thinking if I should take the offer and go to UBCO for another 4 years of undergrad or I should finish my FNH degree first (which is next year), and try UBCV BSN again. I have talked to my friends and family and have received very divided opinions. I wanted to go to UBCV for nursing because it offers a 2 year accelerated program and it's close to my family and friends. Part of me wants to finish my current degree and apply for UBCV BSN next year, however, because I am international I'm not sure if I will be able to get in. So I'm really debated on where should I go. If I go to UBCO, that will be another 4 years of undergrad and graduate in 2026, if I choose to stay in Vancouver, I will finish my degree in 2022 and if I get accepted into UBCV BSN next year, I will graduate in 2025. I'm really hoping and would appreciate hearing your opinions!!

 

And just wanna say CONGRATULATIONS to all those who got into UBCV this year! You guys did an awesome job and wish you all the best in your journey at UBC. And for the people still on the waitlist, don't give up!! I hope all of you can achieve what you want to do!

 

Hi! I think I can give some insight here - I was in a very similar boat. I just finished my FNH degree but got accepted into UBCV nursing!

I also knew nursing was what I wanted to do, since high school. I had very competitive grades (IB) and volunteer experience applying into UBC, but I chose not to apply directly into UBCO because I wanted to stay in Vancouver. My plan was to do my 48 credits and then apply in 3rd year.

Unfortunately, I had terrible mental health that really took over my life from first to second year. I spent third year going into counselling and recovering. This projected into my grades. In first year I failed 3 courses, and by second year my average was in the 60's. Couldn't even be considered for nursing. I remember really regretting my chance and decision. By third year I was mentally recovered and fourth year was my last chance to boost my grades. From then, I finished fourth year with a GPA of 4.2. My H&P was also about to expire.

My point is... if you are sure nursing is what you want to do, and you're given this offer right now, you should consider if you're willing to wait another few years for the chance again. Life almost never goes how we planned - we have to adapt. If staying in Vancouver is important to you (which is extremely valid! that was my reason as well - all my friends and family are here) - then it might be worth trying for UBC-V again. There is no right or wrong answer. Pick the option that best serves you.

Even if you choose to finish your FNH degree here in Vancouver, and nursing is what you truly desire, you'll find a way to make it happen. As long as you keep trying. As long as you don't fall in the trap of thinking there is a "timeline" of accomplishing things by.

That being said, it's also important to weigh in the facts - you are international, and you will be against (historically) 500-800 applicants (average 650 according to the UBC Nursing FAQ). A big chunk will be Canadian citizens, which they give preference for. There are 120 seats.

Again - there are no right or wrong answers. I suggest even making a pro's and con's list, leave it for a day or two, come back and process slowly. This is a huge decision!

And congratulations on getting into UBCO's nursing program! that is an achievement in itself. I'm proud of you!

[Jiawei]

7 hours ago, 2021applicant said:

Hi! I think I can give some insight here - I was in a very similar boat. I just finished my FNH degree but got accepted into UBCV nursing!

I also knew nursing was what I wanted to do, since high school. I had very competitive grades (IB) and volunteer experience applying into UBC, but I chose not to apply directly into UBCO because I wanted to stay in Vancouver. My plan was to do my 48 credits and then apply in 3rd year.

Unfortunately, I had terrible mental health that really took over my life from first to second year. I spent third year going into counselling and recovering. This projected into my grades. In first year I failed 3 courses, and by second year my average was in the 60's. Couldn't even be considered for nursing. I remember really regretting my chance and decision. By third year I was mentally recovered and fourth year was my last chance to boost my grades. From then, I finished fourth year with a GPA of 4.2. My H&P was also about to expire.

My point is... if you are sure nursing is what you want to do, and you're given this offer right now, you should consider if you're willing to wait another few years for the chance again. Life almost never goes how we planned - we have to adapt. If staying in Vancouver is important to you (which is extremely valid! that was my reason as well - all my friends and family are here) - then it might be worth trying for UBC-V again. There is no right or wrong answer. Pick the option that best serves you.

Even if you choose to finish your FNH degree here in Vancouver, and nursing is what you truly desire, you'll find a way to make it happen. As long as you keep trying. As long as you don't fall in the trap of thinking there is a "timeline" of accomplishing things by.

That being said, it's also important to weigh in the facts - you are international, and you will be against (historically) 500-800 applicants (average 650 according to the UBC Nursing FAQ). A big chunk will be Canadian citizens, which they give preference for. There are 120 seats.

Again - there are no right or wrong answers. I suggest even making a pro's and con's list, leave it for a day or two, come back and process slowly. This is a huge decision!

And congratulations on getting into UBCO's nursing program! that is an achievement in itself. I'm proud of you!

Thank you so much for sharing your experience! It makes me feel a lot better and less stressed about it when I know someone has been the same situation and now got into the ideal nursing school! A big congrats to you! And yeah for sure I will start listing out the pros and cons and think about it! I was really worried about graduating later than my friends, but what you said made me start to think a bit differently. Anyways thank you so much and wish you the best journey at UBCV nursing! 

Hey guys, just wondering what’s you opinions on UBCV Nursing vs. UBCO Nursing? Other than UBCV offers an accelerated program, what other pros and cons do you guys think? I think this will really help me to make my decisions, thank you! 

[Medsister]

On 5/6/2021 at 5:04 PM, Jiawei said:

Thank you so much for sharing your experience! It makes me feel a lot better and less stressed about it when I know someone has been the same situation and now got into the ideal nursing school! A big congrats to you! And yeah for sure I will start listing out the pros and cons and think about it! I was really worried about graduating later than my friends, but what you said made me start to think a bit differently. Anyways thank you so much and wish you the best journey at UBCV nursing! 

Hey guys, just wondering what’s you opinions on UBCV Nursing vs. UBCO Nursing? Other than UBCV offers an accelerated program, what other pros and cons do you guys think? I think this will really help me to make my decisions, thank you! 

I would think that in the UBCO program, you would probably have more time to learn the material more in depth and it may not be as stressful since it's a longer program. Also, even though moving to the Okanagan will mean moving away from your family and friends, it may be an adventure where you will get to experience a new environment and make new friends and you may become more self reliant and independent. Hope that helps!

[Medsister]

On 5/4/2021 at 7:06 PM, EtherealRailgun said:

I'll try to answer as best as I could. 

Every term has specific focus on clinicals and everyone gets placed in all the same settings except for Term 4 (either home health or public health-please correct me if this has changed). Term 1: medical units with focus on adults/older adults. Term 2: maternity and peds Term 3: med/surg. Term 4: mental health and public health. Term 5: preceptorship. For Term 4 in our class, the clinicals for public health were either home health OR public health. For all terms, we get to rank the site we want for clinicals each term but that does not guarantee anything. The less people choose your higher ranking, the higher chance of getting. But if there are many people who chose your high ranking, you may get placed in the site that you ranked lower (but higher ranked site is still possible).

I don't know how the preceptorship is now after the pandemic but for our cohort (before pandemic), we had lots of students who wanted to go into higher acuity like Emerg and ICU. I know most people got into the area they wanted but few did not. I wanted to get into general medicine and I got preceptorship in the medicine unit no problem. If you want to go into specialty areas for preceptorship, like ER, ICU...etc, it would help if you take BCIT specialty courses before your preceptorship.

There were parents in the program. I think this would be best answered if upper cohorts who are parents currently can answer. Upper cohorts will probably set up the facebook for your cohort and the upper cohort students will join the facebook as well. 

I thought my preceptorship hours were sufficient. From our year, UBC curriculum changed so that they have more clinical hours. When I graduated and got into new grad program, I also got about 10-11 additional shifts with my new grad mentor. Once I actually started working, I got the hang of it pretty quickly. 

Let me know if there are any other questions.

Do alot of UBC students take the BCIT specialty courses before their preceptorship?

Do you have to finish the specialty certificate before graduation or preceptorship for it to be considered an advantage?

Also, how long are the labs? And did you have to do many overnight shifts? Do most students find jobs in the place that they complete their preceptorship? 

Thanks so much! ? 

[EtherealRailgun]

On 5/7/2021 at 6:19 PM, Medsister said:

Do alot of UBC students take the BCIT specialty courses before their preceptorship?

Do you have to finish the specialty certificate before graduation or preceptorship for it to be considered an advantage?

Also, how long are the labs? And did you have to do many overnight shifts? Do most students find jobs in the place that they complete their preceptorship? 

Thanks so much! ? 

I think it depends on where you want to go into. If you do want to go into higher acuity, like ER/ICU, it would be advantageous to have it. 

I know for some people, they took it during term 3 or 4 so that they could go into some higher acuity units for preceptorship.

Regarding the labs, I think it might have changed since the pandemic so I will leave this question ;). For clinicals, there were none overnight shifts but some clinicals did have evening shifts, depending on which unit and which rotation. You get to do overnight shifts during preceptorship as you follow your preceptor's schedule. You may not do it at all if you get into public health where the hours are usually during the days.

You're very welcome ?

[Becca Clarkson]

I work for Global News and we are looking to speak with new students to UBC's nursing program. This is for a story that will air on Thursday, during National Nursing Week, so the sooner you can get in touch the better. We're looking to hear from people about what inspired them to apply for nursing school during the pandemic. You can email me at [email protected] for more information. Thanks in advance!

[lissynursing]

On 5/6/2021 at 5:04 PM, Jiawei said:

Thank you so much for sharing your experience! It makes me feel a lot better and less stressed about it when I know someone has been the same situation and now got into the ideal nursing school! A big congrats to you! And yeah for sure I will start listing out the pros and cons and think about it! I was really worried about graduating later than my friends, but what you said made me start to think a bit differently. Anyways thank you so much and wish you the best journey at UBCV nursing! 

Hey guys, just wondering what’s you opinions on UBCV Nursing vs. UBCO Nursing? Other than UBCV offers an accelerated program, what other pros and cons do you guys think? I think this will really help me to make my decisions, thank you! 

The UBCV program is accelerated at 20 months, there is nothing else that would be different between the UBCO program. Except the timeframe, priority is given to Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residency status, so I think UBCO would be best since you've been accepted there already. Congratulations on getting in! I think already being in your 3rd year would give you the upper edge, there's a lot of maturity that is needed to be in nursing =)

 

[websterdictionary]

Hi everyone! 

While I understand that this forum is largely for individuals applying for the 2021 intake, I was wondering if there was anyone who has completed/is currently completing the program? I'd love to chat with someone about their experience, as I am torn between UBC and UofT! 

Thanks in advance! ?

[harryberry]

Hi guys,

I am new to this forum and I have been reading through all your amazing profiles and have a few questions if someone could kindly help!

1. I don't have a strong GPA (finished my Associate's of Science at Douglas with 61 credits - GPA in low 3s). Anyone with low GPA still able to get in?
2. I work at a optometrist's office as Clinic Lead (for almost two years now), Admin Lead for COVID Vaccination Clinics for Fraser Health, worked as a Pharmacy Assistant for a few months in the past and have about two years of retail experience as well. I don't have any volunteer experience which I think may be a problem. Do you have any suggestions as to places I can start volunteering so it can help my supplemental (hospitals have closed their volunteering programs because of COVID at the moment ☹️)?
3. I am taking my prereqs soon for the fall 2022 intake, will also be applying to all schools available as my chances are pretty low but is there anyone who redid a course to boost their GPA? How does UBC evaluate your transcript in that case?

I would really appreciate any input at all; thank you :))

[HopefulStudent9]

1 hour ago, harryberry said:

Hi guys,

I am new to this forum and I have been reading through all your amazing profiles and have a few questions if someone could kindly help!

1. I don't have a strong GPA (finished my Associate's of Science at Douglas with 61 credits - GPA in low 3s). Anyone with low GPA still able to get in?
2. I work at a optometrist's office as Clinic Lead (for almost two years now), Admin Lead for COVID Vaccination Clinics for Fraser Health, worked as a Pharmacy Assistant for a few months in the past and have about two years of retail experience as well. I don't have any volunteer experience which I think may be a problem. Do you have any suggestions as to places I can start volunteering so it can help my supplemental (hospitals have closed their volunteering programs because of COVID at the moment ☹️)?
3. I am taking my prereqs soon for the fall 2022 intake, will also be applying to all schools available as my chances are pretty low but is there anyone who redid a course to boost their GPA? How does UBC evaluate your transcript in that case?

I would really appreciate any input at all; thank you :))

Hi! Sounds like you have amazing experience already!

1) I remember attending the informational session and freaking out about the mid-80s average that they were expecting for this year's cohort. However, it is important to note that CASPer and your supplemental play an important role in setting you apart from others and showing that you are a capable candidate. I have read from previous forums that people with averages in the 70s have gotten in. It is frustrating to read this over and over again, but I really do think that HOW you frame your experience is super significant in the application process. 

2) That sounds like a solid amount of experience :)! I know in this year's application there was a section where you could share your additional learning and accomplishments (does not need to be volunteer-based). I suggest that if you want to volunteer (although it sounds like you're pretty busy already), choose a cause that you are super passionate about and can offer you perspective rather than another shift you have to go to. My friend works at the BC Brain Wellness Centre and I believe that their volunteer shifts are virtual right now so maybe you could look into that? https://www.bcbrainwellness.ca/volunteer

3) I'm not much help here so I'll leave it to our peers to respond to this one. 

Remember to be gentle with yourself during this time. Applications are so stressful and doing them amidst a pandemic is even more stressful. You seem like a promising candidate so do not lose hope. What is yours will find you ?  Hope this helps!

[harryberry]

23 minutes ago, HopefulStudent9 said:

Hi! Sounds like you have amazing experience already!

1) I remember attending the informational session and freaking out about the mid-80s average that they were expecting for this year's cohort. However, it is important to note that CASPer and your supplemental play an important role in setting you apart from others and showing that you are a capable candidate. I have read from previous forums that people with averages in the 70s have gotten in. It is frustrating to read this over and over again, but I really do think that HOW you frame your experience is super significant in the application process. 

2) That sounds like a solid amount of experience :)! I know in this year's application there was a section where you could share your additional learning and accomplishments (does not need to be volunteer-based). I suggest that if you want to volunteer (although it sounds like you're pretty busy already), choose a cause that you are super passionate about and can offer you perspective rather than another shift you have to go to. My friend works at the BC Brain Wellness Centre and I believe that their volunteer shifts are virtual right now so maybe you could look into that? https://www.bcbrainwellness.ca/volunteer

3) I'm not much help here so I'll leave it to our peers to respond to this one. 

Remember to be gentle with yourself during this time. Applications are so stressful and doing them amidst a pandemic is even more stressful. You seem like a promising candidate so do not lose hope. What is yours will find you ?  Hope this helps!

Hi, thank you so much for answering my questions and more! I will definitely look into the Brain Wellness Organization, that's very helpful. I am going to try and focus more on boosting up my GPA and Casper as well!

On another note, I read that you got into UBC, congrats!! Everyone here is amazingly hard working. If you don't mind, can you share the stats you applied with? And did you apply to any other schools as well?

[HopefulStudent9]

18 minutes ago, harryberry said:

Hi, thank you so much for answering my questions and more! I will definitely look into the Brain Wellness Organization, that's very helpful. I am going to try and focus more on boosting up my GPA and Casper as well!

On another note, I read that you got into UBC, congrats!! Everyone here is amazingly hard working. If you don't mind, can you share the stats you applied with? And did you apply to any other schools as well?

Thank you so much! For sure, if you don't mind, I would be more comfortable emailing you because I feel as though my stats and ECs are very personal. Is that alright with you? Not sure if there's a PM function but if you're comfortable leaving your email, we can keep in contact!