UCF At DSC Spring 2010

I thought I saw another thread that had some activity about UCF @ Daytona ... here it is: https://allnurses.com/florida-nurses/ucf-daytona-campus-390371.html

I applied to UCF's nursing spring 2010 program for Cocoa as a first choice, and Daytona as a second.... did NOT get into either program, the letter came in today. My GPA is 3.5 for God's sake!!!!! I've been crying all freaking day I really hope you had better luck.

I've worked soooo hard for this. I feel pretty suicidal right about now. I actually called the undergraduate coordinator, as soon as I got the letter and she told me that the pool of applicants was very large with very high GPAs. I had spoken with a nursing advisor a few months back and he told me the cut off the previous year was about 3.3 for Cocoa!!!!!!!!!!!!! What the heck happened this year?????!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I applied to UCF's nursing spring 2010 program for Cocoa as a first choice, and Daytona as a second.... did NOT get into either program, the letter came in today. My GPA is 3.5 for God's sake!!!!! I've been crying all freaking day I really hope you had better luck.

I've worked soooo hard for this. I feel pretty suicidal right about now. I actually called the undergraduate coordinator, as soon as I got the letter and she told me that the pool of applicants was very large with very high GPAs. I had spoken with a nursing advisor a few months back and he told me the cut off the previous year was about 3.3 for Cocoa!!!!!!!!!!!!! What the heck happened this year?????!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm pretty sure the nursing advisor was in no position to predict months ago what this year's applicant pool would look like - it has the potential to radically change. Unfortunately, it's easy to see what's happened ... the economy has encouraged a lot more people to consider nursing, go back to school and enter the profession. Additionally, people are looking to the state-funded schools first for a cheaper education, so the ones with highest GPAs will get in first and these days a LOT more students are applying with as close to 4.0 as possible. Everyone knows the higher the GPA the better chances you have of getting in. Also, the opportunities to get a BSN over an ADN have increased as well so those programs are getting a surge of people holding non-nursing bachelor's degrees already. With your excellent GPA, I am sure you have a shot at one of the private school programs, even though you will pay more. But if your heart is set on schools like UCF, definitely never give up - find out what it will take to get in and work on it! I know this does not really make you feel too much better, but I trust you will find strength to persevere ... Good luck!

Thank you for the encouraging words Paco, I woke up today determined to keep going. I did think about the private school choice last night and I'm going for it if they'll let me start soon. Screw the money, I'll be in debt up to my eyeballs and I don't care as long as I can become an RN. Then I'll do RN to BSN right?? I had Keiser in mind as there are not many choices where I live (Melbourne, FL).

Again, Thank you!!

Thank you for the encouraging words Paco, I woke up today determined to keep going. I did think about the private school choice last night and I'm going for it if they'll let me start soon. Screw the money, I'll be in debt up to my eyeballs and I don't care as long as I can become an RN. Then I'll do RN to BSN right?? I had Keiser in mind as there are not many choices where I live (Melbourne, FL).

Again, Thank you!!

VERY GLAD to read your email ... keep on going, you will find a way to get your RN. Even if it is the ADN route, you can get your BSN online and perhaps get an employer to pay that portion, who knows? There are many options. I am gung-ho on an accelerated BSN myself, but I am open to obtain my ADN if that's what I have to do ... like you, I won't ever give up.

Your area is tough for availability of programs, that's for sure. I have a friend who I believe lives in Viera, probably near you ... and she was telling me of the limited choices. I'm assuming moving is not an option? If you're looking @ Keiser, make sure you ask about their clinical hours, NCLEX pass rate and their job placement success rate. I have heard the name - popular here @ Daytona - but not too familiar with their RN program.

HI:

Im a student a UCF daytona campus. I know when I was admitted in Spring 2009 they had just under 100 applicants for Daytona campus..my GPA was 3.8 at that time...and that is what they based your admittance on. This year I heard they has approx 140 applicants for Daytona campus alone. Do whatever you need to do to get your RN. Our class was about 35 students. However, we have had some students who have not made it through these past 2 semesters. They are long hours, the faculty at UCF Daytona are very supportive and helpful. But, you have to be willing to accept whatever they throw at you.

We have been told several times throughout the year that the 3rd semester is the most difficult and it is this semester where they lose the most students!

So, we are all a little worried but honestly it has been difficult these past 2 semesters, so I'm unsure how more difficult it can get. I only know that I am planning to still be their next spring!

Keep trying, don't give up, there's more than one way to get this done!

You go girl!

Hi! I did get in to UCF at Daytona for Spring 2010. My weighted GPA was 3.7. My overall GPA was 3.5. I never thought in a million years I would get in as I was still in A & P II when I applied, but I do have an AA already, so.... To those at the UCF Daytona campus- what should I expect from now on? When will I register? What can I expect at orientation? What is the semester scheduling like? Is it full time in Summer also? Nights or weekends or both?

Kelli

Hi:

DSC - UCF.

Last Spring we were in the community and nursing facilities for 2 days of the week (thurs/friday) 12 hours.

Monday and Wednesday - in class lectures - then labs. Be prepared to be there all day.

Tuesday was a day off from school.

Be prepared to have tons of ink, and paper. There are no paper handouts everything must be obtained on line from the webcourse for each class. Be prepared to do research papers, and a lot of journaling. The instructors are very specific about what they are looking for in journaling. They give an outline. Be sure to do exactly as outlined with lots of substance and you won't hve to keep doing it again. Each journal entry is from your clincial days so 2 a week.

You will be tested on your clincial lab work. Very intense, not difficult just a lot of stuff to recall on top of lecture exams. Community lecture only had 2 exams for the semester, so the last test is a doozy.

Remember that a 75% has to be maintained from all exams in order for any of the other materials to count (ex. research papers, quizzes, class presentations). In other words, if all tests in community course average 75% then all the papers, quizzes are then added into the equation. If you do not average 75% in the tests...then nothing else counts and the course has to be retaken probably at Orlando Campus. Not a lot of wiggle room.

The faculty are very supportive, but you must do whatever they want and always show that you are eager to learn.. They really are looking for a student who is willing to do their best, be a team player and who works hard.

I had an excellent rapport with all of them. I never complained to them, even when I just thought some stuff was beyond my comprehension and I was worn out. Boy, did I vent at home and with other students! I just keep my eye on the prize at the end. All students are very supportive and I have found one student who studies just like I do so we have managed to keep our head above water. I spend tons of off time at school studying and asking questions from the faculty. They have helped me immensely and they know my dedication is real.

I hope this helps, you will love it and you will have no life....but keep your eye on th prize....18 months will go fast and YES you will be in school full time for all semesters ..... including summers. We had not weekend work. However, this fall semester we might, not sure yet though.

Remember the schedule for your nursing program may have changed from mine.

Good luck, enjoy and laugh a lot....it helps when you are stressed!

Hi felixalynn-Thanks for all the info!! When you said you were in the community on Thurs/Fri 12 hours. Was that total for the 2 days or 12 hours each day? Just trying to figure stuff out. I have elementary age kids who will be in school when I begin. but have a TON of family and good friends around to pick up the slack during summers and before/after school. What is orientation like? By the way, all of the threads have me freaked out over dosage calculations- am looking over that stuff now. I am a crazy studier. I study daily- rewrite all my notes, make flash cards, record lecture and listen back. Will I survive? I took chem, A & P I and nutrition together and got all a's in the spring, so I can juggle, but still a little nervous about the course load! Kelli

12 hour a day clincials.

Calcs - just practice them on your own time. There are some on every Essentials exam. (10-15).

No taping allowed!

There are students in my class who only read and manage As.

Me...I have to take notes from the power points and then I draw lots of pics...visual thing!

You will do great....because you sound like you know how to study and focus. You will definitely need help with your children....studying takes hours, well at least for me. My children are grown and so just myself and my husband. He has become the cook, housekeeper, grocery shopper and a shoulder to cry on when I need it....very supportive.

You will also have FUN.....seriously you will...it is very exciting and intense and that makes it even more exciting...not to mention rewarding. You will have times when you wonder what the heck am I doing...but that too will pass!

Where do you do your clinicals? I live in Eustis (Lake County). I am a visual learner as well- I also draw a lot of pictures!! It takes me an hour to get out there! What kinds of things do you do during orientation? Kelli

Hi Kelli:

Clinicals are as far north as Flagler county..Palm Coast area, Bunnell also in Deland and Daytona Beach. Start time varies but some days it was 7:00am. - 7:30 am.

:)

Orientation is just that....you do have some exams to take on the first day....called ATI kind of like an entrance exam and it gives them an idea where you are with sciences, maths, english etc....

You then will have another ATI at some point in the first semester, again to see how you are progressing. You cannot study for the ATI exams.... Throughout the semester if you are only averaging a C in any course they will most likely ask to meet with you and discuss where some of the problems are and how they can help. They see that as borderline and they also see that the 3rd semester is the toughest so they try and help you improve your grades before that.

75-83 = C

84 - 92 = B

93+ = A

No "plus" or "minus".....some of the faculty round up but some don't...so if you have 74.4 one instructor does not round up even if you have 74.9...that is a fail! A's are tough to get, I have managed them but it was difficult for me...all others have been b's.