University?? Brock, Ryerson or York??

Zoee23 · May 22, 2015

I sort of have the same issue except I applied to both of York's programs as well as all three of Ryerson's programs. My deadline to accept York was May 1st which I let pass, so now I've got to choose between Ryerson main site and Ryerson-George Brown. I'm honestly SO confused right now. The oly thing I know for sure is that I'm not going to Ryerson-Centennial. Any advice?

FJ008 · May 22, 2015

Hi there! We have a lot in common! About 2 years ago I was in the same dilemma as you are in now. My average was in the high eighties and I got wait listed at Ryerson and accepted at Brock with a scholarship. I didn't apply to York like you but that was only based on the fact I didn't know how their Nursing program stood against other schools and York at a lot of bad press in terms of student safety on campus during my time of decision. I put Ryerson as my first choice as well because it is close to home, easy to commute to, and has a good reputation.

I ended up accepted my Brock Nursing offer and I can honestly tell you right now, entering my third year of nursing at Brock in September, that I don't regret my decision what so ever. The atmosphere at Brock University is amazing, welcoming, and calm; my class size in September 2013 was roughly 70 students so everyone gets to know each other pretty well; and the professors have their students best interests in mind and make themselves available as soon as possible. As for campus living, our campus is beautiful with lots of green space (which is a real change from TDot) and there are tons and i mean TONS of bonding and meeting sessions during Orientation week and all year round.

In terms of Nursing, Brock have a great Nursing Learning Resource Centre filled with mannequins that you can practice skills on and staff that give amazing advice. The course load can be heavy at times but like I said their is an overwhelming amount of help you can seek on Campus. Also we begin Clinical placement at the hospitals by first year second semester in either a Medical Unit or Surgical unit. When you reach second year, you again have placement in a Medical or Surgical Unit (it will be the opposite of what you had in 1st) as well as Labour & Delivery, Post-partum, Pediatric, and Special Care Nursery. In third year, we have placement in Mental Health and Chronicity. And from what I've been told, Brock differs from the other Nursing programs is that in 3rd year, once the September to April school year is complete, we have about a whole month of 'work' in the hospital where it would be just like we are employed but with supervision from a current working nurse as well as your Clinical Instructor.

In the end I didn't get accepted into Ryerson by July-August and when I did call to ask about the list in June and July and about how much it would move as well as my chances on getting accepted, the administration staff told me that they could not share that information with me and the list was dynamic. However, your average is higher than mine when I got wait listed so you may have a better chance than I did.

I hope this helps and all the best :)

- Felicia

Khaddejaa009 · May 23, 2015

Hey, I accepted York (even though it was my last choice). I personally say is go with Ryerson main site, I've heard great things about the program and campus but honestly George Brown has the pretty much the exact same program just different locations. At the end of the day go with what you think is best. Hopefully I get off the wait list and see you next year at either Ryerson or George Brown :)

Khaddejaa009 · May 23, 2015

Hey Felicia

I'm so glad you love Brock. That was my next choice but I guess because of family, transportation and money I can't go there even though I really wanted (still do) go there. That explains why I accepted York. Right now all I can hope is that Ryerson will accept me either at their main site or George Brown site. What do you think the chances of me getting in are?

Thanks again for the advice, lots of love

FJ008 · May 23, 2015

Congratulation on your decision! The field you are entering is boundless in opportunities and I hope you're ready for an adventure :)

I think your chance of getting into the George Brown site is higher than getting into Ryerson main site. Only because George Brown is a college and may have applicants with a lower average (but still high!) than those applying straight to Ryerson. Therefore, since you have a 90% average you will most likely be higher on the George Brown site wait list. In my opinion, the 2 years college 2 years university is more hands-on/practical than "book" oriented which has its pros and cons because nursing is a very practical study but you do need the knowledge behind what you are doing and why. With the 4 years at university the focus is more placed on academics which also has its pros and cons. You'll have amazing background knowledge about the processes and the reasons behind your actions at clinical but the scheduled time for learning skills is greatly less than the time you spend in lectures.

Khaddejaa009 · Jun 19, 2015

I GOT INTO RYERSON!! Change of plans now haha.

Khaddejaa009 · Jun 19, 2015

Thank you for all the information and advice, means a lot