University of San Francisco ME-CNL Summer 2012

fashionistaJ · Apr 3, 2012

Hi xnguyen,

I was just accepted into the Summer 2012 cohort! I understand you started in Spring and have only been there so far for a semester but was wondering: do we get any time off between semesters?

I tried to look at the academic calendar but it wasn't very clear. I am hoping they give us a calendar that pertains more to the Nursing school during the orientation.

And thanks for the helpful information you are providing as current USF MSN CNL student!

xnguyen · Apr 4, 2012

Hi xnguyen,
I was just accepted into the Summer 2012 cohort! I understand you started in Spring and have only been there so far for a semester but was wondering: do we get any time off between semesters?
I tried to look at the academic calendar but it wasn't very clear. I am hoping they give us a calendar that pertains more to the Nursing school during the orientation.
And thanks for the helpful information you are providing as current USF MSN CNL student!

According to the academic calendar CNL students are only allowed a weekend off between spring and summer semesters. Summer and winter semesters you'll get about 10 days off and then between winter and spring it's a nice 5 weeks or so. It should be noted that we do have a week off for spring break during spring semester. To be blunt about it, the schedule is just ugly until winter break, but there are also unofficial days off. Sometimes the professor will have an online class that day or at-home assignment so you don't have to come in and they will try to coordinate it where you will get an extra long weekend. Students aren't the only ones who need a break, the professors like the down time themselves. I mean it's an accelerated program so you can't expect too much free time but I think it's very doable. I forgot to mention that the professors will try to give the finals early (even though they are not supposed to) to give you and themselves a longer break.

fashionistaJ · Apr 4, 2012

Thanks xnguyen! Good to know!

So is anyone living close to USF whose looking for a female roommate (ME)? =) or know of anyone who is looking for one?

ExploreDreamDiscover · Apr 4, 2012

Hi everyone. I am a CNL 12. I started Summer 2011. I remember feeling really lost and confused about everything, and would be happy to answer questions.

fashionistaJ · Apr 4, 2012

Hi DAS225,

I will be starting this summer 2012!

How do you like the program so far being almost 1 year into it? Any advice on the classes, professors, campus, housing, etc?

Thanks! =)

ExploreDreamDiscover · Apr 5, 2012

fashionistaJ,

The program is certainly intense. Especially starting in the summer semester, there is 15 weeks worth of material crammed into 12 weeks. So summer semester is especially busy. You definitely must have good time management and prioritization. I had to relocate in order to attend the program. I live in San Francisco, walking distance to USF. As for classes...the program runs on a cohort model, meaning that your classes are already decided for you. They tell you exactly which classes to take each semester. You really have no choice in which classes or which professors you take the classes from. Professors are great! Very helpful and encouraging and want to see their students succeed. Does this help?

fashionistaJ · Apr 5, 2012

Thanks DAS225! That was helpful!

here is a silly question: is there a 24 hour fitness club close by the campus? Or does the campus have a gym for students?

ExploreDreamDiscover · Apr 7, 2012

The school has a gym that you have access to as a graduate student.

CamiDudu · Apr 7, 2012

xnguyen and DAS225 your comments are so helpful, thanks for taking the time to answer our questions.

I am not too worried about all the studying and how demanding the program may be. I am more worried about $$$. I know is awkward to talk about money and that everybody has a different situation. However, I can't find threads that discuss this topic. I know USF tries to help you after they review your FAFSA and they give you an "award" to help you a little, then the rest you need to get it through private loans.

My actual questions are.... did you went to Wells Fargo as recommended by the school or do you recommend another bank? Are the Loans enough to cover tuition and other school expenses plus personal expenses like rent, food...

ExploreDreamDiscover · Apr 10, 2012

Maruloy...

Definitely go talk to the financial aid office. I can't really answer your question because it really depends on your previous financial situation and financial aid situations are different for everyone. There will probably be someone from financial aid who attends your orientation and is able to answer questions.

sftballgirl88 · Apr 21, 2012

Hello everyone, I am a CNL 13 and just wanted to pop in and say hi. I am planning to be a mentor next semester so look forward to meeting you all. I was worried about the money before I started as well, but then just decided to forget about it. Nursing is the only thing I have ever wanted to do, USF is a GREAT school, and I will make enough money working to pay off my loans. Its better to just forget about the money once you commit otherwise you will go crazy. As far as classes go, it isn't insanely difficult. It is however time consuming. Patho/Pharm will take most of your study time. I didn't find this first semester to be too difficult as long as you put the time in to study hard. Next semester will be much harder for us because we go from 3 days a week to 5 with two clinical rotations and classes the rest of the week. Our class made a facebook page and have found it VERY useful in getting questions answered and helping each other out, so maybe after orientation your guys can figure out what works best for you. One tip my friend told me was to not share your grades with other people....this isn't a competition. Our cohort is not competitive and we all help each other out, it is really NICE.

kandd99 · Apr 24, 2012

xnguyen and DAS225, thanks so much for your comments. I am starting the summer cohort. I can't seem to find any information on where we can do clinicals. I am in the BSN program and I remember someone mentioning UCSF, Stanford, and a couple others. Does anyone know if John Muir participates? Look forward to meetin everyone!