[shortstuff52]

So I have a few questions....

I got accepted into CCBC and VJU. im still waiting on CUA and UMB (does anyone know when the letters come out for these schools?) Im trying to decide which school would be the better option. VJU is a 3yr program because I'll be a transfer. CCBC is an associate and thats 2ys.. then I would have to complete 1 more year to complete the BSN.. And anther issue is the $$$, I know VJU is alot more expensive but is that a major part in deciding whihc school to go to. And I was also wondering about the professor at either school. or at all the schools I have applied too..

i know my questions/concerns are pretty random, but if anyone oculd help me out... I would greatly appreciate it. thanks!!

[MZTwin]

Congrats on your acceptance,

I'm not sure about VJU or CUA, but CCBC is a great program. I know many people that are in the program and have graduated from there. As far as UMB, I just found out that I got accepted into the Fall 2008 semester. I didn't receive a letter, but I checked my application online. Amanda Barnes, the admissions coordinator, suggests checking it online for a faster response.

Good luck

MZTwin

[skyblue77]

Hello,
Just an fyi about VJU, their pass rate isn't that high right now, you can check it on MBON. I think they are around 70%. I'm going to CCBC in the fall. Good luck!

[Jules A]

I did the CC route because I wanted to get to work quicker and also for the cheaper tuition. Personally I don't worry about the NCLEX pass rates, unless a program is in jeopardy of being shut down, because imo studying for NCLEX is a solo sport.

Congrats on so many offers!

[skyblue77]

Originally Posted by Jules A

Personally I don't worry about the NCLEX pass rates, unless a program is in jeopardy of being shut down, because imo studying for NCLEX is a solo sport.

I agree but it makes you wonder what's going on when most of the other schools are in the 80-90 pass rate. Someone told me the program was on "probation" but I don't know how accurate that info is. I have no idea if it's the instructors or program or students but I just wanted to pass her that info.

[Rhone]

Here is a link to the most recent pass/fail rates at www.mbon.org:

http://www.mbon.org/main.php?v=norm&...tats_fy07.html

Note the two asterisks by Villa Julie and scroll to the bottom to see what that means.

I've never been to Villa Julie so I won't insult it--I'll give it the benefit of the doubt and guess that the pass/fail rate probably is not an indication that the program is poor as much as it is an indication that they take students (as long as they have the $$$) who don't have good enough grades and test scores to get into the more competitive programs. That alone would negatively affect test scores, regardless of the quality of instruction in the program.

However, I would sure hate to pay all that private school tuition if there is a chance the school could lose its accreditation before I get my degree!

[Helper4Life_RN]

I'm a recent grad of Villa Julie May 08. The instructors are pretty nice and understanding. The workload is horrible, lol. Towards the end I hated the school, the politics, etc. The school has now incorported this new thing that they won't sign you off to take NCLEX if you don't pass their ATI RN predictor test. If you don't pass this predictor test than will need to take Kaplan or some other helping course, if you don't pass this than you have to keep taking ATI. This could happen quickly or take you forever. For me its' frustrating cause after doing all these years at this school even after graduating, I'm still being kept from taking NCLEX. I heard the CCBC is good. Make sure you ask them about taking an RN predictor course. At least With the community college you take the NCLEX and when you go back for your BSN you don't retake the test. Good luck in your decision

[MZTwin]

CCBC definitely requires you take the ATI RN predictor exam. I personally know people who have to take it tomorrow.

[BoonersmomRN]

Yes CCBC does.

When I graduated last Dec the rule was you had to pass it by the 65th percentile. If you didn't pass you had 2 chances to try again but then you had to pass by the 90th percentile ( its the same test). If you didn't pass that you had to take Kaplan and yes they would hold up your ATT so you couldn't sit for the boards.

However I heard from a friend who just graduated that they bumped the 1rst passing percentile to 71%.

Personally I thought ATI was a complete waste of time. It was nothing like the NCLEX other than being on a computer. ATI was WAY too knowledge based and not critical thinking based.

[Helper4Life_RN]

I totally agree about ATI. It was such a waste and I didn't think it measured critical thinking based knowledge. I have to pass Kaplan predictor test next week. I pray that I do so if not I have to take that awful ATI again and again until i get the 90 percent required.