Am I on the right track?

ItsThatJenGirl, CNA · Dec 8, 2016

A few things:

1. You don't have to have your ADN before getting your BSN. S/he might have suggested that because your GPA isn't very competitive. Though I hear in CA that both programs are very, very competitive.

2. Despite the fact that the minimum requirement is 2.5, the actual accepted GPA will be much, much higher - up to a full point higher.

3. There is no point in retaking a class unless your chosen nursing school accepts retakes (mine doesn't).

I really think you should finish up your classes and apply to a variety of different programs you're interested in. Based on that, make your decision.

rdegc · Dec 10, 2016

Hello,

It looks like you're a hard working and passionate student. I'm from CA also, and let me tell you, it's a really cut-throat environment for nursing hopefuls.

Cal state schools use a point system. This includes the following components: 1) Pre-req GPA (usually above 3.5), 2) TEAS test score, and 3) Overall GPAâ€” although a few states do not count this. Extra points are also given to health care professionals, Spanish/Bilingual speakers, bachelor-degree students, and pre-nursing students that already attend the schoolâ€” which makes it even more difficult for transfer students. The higher the amount of points, the greater the rank. Research cut-off GPAs at every CSU, as well as school stats. Eliminate the schools where you don't make the cut.

Not to discourage you, but every Cal state is impacted and only accepts 30-60 students a Semester out of typically 300 applicants. The pre-nursing students here are aware of this, and it is good to have realistic expectations. However, you are passionate, and these points are not the most effective way to truly measure if you are a viable candidate. It's just the way it is because there are so many applicants.

** CSU Chico pre-req gpa allows you to choose 2 science grades ( out of Anatomy, Physio, Chem, Micro), and 2 foundation grades ( out of Speech, english, critical thinking, statistics). And those 4 grades make up your prereq GPA. That's the only CSU that I found that allows a customizableâ€ process, and will be more in your favor.

I'm thinking your counselor is suggesting ADN, due to your GPA. Community colleges typically have a lottery system. In this system, all a student needs is the minimum GPA (maybe TEAS, depends). Students are randomly chosen from a pool of applicants. Also, getting an ADN first is great. It's a more cost-effective way to get your degree. Most ADN programs have a bridge to a cal state for a year and obtain their BSN.

My advise: Look at every option possible, RESEARCH, apply everywhere. In addition to CCs, apply to universities (state/private) in and out-of-state (if you are willing to spend that much money).AND do not look into For-profit schools, unless that the very very last option.

If you are looking into private schools, they have a more holistic approach when choosing candidates. Usually, personal statement, overall GPA, letter of recommendations,health care experience, etc. are all considered when choosing an applicant. So that's another option. I had a pre-req GPA similar to yours, and I was accepted to a BSN program at a private university. I did not get accepted to any Cal state schools. My pre-req GPA did not give me enough points to be a competitive candidate. However, I didn't let that discourage me, and I researched every option possible.

You are on the right track, all you need to do is do more research and get accepted! Sorry for the long essay, I didn't have a good counselor, so I wanted to give the best advice possible.

Good luck!

AngelKissed857, BSN, RN · Dec 17, 2016

Unless money isn't a concern, getting your ADN, then BSN is much less expensive. Some community colleges have arrangements with the nearest CSU for accelerated BSN program that begin the summer between first and second year of ADN program. But all nursing programs in CA seem to be very competitive. Best apply is to apply far and wide!