apply before prereqisites are done?

In California - no. I mean some schools do let you have like 1 pre-req in progress for the spring (assuming that you are applying to the fall)-- but usually no.

In addition, most schools do not carry the wait-list over to the next year so you pretty much have to reapply every year and get re-ranked.

I applied during my last quarter of prerequisites but that was the earliest that we were allowed to apply. Our school doesn't have a wait list either. You make it or you don't. If you don't make it you have to reapply the next time with a clean slate.

My school combines pre-reqs into the four year program. So you apply to the four year program and when you get in your pre reqs are included in your four year program.

I don't think these issues are unique to the West coast, they seem to be in line with every accelerated BSN that I have read up on: many programs state that you can have no more than 1 or 2 prereqs in progress as long as they are completed by the beginning of the term you're starting, but you have many many applicants these days who have actually completed all of them by the time they apply and many many with as close to a 4.0 GPA so I don't know if having completed all your prereqs gives you an edge over someone who has not. I know in at least one ADN program near me that's a factor in the selection process but I think BSNs are more forgiving about that.

I think when you are applying you have to be at least enrolled in your last pre-req's. You should e-mail an advisor or director of your program just to make sure. Good luck!