Best stategy for getting into a good CA program?

[annabelle2222]

Hi, I'm a pre-nursing major right now. I decided to do the 2 year track in applying to Nursing schools so I'll be applying a year from February. I was just wondering if anyone has any tips for getting in and schools that they have applied to in CA or around CA.

I'm taking all my prereqs but I also need to check other programs for their prereqs, aiming for a 3.8-4.0

I plan on getting my CNA, EMT, and doing 200 hours of hospital volunteering.

Scoring above an 80 on the TEAS test.

Getting certification of second language (Spanish) and possibly sign language.

I have residency already in Ventura County, so my first choice is the school I am currently attending (CSU Channel Islands) since I will have points for residency. I'm just scared I won't get in and I need a list of other school. I can't really find anything reputable online and my counselor won't help.

All that's on my list so far is a private school in SF. I need to stay in CA because of Cal Grants and I don't want to wait a 3rd year to reapply to my CSU bc I can only get grants for a certain amount of years and I have no way of paying for school out of pocket.

So, for everyone that's gotten into a nursing school in CA or Nevada (my mom lives there so I may get grants if I have to go there) or just knows of one, please throw the name out there. This is my dream and I've worked so hard to get scholarships and worked to pay for my freshman year of college so I'm taking a chance on such a competetive profession. And any tips on how you kept yourself sane and really made your application stand out? I'm struggling with the fact that all the prenursing girls are so mean and its discouraging. Thanks!

[willowita, ADN, RN]

The California BRN has a list of all the approved programs in California. It should help you find schools in your area. You can check them out here: Board of Registered Nursing - RN Programs

Just take it one day at a time and work towards your goal. Don't be discouraged by the application process. As for mean girls, I'm lucky to say that there are none in my cohort. But if you encounter them in your program, don't waste your time worrying about them. Gravitate towards the people that will help you learn and who are nice to you. Everyone else can mind their business.

Good luck!