West Coast University vs. Saddleback Jr. College

U.S.A. California

Published

Greetings,

I have been reading the boards for sometime and this is my first post. I was able to find a lot of information on both of these programs. I went to an information session at West Coast last Friday. I was not overly impressed with the admissions rep - but understand that it is very much a trade school and had that feel to me.

My situation is as follows - I am 41 years old, little prior college experience. I have 12 units from Saddleback College and am currently enrolled in 7 units.

I am a Mom and wife. I will have two children at home in the fall - a 7th grader and 10th grader.

The economy, like many has hurt us.

I see that they are approved by the RN board in California. My questions are as follows and thank you in advance for any time and consideration:

1. How long does a school hold onto that approval? Meaning the RN board approved it - what if I am enrolled and they "change" their minds? That is a concern.

2. Does going to school there impact my chances of getting into an new graduate RN program at one of our local hospitals where the competition seems to already be fierce?

I have read some pretty harsh things regarding West Coast and know it is expensive. Any other feedback is welcomed and encouraged. I am very worried about getting all A's in my core classes to get into Saddleback's impacted program - as well as waiting 4-5 years before being able to work.

Thanks so much!

Bumping up - still looking/hoping for some feedback :)

I heard westcoast costs around 60K. Id rather pay that at LLU/UCSD/ UCLA/ or USC.

Kathleen - if West Coast cost 60,000 it would be more feasible..it is 116,000 for the BSN RN at this time. I took my HESI exam on Friday and meet with financial aid on Monday.

I believe they charge that much, well, because they can. Since I posted this I have done more research and it does appear local hospitals hire West Coast grads into their new RN programs as feedback from the HR people in the hospitals.

I would prefer to pay that for UCLA as well but it is not an option. I do not have the background at 41 to get into UCLA/USC nor could I commute to those schools. I have two children, 15 and 12 that will be at home still during my schooling.

I am not sure I can pull the 4.0 to get into Saddleback's nursing program. I have a 3.5 right now. Not good enough.

Specializes in TELEMETRY.

I have wasted about 7 years trying to get into the community college system for my ASN. I finally decided to go to WCU-LA and will be done in October 2009. I talked to a counselor at Cal state Fullerton and they will take the credits from WCU for my ADN to MSN degree. Yes its expensive but there are positives to it its a no BS way of getting in and out. I have many friend who had straight A's and some with B's and they are having trouble getting into a RN program. If you want to save money then wait but if you think about it you are wasting time and money by not finishing your RN faster. GOOD luck!

hey.. I'm starting my classes this summer at West Coast LA campus, how is the school? I really want to go there but its the $100,000 thats making me have second thoughts. How hard are the classes.. i have a 3.0 GPA and im scared its gonna be really hard since im going for the BSN program and its 3 years instead of 4 like every other school.

I am applying for Saddleback's spring 2010 program in June. I have A's in all prereqs except a B in micro. I also have a 3.7 in my last 12 units. Do you think I'll be competitive or do you really have to have all A's?

I am applying for Saddleback's spring 2010 program in June. I have A's in all prereqs except a B in micro. I also have a 3.7 in my last 12 units. Do you think I'll be competitive or do you really have to have all A's?

Hey scns1733,

Did you get into Saddleback? I have the same grades as you (2 A's and 1 B) in my prereqs. My gpa is a 3.9. Based on Saddleback's point system (since they no longer have a wait list) that gives me 15 points. I called the school's nursing department and they said the people that get in right away have 16-18 points...and that I "might be able to squeak in" with my 15. I got so bummed...get 1 B and you're screwed! So, I'm assuming you had 15 pts too.

Thanks!!!

I'm not sure if I'm in yet. Supposedly they are sending letters out sometime before Sept. 15th so they should be coming soon. I know it is a bummer how competitive nursing school admission is. I just want to be a nurse, why is it so hard!!

I'm not sure if I'm in yet. Supposedly they are sending letters out sometime before Sept. 15th so they should be coming soon. I know it is a bummer how competitive nursing school admission is. I just want to be a nurse, why is it so hard!!

Thanks for writing back!!! Please keep us posted... I plan on applying for the Fall 2010 program in February!

I agree...nursing school is sooo competitive...I feel like a big loser b/c I have 1 B. What?!?!?

Hey there...

Did you get into Saddleback? I'm anxious to hear the outcome since it sounds like we have similar grades. I'm hoping you did!! :)

Thanks!

Specializes in Emergency Department.

I have applied to Saddleback the last three semesters and didn't make the lottery cut. I have 2 Cs and a B in the sciences. I was told to repeat physiology (since I took combo A&P w/cadaver in another state) and get an A if I wanted to be competitive but repeating that class dings me on the applications for all the other ADN programs out there. Overall I have about a 3.5 but because of that combo class I'm screwed too.

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