College confusion part 2!

[veesoriano]

Hello everyone! I'm back with another question, this time as a high school senior (check my last question about a year ago when I was a junior) who's about to apply to college very, very soon!

I am in the process of narrowing down the colleges I am applying to- a majority being cal states, some CCs and universities. For the most part, I understand that for the cal states, you have to apply to actual college, complete the pre reqs and then apply to nursing school. Of course for the CCs, its the same thing, just with the transferring aspect. For the universities, it's about the same process but there are some with a direct entry to the BSN straight out of high school.

My GPA is high, at 3.9 and have been volunteering at a nursing home for about 5 months now (I am planning to stop for now as senior year is engulfing me alive)

Based on your experiences, with applying to the school, taking prereqs , applying to the SON, gaining direct entry or however you got there, what do you think is the best path to take? The chances of not getting into the nursing program and delaying getting my BSN is really stressful, and going to a university with direct entry but for a much bigger price is daunting...

I live in So. Ca by the way, and plan on attending colleges in the area... I'm more of a homebody!

[llg, PhD, RN]

With you grades and experience, I would apply to the direct entry programs as your first choice -- but apply to a couple of other options as back-ups. If you can get it, the 4-year "straight through" programs are usually the best choice because you take all the right courses, etc., get to know people, get to know the system, etc. all from Day 1. Don't make yourself transfer unless you have to.

That's assuming that you're talking about reputable schools. Always go to a reputable, non-profit school (either public or private). As for money, don't worry about it at the applications stage. Don't rule out a great school just because it costs more. Apply for financial aid and see what they have to offer you before making that final choice. Top-notch students don't usually have to pay top dollar and the types of universities that take a lot of tradition college students right out of high school. Most of the expensive schools have merit-based scholarships that can help. See what kind of money they offer you before you decide.

Good luck!