CSULB or Saddleback College??

[cmd4]

Hello,

Like many of you, I am waiting/deciding on nursing schools. I have been accepted into Saddleback's Spring 2012 RN program. I am currently waiting to hear from CSULB, but I feel like my chances of getting in are pretty high, unless a budget crisis causes severe cuts. At this point, even though it may be jumping the gun a bit, I'm trying to decide between which school to go to. I know it's ahead of myself, but I want to think of all the pros and cons before hand, so that if I do get into CSULB, I already have my decision.

Obviously, CSULB is a BSN program and Saddleback is an ADN program, so there is a length difference. I am planning on getting a BSN no matter what, whether I go to Saddleback, then go to a RN-BSN program, or straight through CSULB. As of right now, cost is not a deciding factor, I'm looking more at the overall experiences people have had at either of these programs.

If you attend either of these programs, I would greatly appreciate it if you could answer some, or all, of the following questions. My biggest interests are 1, 2, and 5.

1. How have you found the instructors to be? Do they seem to genuinely care about your success, are they friendly, hard, etc.

2. How were your class sizes? Did you feel like you had an easy time talking to an instructor, if you needed?

3. How hard were your classes? Did you study non-stop, did you find it difficult to study for so many classes?

4. Did you bond with your classmates? If not, any particular reason?

5. Would you recommend your program? What parts really stood/stand out in your experience to make you recommend, or not recommend, your program.

6. (CSULB only) Did you take Pharm and Patho your first semester? How did you survive?! Also, is the 1 unit nutrition class, and the 2 unit communication class very study intensive?

My gut tells me to go to CSULB, because I can get things done at one school, and not have to worry about applying to an RN-BSN program. My concerns about CSULB are that it's a much larger school, so I don't want to have teachers that aren't really connected to their students, and don't seem to care about their success. I like to connect with my classmates and teachers. Frankly, I'm also terrified of the difficulty at CSULB. Taking a six class load is incredibly intimidating.

I'm just trying to gather all the information I can, so I can make the most educated choice possible. If you actually read this entire message, then thank you for taking the time. If you plan on responding, then double thank you!

[maddybee]

Hello!

Did you find out if you got in to CSULB? I was in the same boat as you 6 months ago. You may have already made your decision, but I'll give my input just in case. I got accepted to Saddleback for this Fall, and CSULB was my other choice, but it would've been for this upcoming Spring. I decided to go with Saddleback because it was quicker and cheaper. I just finished first semester and I loved it!! The program is really good and the instructors all want you to do well, at least from what I've seen. If anyone is struggling, the instructors are very approachable if you need help. They'll also go out of their way to make sure you're doing well. The program is tough, but not more than you can handle. I came up with a routine and followed that every week which made it easier for studying and homework. I would definitely recommend Saddleback to anyone! On the other hand, if you did get in to CSULB, you are at an advantage for getting a BSN. I'm hearing rumors that a lot of hospitals are going to eventually hire only BSN grads. I've been hearing that for a while so I'm not sure when that will take place, but if you are able to pay the additional tuition, and go to school an extra year, it might be worth it in the long run. I plan on getting my BSN after I finish my ADN, especially if I have a hard time getting a job right away. Either way, you can't go wrong with these schools! Good luck on your decision if you haven't already made it! =)