CSUSB Male Nursing Student who is thinking of switching majors if they cant get into the program advice help?

**NICU Guy, BSN, RN** · Feb 16, 2021

If you are a horrible test taker with traditional exams, you are going to have a very difficult time with critical thinking exams in nursing school in which they are looking for the best answer instead of a black and white right/wrong answer. NCLEX can be a difficult test even for the best test takers. Unfortunately, there is no easier route that doesn't involve entrance exams, nursing school exams, and NCLEX.

Mergirlc, MSN, APRN, NP · Feb 17, 2021

All CSU and UC schools are impacted when it comes to nursing programs. It's hard to get in since so many want to and you're competing with transfer students who are coming in with straight A's and great test scores along with students already at the school.

You may not like studying with books, but if you want any chance of getting into a nursing program, chances are you're either going to have to take the TEAS or HESI A2 or possibly even both. Get used to it. The tests do not get easier after you get into nursing school.

Assuming you've taken most of the pre-reqs, you can try your local community colleges for their nursing programs because some have a lottery system. You can also try private colleges where they are a little more forgiving regarding stats, but you'll be paying $$$$.

Also, always apply to the CSU schools anyways. You just never know (unless you have a straight C average or something of that nature, then just forget it).

londonflo · Feb 17, 2021

On 2/15/2021 at 9:24 AM, ImJustaWeirdoX3 said:

take the TEAS soon and I cannot study with a book, did horrible on the SAT LOL

20 hours ago, Mergirlc said:

You may not like studying with books, but if you want any chance of getting into a nursing program, chances are you're either going to have to take the TEAS or HESI A2 or possibly even both.

You have gotten to where you are today somehow. Look at your community college, find a study skills and test taking program. SPEND SOME TIME THERE. You are not bad at test taking skills, rather you cannot discern the correct answer when distracted.

PaintingRain · Apr 5, 2021

On 2/15/2021 at 7:24 AM, ImJustaWeirdoX3 said:

Hi, I am currently a pre-nursing major attending CSUSB right now in my Spring semester. I am taking my prereqs to get into the program and I blindly thought that if you just finished and did your classes you would get in but that is my own fault for not doing my research and I am not high above student and am a horrible test taker after figuring out I have to take the TEAS soon and I cannot study with a book, did horrible on the SAT LOL. So I was wondering if I can't get into the program is there a different direction you guys would go? I don't know what to personally do and I'm a bit scared cause I don't wanna get trying to get in.

Hey there,

I recently just got admitted to the BSN program, and I can tell/give you advices based on my experiences.

1. Keep your GPA competitive! Whatever you do, try super hard to get those A's, especially in the pre-req courses!

2. If you are a bad test taker, I do not believe it'll hurt to try taking it. Personally, I'm not a superb test taker either. I bought an ATI TEAS study booklet off of Amazon and studied whenever I had free time. It's important to spare at least a few weeks before the TEAS exam for studying. I studied three weeks prior rigorously. Map out a schedule like: Monday -- Study Urinary System and Muscular System from 7:00pm-10:00pm (15 min break for each hour), or Tuesday: Study Skeletal System and Nervous System etc. Split up your time. I would recommend using:

- Youtube Videos

- ATI TEAS website practice exams (similar to real ones!)

- Your notes from Anatomy and Physio!

Some students got admitted with 80%; however, try to aim for the higher 80s to 90s! I did everything I listed for you, and I scored an 85.3% overall. Anything is possible with hard work! I believe in you.

If you cannot get into this program in particular, I would recommend applying to multiple BSN or ADN programs. BSN programs are usually offered at Universities, while ADN programs are offered at Community Colleges. Look up the school's requirements. They're usually listed on their websites. I applied to 11 different programs for reference. Increase your chances of getting in by applying to many programs.

Good luck my nursing friend!