California Nursing Advice

OliverElio87, BSN, RN · Aug 6, 2017

I would apply to all and see which one you get into. Since they are all CSU schools they will have the same GE requirements so you wouldn't have to take anything extra and similar application. Once you know which one you are accepted into that's when I would think about the fit. Getting into any nursing school is hard enough and just because you you stats do not correlate with one school that doesn't mean you won't get in.

conjer · Aug 6, 2017

I would apply to all and see which one you get into. Since they are all CSU schools they will have the same GE requirements so you wouldn't have to take anything extra and similar application. Once you know which one you are accepted into that's when I would think about the fit. Getting into any nursing school is hard enough and just because you you stats do not correlate with one school that doesn't mean you won't get in.

I agree, just getting accepted is the most important thing considering how competitive these schools are. You have to cast a wide net to see what you can get.

But from what I've heard, CSU San Diego and CSU Sacramento are the most difficult programs to get into; they are extremely impacted. In addition to this, some of these schools probably require a non refundable application evaluation fee.

I think picking a handful of schools that the OP can apply to and likely get into would be the best bet.

MyAimIsTrue, BSN · Aug 7, 2017

Wow, you've done lots of research and that's great. I wouldn't recommend taking 20 units next semester; that seems like a surefire way to lower your GPA. You are kind of on the edge of an acceptable GPA for most of the Cal States as it is. Do well on the TEAS, get straight As, and broaden your list of schools. You describe the campuses in your list, but really, that's not very important. Nursing school is about at which hospitals you do your clinicals, not where you listen to lectures. Decide if you prefer Nor Cal (yes!) or So Cal and target those schools specifically (but include some from the other end of the state just in case). One of my classmates left his wife in So Cal b/c he wasn't accepted to any Cal States down there. He drives down to see her most weekends. He's a smart and capable guy so I'm surprised he wasn't accepted to any schools in So Cal. Don't rush your way through CC--just make sure you can earn the grades needed to make the cut, even if it takes a year longer. Good luck!

AngelKissed857, BSN, RN · Aug 8, 2017

None of your pre-req for other classes transfer, only classes that are labeled CSU transferable. So any maths you took to get to Algebra 2 count, or a lower English class to get to 1A. Assist.org let's you see what works where.

ayuhime, BSN · Aug 11, 2017

Nursing schools are very competitive in SoCal. Since you are already at a 3.5 GPA and still need to complete more prerequisites, I would try to get all A's and you should be good. Also, most nursing schools look at the last 60 credits when calculating your GPA. If you don't get accepted into any of the nursing programs in cali, then try moving to Las Vegas. I've heard many people from cali take that route because nursing schools are so competitive.

bgxyrnf, MSN, RN · Aug 12, 2017

You are in good shape. Even the top nursing schools only require a 3.0 GPA in order to apply.

To apply, sure. To get admitted... well, not that I've encountered among the SN's and GN's with whom I speak.

Skippingtowork · Aug 12, 2017

Try Azuza Pacific and West Coast. Azuza Pacific has some interesting learning opportunities that other schools do not offer. Don't do ADN. Many hospitals in SoCal are moving towards BSN only for new hires.

bgxyrnf, MSN, RN · Aug 14, 2017

Does anyone have any recommendations for a Private College that I would have a very strong chance of getting into?

I don't know about "very strong chance" but Samuel Merritt University (Oakland and Sacramento) has a good program.

NorCalPal · Aug 15, 2017

So, I just finished summer classes and now have a 3.60 GPA.

Does anyone know how the process of CSUs accepting units work? I have read specifically that CSUs accept 70 units from community colleges. However, I will end my journey at my community college with ~78 units. Do they only look at the last 70? Because my first 9 units in my first semester at community college were all B's, which is the main thing that is bringing me down so much. If I can have that no longer in the equation then my GPA would probably jump to a 3.75.

OliverElio87, BSN, RN · Aug 15, 2017

So, I just finished summer classes and now have a 3.60 GPA.
Does anyone know how the process of CSUs accepting units work? I have read specifically that CSUs accept 70 units from community colleges. However, I will end my journey at my community college with ~78 units. Do they only look at the last 70? Because my first 9 units in my first semester at community college were all B's, which is the main thing that is bringing me down so much. If I can have that no longer in the equation then my GPA would probably jump to a 3.75.

Well each CSU campus is different so you need to check each schools nursing department regarding their criteria for admission. For example here is SDSU's:

http://nursing.sdsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/bs-admission-criteria-F17.pdf

futureepinurse · Aug 16, 2017

So, I just finished summer classes and now have a 3.60 GPA.
Does anyone know how the process of CSUs accepting units work? I have read specifically that CSUs accept 70 units from community colleges. However, I will end my journey at my community college with ~78 units. Do they only look at the last 70? Because my first 9 units in my first semester at community college were all B's, which is the main thing that is bringing me down so much. If I can have that no longer in the equation then my GPA would probably jump to a 3.75.

Have you met with an advisor at your community college to talk about the CSU transfer process? Although advisors don't always have the best information available regarding nursing programs at the CSU's specifically, they should know how the transfer of credit works in the grand scheme of things. For the GPAs in these transfer programs, they may also be looking at your prerequisite GPA in addition to your overall GPA. As others have stated, basically try to get all A's from here on out. Also, shoot for a TEAS score in the 90s. A lot of people will apply with high GPAs but that doesn't translate to a high TEAS score in every case. Sometimes a TEAS score is also weighted higher than the GPA, so a high TEAS score will offset a "lower" GPA. Good luck with finishing up your coursework!! It may be helpful to also reach out to some of the nursing departments at the schoolsyoire thinking of applying to to see what exactly they'll be looking at if it's unclear from preliminary online searching.

Nimrodel, BSN, RN · Aug 18, 2017

I think you're going to have a tough time getting into a CSU program; most require a more competitive GPA, and there's no guarantee that you'll be able to keep straight A's your next year in college.

Since money isn't really an issue, a (good) for profit school might be your best bet. It's important to look at both attrition rates and NCLEX pass rates when considering a school to make sure it's a good program.

Also, don't throw out the possibility of an ADN due to the bank account thing...there are a lot of grad school options for nursing that you could use the money on later down the road.

I'm starting Sac State's program in two weeks, and it was hugely competitive. They are however changing the criteria starting in the fall and it's possible the way they're changing it could favor you better.

Also, it's really hard to know how competitive you are until after you've taken the TEAS...which you should ideally wait until you're done with A&P to do because the science section is 3/4 A&P.