Goldenwest vs. Saddleback College

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

I am currently debating between Saddleback College and Goldenwest for their nursing program. I live in Huntington Beach, so I am a lot closer to Goldenwest, but mostly everyone I have talked to or looked up has preferred Saddleback College. 

Anyone have any opinions on either school and which they prefer? I am stuck between the two and don't know which one to choose... 

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Hi Jennifer94,

I'm at GWC Nursing as a 1st semester student and I did not get into Saddleback. That said, it really depends what you value more and where you have the most points. If points aren't an issue, you'll have to decide what you value more.

Both have high NCLEX pass rates but Saddleback does do a bit better. However, GWC means less commute and that really is a huge factor both for class and clinicals. You can literally go home, get a bite/nap and head back to campus for open lab whereas at Saddleback you just might stay on Campus the whole time. Then again, staying on campus might help you study (it kinda burns me out, but some of my cohort swears by it).

If you have more friends/connection at Saddleback that could also pay dividends over knowing virtually no one at GWC and vice versa.

I personally am incredibly happy at GWC thx in large part to my cohort and my familiarity with the campus and area (I did my prereqs there).

No program is perfect, but figuring out your needs and how well each satisfy those needs is going to give you the best fit.

 

Hope that helps,

Kenji

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Specializes in Pediatrics.
On 4/14/2022 at 9:30 PM, Kenji12345 said:

Hi Jennifer94,

I'm at GWC Nursing as a 1st semester student and I did not get into Saddleback. That said, it really depends what you value more and where you have the most points. If points aren't an issue, you'll have to decide what you value more.

Both have high NCLEX pass rates but Saddleback does do a bit better. However, GWC means less commute and that really is a huge factor both for class and clinicals. You can literally go home, get a bite/nap and head back to campus for open lab whereas at Saddleback you just might stay on Campus the whole time. Then again, staying on campus might help you study (it kinda burns me out, but some of my cohort swears by it).

If you have more friends/connection at Saddleback that could also pay dividends over knowing virtually no one at GWC and vice versa.

I personally am incredibly happy at GWC thx in large part to my cohort and my familiarity with the campus and area (I did my prereqs there).

No program is perfect, but figuring out your needs and how well each satisfy those needs is going to give you the best fit.

 

Hope that helps,

Kenji

Hi Kenji! 

Thank you for your reply, it definitely eases some concerns I have. I currently am accepted into the Saddleback program and am waiting to hear from Goldenwest. 

Many people I've talked to have leaned toward Saddleback and I haven't seen much information regarding GWC, so I'm glad to hear you are enjoying your experience.

 

Best,

Jennifer 

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Congrats!! Looks like you are set either way, it is nice to have options. ?

We also have an active CNSA chapter (Saddleback does as well) but I don't think I'm allowed to post the web address per Allnurses TOS. However, you could probably find them you did a quick search. They will give you an idea of what we do outside of the classroom and labs.

If you have any further questions about GWC, let me know.

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How many points did you have for Golden West? What semester/ year did you apply to?

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Specializes in Pediatrics.
14 hours ago, Rachel Rachel said:

How many points did you have for Golden West? What semester/ year did you apply to?

Hi! I applied with 82 points for GW and applied for Fall 2022. 

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18 minutes ago, Jennifer96 said:

Hi! I applied with 82 points for GW and applied for Fall 2022. 

Hi, did you get an email back from GW? I know it's too early for decisions but they said after a month they'll be reviewing. I was wondering if maybe they were sending emails to tell people if they're eligible or ineligible.

19 minutes ago, Jennifer96 said:

Hi! I applied with 82 points for GW and applied for Fall 2022. 

Is this your first time applying to GW?

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Specializes in Pediatrics.
14 minutes ago, Rachel Rachel said:

Hi, did you get an email back from GW? I know it's too early for decisions but they said after a month they'll be reviewing. I was wondering if maybe they were sending emails to tell people if they're eligible or ineligible.

Is this your first time applying to GW?

I haven't gotten any emails yet. I'm in another thread and other people said they haven't received anything either. A student in the program said even tho it says a month, it's taken 6-8 weeks for them to get back to students; they will notify you if you are or are not eligible for the program. 

And yes, it is my first time applying to GW! 

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I heard saddleback is a way better RN school.

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Specializes in Pediatrics.
8 hours ago, Rachel Rachel said:

I heard saddleback is a way better RN school.

Yeah, I've heard that too. 

But I literally live like 5 minutes from Goldenwest and maybe 40 minutes from Saddleback, so I thought about it more and I'd rather spend my time studying than driving LOL. 

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15 minutes ago, Jennifer96 said:

Yeah, I've heard that too. 

But I literally live like 5 minutes from Goldenwest and maybe 40 minutes from Saddleback, so I thought about it more and I'd rather spend my time studying than driving LOL. 

I know someone who dropped out GWC RN program first semester then did saddleback, and said that saddleback was much easier with better and nicer teachers and it wasn't as strict as gwc first semester.they say GWC first semester was a lot more stressful than saddleback

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Specializes in Pediatrics.
2 hours ago, Rachel Rachel said:

I know someone who dropped out GWC RN program first semester then did saddleback, and said that saddleback was much easier with better and nicer teachers and it wasn't as strict as gwc first semester.they say GWC first semester was a lot more stressful than saddleback

I think everyone just has a different experience no matter what school you go to, so it's kinda a gamble. I've been to nursing school for my LVN and all my classmates and I had different experiences throughout the program. 

I did want to go to Saddleback, but like I mentioned, the drive would be a bit much for me when I'd rather prioritize the time I could use to study. Also, I plan on continuing to work while in school so I'm limited on my use of time. 

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