HELP! UC Irvine vs Sonoma University

[terralinda]

I've got accepted into several BSN programs.

I am torn by a choice between UC Irvine and Sonoma University. Sonoma is close, but UC seems better academically. If we take money out of the picture which one is better?

Please, need help! Have to decide soon.

[RNKPCE]

Congrats. Not sure about the programs but very different size schools and locations. I would assume more clinical locations at UCI.

When did you find out about your acceptance at those schools?

[terralinda]

About 2-3 weeks ago. Sonoma and San Diego were first, UCI was a week later. Nothing from SFSU yet.

Does anybody know about programs difference? I guess in State schools you get to pre-nursing and then have to apply to actual nurcing program. It does not seem that way in UC schools.

[RNKPCE]

So did you get into the nursing program or into the the university at those schools?

[terralinda]

I am a senior in high school. I have got into pre-nursing in Sonoma and San Diego and into nursing in UCI. At least that what letters/emails said.

[jennafezz]

"Pre-nursing" means you are not automatically accepted into their nursing program - you have to specifically apply for it after you complete the prerequisites as a freshman/sophomore. If UC Irvine says that you are already in the nursing program, then I would go there for sure, without a doubt. I would make sure that's what it means though, and that you wont have to re-apply to the program after you finish the prerequisites.

[terralinda]

UCI email says that I was accepted into UCI, College of Health Sciences, Major - Nursing. Their site does not say anything about applying to actual nursing after 2 years: http://www.cohs.uci.edu/nursing/degree_req.shtml

[jennafezz]

Yeah, I already looked and couldn't figure it out either. If I were you, I would call and ask if you will have to apply to the nursing program once you've completed the prereqs, or if you are already in it for good.

[terralinda]

I will. But let's say the process is the same for both UC and State: application after pre-reqs. Let's say it costs the same. Which schoool is better (and I don't mean parties) Sonoma or Irvine? Or SFSU (IF I will ever hear from them)?

[jennafezz]

It looks like UC Irvine's program is brand new. Overall, UC Irvine is a better school than Sonoma, but I'm not quite sure about their nursing program, since it's new.

UCs are typically better than state colleges (Sonoma, San Diego, San Francisco) but those each have nursing programs that have been around for a while. I would probably go with Irvine anyway, because it's a UC. Graduating from a UC generally looks better on a resume than a state school. But honestly, I completed all of my prerequisites at a community college and saved a lot of money. Glad I did it that way. I have friends who are completing their prereqs at state colleges and they're probably just going to leave the school for a different program, anyway. It doesn't look any better to nursing programs whether you took Microbiology at SFSU or at a community college - what matters is your grade.

If you're looking for a good "college experience", I would say that Irvine or San Diego would be the best choices.

[terralinda]

Thank you! That is what I wanted - the last straw.

[RNKPCE]

If your already into the nursing program at Irvine I'd go there. The competition is so hard, you would kick yourself if you chose another school and then didn't get in when you applied.