If you got into a CA nursing program, what were your stats?

SweetCorn · Dec 6, 2013

I'm still in the wait and see phase of applications right now, so I can't help you there, but I have one suggestion....

You can do what a friend of mine did and pick his top ten or so locations in California for an associates degree and apply to them all. Entrance at community college programs, which offer associates degrees, is based upon a lottery system given academic requirements are met. That means getting into a program is entierly up to chance and if you apply to LOTS of programs, your chances of getting into at least one of them is greater the more you apply to. This method won't work for everyone, it helps to be mobile and willing to relocate for school. If you are anchored down, then your options are a lot more limited.

Regarding associates programs, the more rural programs have fewer applications. So if you are willing to move to Oroville or Marysville, or even Ukiah, your chances of getting picked in one of those schools lotteries is much better than any of the Bay Area or LA region schools because they literally have thousands of applicants per application period. Good luck.

SageFemmeReveur · Dec 6, 2013

I felt the same way, instead of focusing on what other people are doing focus on what you are doing. Focus on what is in your control (attending class, completing assignments, studying for tests, taking good care of yourself so you are a your best for exams, keeping track of where you are at academically, keeping track of important dates for application process). I narrowed down my list of schools but wasn't sure which one was my top choice. The more research I did on each school's program the more I realized CSUCI was my favorite. The research I did also revealed that I stand the best chance of getting into CSUCI based on average cohort stats and the points I'm eligible for(I'm practically a shoe-in but I don't want to think that way for fear of jinxing myself!). Anyway, point is once I really took the time to understand each school, their supplemental criteria, and admission process I felt a lot more confident about getting in to at least one school. I bought a desktop calendar to keep track of important dates not related to my current schooling (TEAS, applications, transcripts, FinAid, etc), it is helping channel my nervous energy and give me a sense of control. In turn I have a bit more focus to dedicate to my current studies. Worrying about getting into programs will not get you into programs. Worrying about whether your stats are good enough to compete will not get you into the programs. I realized all of this and made these choices after spending the last three weeks reading thread after thread on AN.

akulahawkRN, ADN, RN, EMT-P · Dec 6, 2013

I've honestly been feeling so discouraged. I feel like I wont get into any nursing programs! I plan on applying for CSU nursing programs. If you got into a program, can you please share your stats (grades, gpa, teas, points, etc) with me? It'd help put my stress at little bit more at ease. Thank you so much!

Posting my stats really isn't an issue. I'm at a community college, and the program I'm in uses a merit-based system to gain entrance to the random selection pool. Our cut-off is 65 points, however you get there, you're qualified.

I got in before they instituted that system, however, I'd have been qualified under the new system too. My prereq GPA is something like 3.8 with a TEAS V of 88%. All that really mattered was making the "qualified applicant" status. My scores could have been lower and still would have been qualified.

And it all doesn't matter. I met the qualifications for the programs I was applying to at the time. Determine what schools you want to apply to (and I really mean look at multiple schools) and see if you meet their qualifications. If you don't, make up the "deficiency" and get qualified. As soon as you're qualified to apply at schools, start applying. The sooner you start applying, the sooner your chances of getting in become > 0. The more places you send your application to, the more likely it is that you'll be accepted somewhere.

ohhivivian · Jan 19, 2014

I can't help but to worry about the stats. I just use it to give me a better idea of what schools I should apply to. Because each time I apply to a different school, it costs over $70 to just submit an application and I really don't have that money. I currently attend Chico, but I've been looking into CSUCI's spring nursing program and I'm definitely interested. I heard there are only 23 spots though, so that scares me.

zzbxdo · Jan 19, 2014

If you are concerned about your stats, it's safer to apply to several institutions vs 1. Yeah it costs for each application, but itll increase your chances of getting in somewhere if you're mobile. Let's say you only apply to 1 place, chances of getting in is slim. You waste the whole period, now you have to wait til next application period etc etc. Time is money. Think about it it'll get you farther.