Just completed my last prerequisite, Need guidance, please help!

rdegc · Dec 15, 2016

Do I meet all the requirements to apply for an RN program?

Pertaining to classes, depends on which RN program. You have to research programs one-by-one and make sure you have all the requirements. Generally you have most of the pre-reqs down, except you might need to take life span development because a lot of school require this.

I'm assuming you are going to apply for both community colleges and California State Universities. So, if that's the case you definitely need to take the TEAS test.

Which RN schools/programs should I look into?

All possibilities. Community colleges, CSU, Private schools, In-state, out-of-state, etc. Following info about all the options:

CSU: POINT SYSTEM: Score= PRE-REQ GPA score +TEAS score. Teas and pre req score are typically almost weighted 50/50. The higher the score, the higher the rank. If a program accepts 30 students, you want to make the top 30. In Ca, it is extremely difficult to be accepted. Each school has 300 applicants alone. 3.7 pre req GPAs are needed to be competitive, and an 80% and up for a TEAS. [bSN degree] *** BE AWARE it's different for each CSU. Some CSU's also count the overall GPA in the points system process.

CC: all you need is a minimum GPA and a passing TEAS score. Most use a lottery system and pick at random. It doesn't matter how high your gpa is. Everyone has an equal chance of getting in. At a CC it's a 2 year degree, and you get your ADN. After that, students bridge to an 1 year BSN program, then obtain their bsn.

**Some also use a point system.

Privates: Minimum 3.0 GPA, but look at applicants as a whole. For example, GPA, volunteer experience, personal statement, letter of recs are all taken into account. There's no point system, and the school just looks if you're the right fitâ€. Typically it's easier to get into, because usually the programs are extremely expensive. (50K a year in Ca) Even if that is the case though, even privates in CA are hard to get into. [bSN]

What is the best way to get informed about application processes?

- Good nursing counselor

- Attend your school's nursing workshops at the career center. Usually there's a nursing advisor that speaks on behalf of the school that they are representing, and they talk about all the requirements. You could also ask questions and talk to the advisor.

- Attend all your local colleges' nursing information sessions. Usually info is posted on the website of each college

- CSU's only: assist.org â€” instead of researching each csu one-by-one, you could see all the pre-reqs of each school easily and compare

When do I take the teas test?(before or after applications) What is the best way to prepare for it?

NOW! Buy the review book (atitesting.com) and study, study, study. If you did well on all your pre-reqs, you will do fine. There's also some practice tests and useful resources they sell on ATI. Really focus on your weaknesses ( For me, I studied math and science more). You only have 2 to 3 chances to get the score you wantâ€”which is probably a 90%, so study hard.

Is Life Span Development important for applications? Would you recommend that I take it?

Yes, since you have to take the Teas test anyway. The TEAS process takes a couple months.

Should I volunteer at a hospital now that I'm out school?

Yes!

When is the fall/spring application deadline for most RN nursing programs in Southern California?

Fall: February

Spring: August/Sept.

CSU: Fall: You have to apply for the school Nov, and apply to the NURSING SCHOOL by Feb. So unless you applied to the CSU's already (deadline passed), you cannot attend the 2017 fall semester.

Should I apply for an AA degree now that I've completed all my general education?

It doesn't matter, as long as you get all your nursing pre-reqs and general requirements (english, philosophy, etc) down.

Follow the CSU GE plan. Example: http://www.ohlone.edu/org/currguides/current/docs/20162017geplanb.pdf

Although, some CC's count an AA for extra points, so there is no harm in applying for it.

What are my options if I don't get accepted into a program for fall of 2017

Apply for the next cycle. In the mean time, do hospital volunteer work /take other classes to raise your GPA.
Get CNA certified and get some work experience! This can only work in your favor. You will get some hospital experience, and it will make going to nursing school less stressful!
Another good option: LVN route. Apply to LVN programs and work as an LVN. After some experience, you can apply to an LVN-BSN program.

Is it a smart decision to relocate if I have no luck in finding a program that will accept me locally?

Yes, usually that is the case. It's extremely difficult here in California. I know a lot of people who have waited YEARS to get into a program here.

**As a former Ca transfer student myself, I'm telling you now that you will face rejection, disappointment, and disapproval from others. However, do not let these factors get in the way of your journey. When approaching the application process, you really need to buckle down, research, and have a pragmatic state of mind. Be passionate and work hard, and only then will you be accepted.

I wish you the best!

Tarudude · Dec 15, 2016

Do I meet all the requirements to apply for an RN program?
Pertaining to classes, depends on which RN program. You have to research programs one-by-one and make sure you have all the requirements. Generally you have most of the pre-reqs down, except you might need to take life span development because a lot of school require this.
I'm assuming you are going to apply for both community colleges and California State Universities. So, if that's the case you definitely need to take the TEAS test.
Which RN schools/programs should I look into?
All possibilities. Community colleges, CSU, Private schools, In-state, out-of-state, etc. Following info about all the options:
CSU: POINT SYSTEM: Score= PRE-REQ GPA score +TEAS score. Teas and pre req score are typically almost weighted 50/50. The higher the score, the higher the rank. If a program accepts 30 students, you want to make the top 30. In Ca, it is extremely difficult to be accepted. Each school has 300 applicants alone. 3.7 pre req GPAs are needed to be competitive, and an 80% and up for a TEAS. [bSN degree] *** BE AWARE it's different for each CSU. Some CSU's also count the overall GPA in the points system process.
CC: all you need is a minimum GPA and a passing TEAS score. Most use a lottery system and pick at random. It doesn't matter how high your gpa is. Everyone has an equal chance of getting in. At a CC it's a 2 year degree, and you get your ADN. After that, students bridge to an 1 year BSN program, then obtain their bsn.
**Some also use a point system.
Privates: Minimum 3.0 GPA, but look at applicants as a whole. For example, GPA, volunteer experience, personal statement, letter of recs are all taken into account. There's no point system, and the school just looks if you're the right fitâ€. Typically it's easier to get into, because usually the programs are extremely expensive. (50K a year in Ca) Even if that is the case though, even privates in CA are hard to get into. [bSN]
What is the best way to get informed about application processes?
- Good nursing counselor
- Attend your school's nursing workshops at the career center. Usually there's a nursing advisor that speaks on behalf of the school that they are representing, and they talk about all the requirements. You could also ask questions and talk to the advisor.
- Attend all your local colleges' nursing information sessions. Usually info is posted on the website of each college
- CSU's only: assist.org â€” instead of researching each csu one-by-one, you could see all the pre-reqs of each school easily and compare
When do I take the teas test?(before or after applications) What is the best way to prepare for it?
NOW! Buy the review book (atitesting.com) and study, study, study. If you did well on all your pre-reqs, you will do fine. There's also some practice tests and useful resources they sell on ATI. Really focus on your weaknesses ( For me, I studied math and science more). You only have 2 to 3 chances to get the score you wantâ€”which is probably a 90%, so study hard.
Is Life Span Development important for applications? Would you recommend that I take it?
Yes, since you have to take the Teas test anyway. The TEAS process takes a couple months.
Should I volunteer at a hospital now that I'm out school?
Yes!
When is the fall/spring application deadline for most RN nursing programs in Southern California?
Fall: February
Spring: August/Sept.
CSU: Fall: You have to apply for the school Nov, and apply to the NURSING SCHOOL by Feb. So unless you applied to the CSU's already (deadline passed), you cannot attend the 2017 fall semester.
Should I apply for an AA degree now that I've completed all my general education?
It doesn't matter, as long as you get all your nursing pre-reqs and general requirements (english, philosophy, etc) down.
Follow the CSU GE plan. Example: http://www.ohlone.edu/org/currguides/current/docs/20162017geplanb.pdf
Although, some CC's count an AA for extra points, so there is no harm in applying for it.
What are my options if I don't get accepted into a program for fall of 2017
Apply for the next cycle. In the mean time, do hospital volunteer work /take other classes to raise your GPA.
Get CNA certified and get some work experience! This can only work in your favor. You will get some hospital experience, and it will make going to nursing school less stressful!
Another good option: LVN route. Apply to LVN programs and work as an LVN. After some experience, you can apply to an LVN-BSN program.
Is it a smart decision to relocate if I have no luck in finding a program that will accept me locally?
Yes, usually that is the case. It's extremely difficult here in California. I know a lot of people who have waited YEARS to get into a program here.
**As a former Ca transfer student myself, I'm telling you now that you will face rejection, disappointment, and disapproval from others. However, do not let these factors get in the way of your journey. When approaching the application process, you really need to buckle down, research, and have a pragmatic state of mind. Be passionate and work hard, and only then will you be accepted.
I wish you the best!

Thank you so much for all of this information. It looks like I have a lot to do these next few months. Thanks again for all of your support. I will do my best!