LLU's BSN program of CSULB's Nursing program?

Published

So i just did my interview today at LLU and was told i was a high candidate to be chosen for the BSN program. I am also applying for CSULB's spring 2010 nursing program. Here's my problem. If i get accepted into LLU, the program starts in September 09. I won't know if i'll get accepted into the program at CSULB until at least Oct-Nov 2009. I am leaning towards CSULB because i live 15 away from the school and the program cost approx. 17,000 dollars (LLU cost 54,000, not including living cost). What i like about LLU is that their school is more personal, the people i've talked to are very nice and seem to really care about me. This is the complete opposite impression of how i felt talking to the people in CSULB's nursing dept.

Overall GPA: 3.55-3.6

Sciene GPA: 4.0

Teas: 87%

My Overall GPA is low because of my first year in college. I was young and naive about life and made a lot of mistakes that year; however, the past 3 years i have got A's in all my classes.

I have a couple of questions.

1. Is LLU's nursing program difficult to get a 4.0 gpa? I know that their grading scales is based on a (-) and (+) system. This makes it a lot harder to get a 4.0 at the end of the term. This is the biggest turn off for me for LLU.

2. Same question as above, but for CSULB's nursing program. Is this program hard to get 4.0 gpa? I know that a A- and A+ are the same. I like this because it gives me more lee-way in getting 4.0.

3. How are my chances at getting into CSULB's BSN program?

4. How would my GPA be calculated at CSULB? Would only the classes that are relevant to the BSN program count toward my GPA, or my overall GPA would be the GPA i begin with at CSULB? I ask this question because my overall GPA would jump substantially if only the classes needed for the BSN program count towards my grade.

Any input would be of great help. I have done a lot of research on both schools, but really need input on those who actually have attended either schools. Please help! :up:

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Any input from those who have attended either schools would help.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Was your interview for the regular BSN program or the Accelerated BSN program at LLU?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Regular BSN program.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

When was your application deadline? I am applying for the A-BSN program in Fall and our deadline was last Tuesday. I was just wondering how long it took before you got the call for the interview.

Congrats on your acceptance!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

They called me the same day i completed the application.. which was also the deadline (tuesday) for Fall 2009. I am not in the program yet, she just told me i was a likely candidate and should be proud of myself.

Can anyone here please answer my question?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I am currently in the trimester program at Cal State Long Beach. The first piece of advice I can give you (I spent a lot of time stressing in the beginning) is get over the 4.0 thing. I was a 4.0 student when I came into the program. I have realized that "B" is the new "A". Teachers will tell you that it is practically impossible to maintain a 4.0 in a BSN program. Nursing school is COMPLETELY different then any of your previous schooling. You have to not be focused on the grade and focus more on gaining the information. In the end the NCLEX is what really matters. If you want to save your sanity you are going to need to accept "A"s and "B"s. I am a good student and so are my friends, most of us have maintained "A"s and "B"s. I have yet to actually meet anyone who has gotten a 4.0 all the way through. Remember why you want to be an RN........to help people......not to show everyone your report card. Your patients care about your knowledge and understanding of the material, not your grades :)

Let me know what specific questions you have about CSULB. I think it is a good program. No doubt if you survive CSULB's program you will most likely survive the NCLEX :) Good luck with your decision

Up Vote Up Vote ×

VERY GOOD advice!

Thank you!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hey. I'm currently a nursing student @ CSULB and i love it there!!!!

I know the staff at the nursing window can seem really... unfriendly most of the time...

but that DOES NOT reflect the instructors or most of the other members of the staff~

For the most part, the instructors are all very nice and really do want you to succeed.

With that said... I don't think there is such a thing as a 4.0 GPA in any nursing program.

I'm sure it's out there but IT'S RARE!

Everyone's a straight A student coming into the program...

then you see how unrealistic it is to get a 4.0 and then you come to terms with just passing with a B. =]

With your grades, you should be able to get in.

However, the nursing program just brought its interview process back as a requirement to get in.

I have no idea how that works.

When I applied, the GPA was based on a point system.

If you schedule to attend an orientation on campus they'll explain more.

Another secret is that Long Beach Memorial Hospital, as well as many other hospitals,

offer a stipend.

Bascially, they pay for everything (tuition, books, uniform, EVERYTHING) as long as you sign a contract

that says you'll finished the program on time (basic: 3 years, trimester: 2 years) and work for their hospital.

You also have to pass the NCLEX within i believe... 60 days of graduating? (which isnt hard to do)

They do tax the amount that's supposed to be given.

EX: $3,500/semester = $21,000 total. But after taxes = $2,408.00

but... if you file for a tax return... you'll get a lot of the difference back! =]

I hope this helped!

Good luck!

I

LOL

Up Vote Up Vote ×

By the way...

I know a contract with a hospital early on might not sound appealing for some people, but I highly recommend it!

A lot, if not all, of my friends that graduated are having a hard time finding a job!

So don't be turned off by the contract making it seem like you're "tied down."

You're getting paid to go to school, you DON'T have to pay them back, AND you're GUARANTEED a job!

I don't know what else a poor college student could ask for.

=]

Up Vote Up Vote ×

FYI the stipend has been lowered for this semester and semesters to come. I think it is around $2500 before taxes :)

Good advice........the teachers do want to see you succeed:)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

THANK YOU!!!! I am very happy for your reply and it is wonderful to know that some people feel that the program is not that bad. The reason I am worried about my GPA is because after passing the Nclex, i plan on getting my masters / doctorate in nursing. So, i want to be as competitive as possible. I'm fully aware of how difficult nursing school can be. When i went through LVN school it was one of the most difficult time in school i have ever had, i literally studied 35-40 hours a week to get the grade i wanted. I am hoping the knowledge and experience i've gained during the past few years in LVN school and at work will make my time in the BSN program easier.

From what you guys have said so far, it looks like the BSN program is the program for me. Thank you. If there are others who want to leave your input, please do. :yeah:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion