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

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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:

I have another question, is the Grading at CSULB based on a plus and minus system?

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Grading is straight A's, B's, C's. Don't worry about getting into a Masters program. It actually isn't that competitive. You can get in with "A"s and "B"s. The majority of professors I have spoken to have told me that it is much harder to get into a BSN program than it is an MSN. Take it one step at a time. Get your BSN and then focus on going on. Most programs expect you to work 2 yrs before applying to a masters program anyway.

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thanks again for your reply! It does seem that the BSN program is much more difficult to get into than the master's program, but i am just preparing in advance just in case the master's program becomes impacted in the future like the bsn program. Even though things rarely always go how I planned, but it's just my personality to prepare anway. It's my personality. Thank you everyone for you reply.

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Specializes in ICU/CCU.

Hi!

I'm a second semester student in CSULB's accelerated nursing program.

Accelerated means that I graduate one year earlier than if I were in CSULB's basic program. It is in partnership with LBMMC, and I have classes over summer. My clinicals are held exclusively @ LBMMC.

Either way, the program here is okay. It doesn't really matter where you go. I entered with a 4.0 GPA. Got my first B last semester. Now, I don't even give a **** about my grades anymore. Forget trying to even graduate summa cum laude.

I'm not trying to discourage you. It's just the reality of the situation. The program here is really tough. The program is tough everywhere. It's just how it is.

I personally have not heard a single student get a 4.0. Sad, isn't it? I was SO CLOSE. It wasn't like I was several points away. I was 0.5 points away from having straight A's. I'm sure it's possible. I did excellent in pharmacology w/ Dr. Pal. She's the hardest, toughest professor so far.

I decided not to take the stipend. It's dropped to $2000 before taxes now. If you were to take it, it wouldn't be for the money, it would be for the job security, I suppose. I can't even buy a Vespa with that money after taxes, which is what I really want. It's too bad I quit my job before doing the nursing program. I should have kept my job too. It is hard, but definitely more possible to keep a job and survive nursing school than it is to pull a 4.0 in the nursing program. Just my two cents.

And try not to be too helpful. I'm getting into a lot of trouble over some website I made to help me and my classmates out. Serves me right for trying to be nice and stuff. It really ****** me off too. The nursing program is already hard enough as it is. We supposed to not be so competitive and we're supposed to help each other out. Help your classmates out, but don't get in trouble for it.

Good luck wherever you go.

Matt

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Specializes in ICU/CCU.

BTW, I wanted to keep my 4.0 GPA for entry into USC/CSUF for their nurse anesthetist program. I actually had a good, valid reason for keeping a 4.0. You might want to consider your reason for keeping a 4.0, if it's really going to be worth all the effort and stuff. The nursing program will change the way you think, guaranteed. It's a whole 'nother animal.

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Specializes in ICU/CCU.

HAHAHAHHA. SHE IS SO RIGHT!

Try to have a life. Get out, go on a date, hang out with friends.

GO TO THE GYM. The gym saves my life. And, if you do spin, you can read your nursing textbooks AND exercise at the same time! Talk about prioritizing and time management! HAHAHAH.

I am reconsidering the stipend. I'm still on the fence about it though. LBMMC isn't necessarily a bad hospital. In fact, it's a great hospital. The economy sucks so bad right now that I'm worried about getting a job after I graduate. Everyone tells me that nursing is immune to the job shortages right now, but I really don't think that's true. It's scary right now. I don't know if it's gonna get better by the time I graduate.

You'll definitely make friends and bond with your colleagues in the nursing program. After all, no one will understand what you're going through except your classmates! They know why it takes so long to care plan and study for a silly test. WHEW!

And for grad school, I guess experience counts the most over grades. I mean, I know I don't have a 4.0 anymore, but I suppose as long as I keep it as high as I can, and apply with at least several years of critical care experience, I'll be able to make it. I mean, it's a requirement to have at least 1-2 years critical care experience for my program, and I'm sure it's the same in terms of most master's programs.

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Specializes in ICU/CCU.

HAHAHAHAHa. i have no idea! It's not a big deal. I do hope I dont' get kicked out though! What a sad way to go!

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Specializes in ICU/CCU.

HAHAHAHAHa. I figured it was you, Cat!

I have no idea! It's not a big deal. I do hope I dont' get kicked out though! What a sad way to go!

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Specializes in ICU/CCU.

HAHAHAHAHa. I figured it was you Cat! I have no idea! It's not a big deal. I do hope I dont' get kicked out though! What a sad way to go!

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I totally agree with the poster above.

I have a lot of friends that have already graduated from different schools and are now working RNs.

Their advice to me was to not worry so much about my grades.

It's not that hard to get into grad school with decent grades.

If I studied 24/7 everyday, I'd probably be able to get a REALLY good GPA.

But honestly, in a BSN program, you need to be reasonable.

Study as much as you can and do your best, but don't deprive yourself.

You need to go out for dinner every once in a while.

Study all day and treat yourself to a movie and dinner.

Go running... whatever! Something, ANYTHING you help you feel sane at the end of the day.

It really makes the program a lot less stressful and definitely more enjoyable.

=]

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MATT!

is that you?

hahahaha...

It's CAT!

wasssappp.

i really want to know who ratted the site out....

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Thanks Matt for your reply. :DYou sound like a really hard worker. Thanks for putting in your perspective on how tough nursing school can be. It gives me a better idea of what to expect if I get accepted. I figured nursing school is tough, but i was hoping that i did would not have to literally live and breath it for the net 2-3 years. I have a wonderful girlfriend right now and am a bit worried when i begin nursing school. I guess she and I will just have to make some major adjustments.

I think it's silly that you got in trouble for helping your fellow classmates. I agree, you're in a profession that encourages you to be helpful of others and to work as a team, but then they penalize you for helping out your classmates? Strange. It makes me think if there was some violation of school policy, etc. :down:

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