Low priority registration for pre-reqs in San Diego Community College District

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Hi all,

Not sure if anyone can offer insight. I am pre-nursing in SDCCD. I have a BS from 20 years ago so I am lowest on registration priority. The only classes I need left are all impacted and I'm literally 2-3 weeks behind the first registration date.

I understand that the schools want to prioritize the students without an existing degree, but at this rate, I will never get my remaining classes (just Anatomy, Physiology and Microbiology) in order to apply to the Nursing program. Across the 3 schools, most of these classes are full within a week.

I support my family and need to get into/through nursing school as efficiently as possible. I have emailed the Professors but they say their hands are tied. It sounds like I may be able to petition? Has anyone experienced this?

I appreciate your time/insights.

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I faced the same situation. Apply to every single community college you can in San Diego County, not just SDCCD. There are schools in North County like Mira Costa and Palomar. Show up on the first day of class even if you are not registered. If some of the registered students do not show up for the first day of class, the professor usually holds a little lottery for the unregistered students. Usually 2 or 3 people get in. The other options are Extension courses from SDSU, UCSD, San Marcos State. These cost more, but are usually easier to get into. Since you only need 3 classes, also consider the private schools like USD, National, etc. Just make sure any of the for-profit schools are accredited and that the classes will be acceptable to regular nursing schools. The other thing you can do is take just a fun class at a community college - that will increase your registration priority for the Spring semester.

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Thank you so much. This is great advice. Part of my hold up is Grossmont/Cuyamaca won't clear my General Bio or my Math from years ago, but SDCCD did. I'll check into the other schools you mention. I don't mind paying the higher price in order to move forward, but I need my General Bio and Math to be cleared for pre-reqs to save me a year and a half of redoing those classes. :/ I knew school was going to be hard, I didn't anticipate the process of getting into class being the biggest issue! I may end up moving home to WI just to fulfill my pre-reqs.

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I just checked the UCSD Extension website and you can take A&P and A&P lab there. There are openings. UC is on a quarter system, so there are 4 quarters a year, which improves your odds of getting in. It's $450 for A&P. The link is below

Bad Request

San Marcos State also has an extension program and they also offer A&P and Microbiology. See the link below

Schedule of Classes | Extended Learning | CSUSM

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Thank you!!!

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There is another way of doing this without having to shell out extra money for tuition. I'll PM you, I know you can't respond so don't worry about it! Hope it helps.

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Shibaowner gave great advice. I went thru the same thing so I know it can be disheartening to check online and see the classes you need are full and you still have 2 weeks until you can even register!

Do you have a specific nursing program that you plan on applying to? Because that could influence your pre-req options and needs.

Otherwise, in SDCCD you have to be prepared to be flexible and prioritize your class crashing. On a good note, you will notice that first time community college students drop like flies, so if you manage to secure a waitlist seat there is still a decent chance you'll make it into the class.

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You can also look at National University that is where a friend of mine is finishing her prereqs because she is in the same dilemma as you. I would just do the sciences with them and not the math because they're a bit expensive. I'm sure you can get into a math class at a CC.

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Thanks! Appreciate it!

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Thank you! I have heard that too from the professors, that many don't show up the first day. I'm still undecided as to which nursing program. Originally I had thought Grossmont, but they didn't pass my General Bio or Math from my BS Undergrad so now I'm open and have crossed them off the list. I understand they have a good program, but I can't afford several more semesters just to retake classes I already have had. I have been impressed with the responsiveness of SDCCD professors, at least the Anatomy professors, seem to genuinely care. Each professor I have reached out to there has responded to me and have also stated they wish they could accepted BS students as they do well in classes. I still haven't given up on the Accelerated BSN at San Marcos. First thing's first, getting these pre-reqs checked off!

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Thank you! I have heard that too from the professors, that many don't show up the first day. I'm still undecided as to which nursing program. Originally I had thought Grossmont, but they didn't pass my General Bio or Math from my BS Undergrad so now I'm open and have crossed them off the list. I understand they have a good program, but I can't afford several more semesters just to retake classes I already have had. I have been impressed with the responsiveness of SDCCD professors, at least the Anatomy professors, seem to genuinely care. Each professor I have reached out to there has responded to me and have also stated they wish they could accepted BS students as they do well in classes. I still haven't given up on the Accelerated BSN at San Marcos. First thing's first, getting these pre-reqs checked off!

National University also has an ABSN program.

Azusa Pacific University has an Entry Level Masters since you already have your Bachelors

USD also has an ELM program

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Also look at Southwestern Community college in Chula Vista/Otay Mesa. Feels like their classes don't fill up as fast as SDCCD. I took microbiology there and got into the class well into their general open enrollment period.

Also, I heard but did not confirm that SDCCD may offer a one_term priority bump for those in your position. I never confirmed that rumor, as I got lucky with classes despite having a late registration date like you.

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