Lvn first then RN?

A 3.9 in the sciences is actually not that bad. I'm in California myself and my school really focused on the hard sciences. I think you should look into your community college's RN point system so you can see if there are other ways to increase your chances of getting in. I would also recommend applying to both the LVN and RN programs. For the LVN program I do believe you need CNA certification to get in. I would advise you take a quick CNA course (no more than 5 weeks) if you have to instead of one that is offered at a community college that could take 4 months.

A 3.9 in the sciences is actually not that bad. I'm in California myself and my school really focused on the hard sciences. I think you should look into your community college's RN point system so you can see if there are other ways to increase your chances of getting in. I would also recommend applying to both the LVN and RN programs. For the LVN program I do believe you need CNA certification to get in. I would advise you take a quick CNA course (no more than 5 weeks) if you have to instead of one that is offered at a community college that could take 4 months.

Thank you for your response!

I decided to actually sign up for a CNA program through the Red Cross. Its 3 months & would give me up to 5 extra points at the local community colleges in my area. My school is lottery so I'm just hoping for the best but preparing to not get in.

I was looking at just going through a private university but as a mom I can't justify spending 80- 100k for a BSN.

I think they're kind of doing away with LVNs in a "acute hospital" setting if that's the place of employment you are hoping to work once you get the license. They're in demand in SNF or acute rehab/long term facilities. I would think getting into a LVN program with a bridge to RN can help your chances if the school has one. Look into the specific school's you are interested in and make a call. If you go the LVN route and you are worried on "time", ask if you'll be guaranteed a spot in their RN program if you did their LVN first.

I'm from Cali myself (northern), same age. I applied to schools all over from Concord, Solano, all of Sac, Yuba and Chico and Stockton areas. Didn't get in after 1.5 yrs (3 applications per college nearly). I ended up finding out about a pvt BSN program, got right in but people are finding out about it and it's getting hard to get into that now.

Honestly, I wouldn't limit to applying to 3 schools. The more schools, the higher chance of getting in. Also, how is your TEAS score? Like Neo mentioned, check out the point-system for each college. Unfortunately I'm going to be in debt when I finish but sometimes edu is an investment. Maybe look into BSN pvt colleges in your area as a "last resort". Being an LVN will give you an advantage though in an RN program. I was only a caregiver at a 50 bed facility and even that experience helped with the basics.

Ultimately it all depends on what you want. Sacrifice going into LVN for another year or 2 but gain work experience/add points for RN program, keep waiting til you get into an ADN/BSN program twice a year or look into another alternative of private schools (BSN of course) on track to RN faster but will be thousands in debt.