Nursing or USC?

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

Published

  1. Should I attend USC and major in something else or attempt to transfer to UCLA or NYU?

    • 0
      NYU (bachelor of science in nursing) top 10
    • 2
      UCLA (bachelor of science in nursing) top 5
    • 0
      USC (USC doesn't offer a BSN, so I don't know what else to major in that guarantees a career)
    • 1
      pursue and associates at community college and graduate on time by 2020 (though really it should've been 2 years, but I'm indecisive)

3 members have participated

Greetings! I'm facing the dilemma of possibly trying to transfer to UCLA and pursue a Bsn or transfer to USC while pursuing a different major. USC have been my dream school since my junior year of high school. I would tell peers and classmates that one day I'll dress up in cardinal and gold and play as a walk on at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. I love the school so much! But they don't offer a Bsn and I'm torn. USC is the reason why I moved from a small town in Riverside County to South Los Angeles which I live just 4 miles away from USC. USC makes me happy but so does the thought of nursing! I honestly don't know what to do. I plan on praying and whichever decision I make it better be right for me. I am well aware that it's difficult to get into UCLA as a community college student but I am considering NYU (also being difficult). I've been searching the majors on USCs website and I don't know what to pick. Nursing is the only major that seems to interest me. I'm projected to graduate in 2020 but I trying to decide on what to major on already hindered me thus I'll probably graduate in 2022 or maybe even 2023, but I don't mind because I want to get the most out of my education. Most importantly, I want to be happy. I am not pleased with UCLA. I've visited that campus once in Westwood and I tried to not be biased at all but it didn't feel like home at all. When I'm at USC, I truly feel at home. I just wish they offered a Bsn! ): darn! I want to decide now So that I can transfer in the fall 2019. The classes that I'm taking now are already for UCLA. However, since USC is a private school I know that you don't have to complete all of the classes although it's recommended in order to be more competitive as a transfer student. I'm so torn. I want personal insight and guidance. As for NYU, I'm not so sure on the classes I'm supposed to take. I emailed the staff and despite not having an articulation agreement they welcomed me to apply whenever. Thanks in advance and thank you for reading this! By the way, ever seen the movie Rudy? Well that's me! Kind of

You are "young" even for your age. It seems you are very indecisive. If a big name school will make you happy, go for it! You may be sorry later when you have big debt and no job or even no degree if it doesn't pan out. I don't think anyone but you can tell you what to do at this point. In time, you will figure out if you made the right or wrong decision. You can always go for an accelerated BSN or Masters entry nursing program if nursing still interests you. It may mean HUGE debt. Maybe if you like math something like Pharmacy would suit you.

I have a daughter who is a great student. She has an Ivy League Master's degree in history. Her sister has an ADN. The nurse is making the money for sure. My other daughter LOVED being a student and enjoyed her college experience. Now she is paying big loans on a small salary. I don't think she is entirely sorry, but it isn't easy. Fortunately, she is a thrifty person and so is her husband. Luckily, his IT degree from a state school is helping them to make it. They are in their late twenties and not able to afford to buy a house because of the amount of college debt. They are not unhappy per se BUT this is a stress for them.

Good luck to you. Hopefully, you will find your way though it may take awhile.

0 Votes

I grew up in Los Angeles. I personally know a handful of individuals who regret attending USC/UCLA/Cal for it's "prestige," especially when their main goal was to get a nursing degree anyways. Even if you graduate from one of those schools, earning a degree in communication/gender studies/anthropology/psychology or similar will not land you a decent salary to pay back your student loan debt - a fact. Some of these individuals successfully entered into ABSN/ELMSN programs whereas other individuals are struggling and limited with a "useless" degree and low GPA from their very prestigious school. My advice to you? Do it right the first time around.

0 Votes
Apparently I'm talking to adults that hardly cared for sports and what it can do for you outside of academics.

Yes, because none of us had any aspirations or interests outside of nursing. That's why we're encouraging you not to take on crushing debt--er, crushing self investment.

Adjust the attitude please.

0 Votes

Woah now I have a better understanding of how debt could hinder me in the long run. Indeed it probably wouldn't make sense if I pursue premed at USC when I could do that elsewhere for a much cheaper price while still getting quality education. Don't get me wrong, nursing is a career I would love to do despite its cons. Only thing that's in the way is USCs football program. The atmosphere and the school spirit is welcoming. Maybe when I pursue a masters I'll be able to go there or in the next life... Thanks again everyone!

0 Votes

I'm sorry lady! I felt the urge to protect my aspirations and such. I apologize for that. I really appreciate your concern. It's a lot of info to take in let alone the emotional distress by the thought of giving up my other aspirations. This is something I must speak to a counselor about because I am aware that nursing and football may not go together. I'll give an update on this Monday once I see a counselor. Thanks all! It means a lot

0 Votes

FWIW, I put nursing school on hold in order to play college basketball. It was the best decision I ever made.

That being said, I limited my choices of basketball and nursing schools to places I could afford, rather than ones based on prestige and historical hoops significance. Did I miss out on playing at Duke? Sure, but I also don't have $200,000 in debt.

In choosing wisely, gaining partial athletic and academic scholarships, and working during the summers, I was able to play hoops and then get my BSN for about $30,000 in student loans.

You're young and have plenty of time to pursue football and then a BSN. Just don't pay hundreds of thousands of dollars to do so.

0 Votes

Woah that's very interesting! Your story gives me hope. That totally helped shift my perspective. After reading these helpful comments by everyone on this thread I must say I'm definitely not comfortable being in debt. Unless if I were to earn an athletic scholarship midway but then again that isn't a guarantee. I feel more relieved than ever. I'll consider that. And thanks again kind person (-: and everyone else (-:

0 Votes
Specializes in Cardiothoracic ICU.

This is a very easy answer for two reasons.

1. The thing that is most important is the education you'll be getting, not the way you feel about the school overall or your fixation with being a Trojan. While USC is a great school, UCLA is ranked higher in most every program. Also, there is absolutely NO reason to go to a school if they don't have a program you're interested in or something similar that can get you where you want to go. Since UCLA is a better school and has the program you want, there is the answer.

2. UCLA is way less expensive, especially since you're a CA resident. Also, UCLA is not harder to get into as a transfer from a CCC (California Community College). In fact, it'll be to your advantage. NYU will be much harder to get into as an out of state applicant and has the price tag of USC with a prestige similar to UCLA.

That being said, it doesn't sound like you're very committed to nursing. If that's the case, well that's a completely different story. Either way, UCLA will give you a little more of an edge in nearly every program with an exception of USC School for Cinematic Arts and Annenberg School for Communication. So unless you think you may want to do film or journalism, choose UCLA. USC has grad nursing programs, so maybe you can look into those a few years after you graduate.

0 Votes

Good points. I'm learning! In addition, I'm in the honors program. However, I won't get priority consideration when applying as a nursing major. USCs Law school is superb as well as their engineering program. I'm a prospective nursing club member at community college this upcoming Fall semester. I also messaged UCLAs medpep and I will be applying to it when applications are available in July. In the meantime, I'll contribute to the best of my abilities in the nursing nonprofit organization and search for opportunities throughout the web. I have a counseling appointment this Monday so I'll keep everyone posted. There's something I have in mind, but I won't discuss it yet until Monday afternoon. Thanks all! (-:

0 Votes
+ Add a Comment