marykated

I am 34 years old and about to start Cal State Fullerton's ABSN program :) Once you figure out what nursing schools you want to apply to and what prereq classes you need to take (or retake) for them, definitely complete the prereqs at a community college in order to save money. Also, look into whether or not CNA and/or volunteer experience will help your nursing school applications, what month you will need to submit each application, and whether or not prereqs can be in progress when you do. Let me know if you have any specific questions that I can try to address. Good luck!

It IS a monumental task :) I have put in so much time and effort over the last 16 months, and I haven't even started nursing school yet. But, the months and years are going to pass either way, so I figure that I might as well spend them working towards hopefully have a valuable and rewarding career!

The Cal State ABSN programs around here are at Fullerton, LA, and San Marcos's Temecula campus. The program in Temecula is the least competitive to get into by far. Over the last year, I completed 29 units of prereqs, got certified as a nursing assistant, completed 200+ volunteer hours, and got a part-time job at an assisted living facility; this helped me secure my spot in the fall 2018 cohort at Fullerton. I am in my mid-30s also, and my BA and MA are in English, so--like you--it is a big career change. I did not look into ADN programs because going to a community college and then doing an RN to BSN program would have taken an additional couple of years. I did not look into MSN programs because it seemed like jumping in a little too deep when I have no previous nursing experience. If you ultimately decide on the ABSN route, I am happy to answer any questions that I can since I am going through it all right now :)

The counselor said that Saddleback's higher quality is due to the type of funding that they receive (money equals more/better resources, I'm assuming). I was very surprised that someone who has built their career at Golden West would confirm that Saddleback has a superior and more desirable nursing program--something that my researched seemed to indicate already--and I greatly appreciated her honesty.

A few months ago, I saw a counselor at Golden West, and she told me that, if she were a nursing student, she would want to go to Saddleback because their program is much better than Golden West's.

I got in as well :) But, I will be attending Cal State Fullerton's ABSN program instead, so at least one spot will open up at Saddleback for an alternate. Congratulations to everyone accepted!

A big congratulations to everyone who got in! I look forward to meeting you in August at the orientation :)

How is everyone feeling post-interview?

I just received a reminder email regarding the interviews next week. There are 13 of us in group #1 on Monday morning. Best of luck to everyone! The wait is almost over :) --Mary Kate

Hello there! I noticed that you recently started two threads for fall 2018 for CSUF's ABSN program. There is already a thread going :) Here's the link: https://allnurses.com/online-nursing-schools/csuf-absn-2018-1144634.html

Hi, everyone. I have been confirmed for the group #1 interview slot! Looking at the numbers in their email, I think that they may have invited less candidates to interview than they did in previous years.

Hello! I just saw your post. I hope that you did well on the TEAS yesterday :) I took it there on the 26th and am planning to apply to Saddleback for fall 2018. --Mary Kate

FYI, CSUF updated the FAQs section of their website, and it now says, "Over the last three years, the average points of those that have made it to the interview stage has been 66 points."

Hello! I am going to submit my CSUF ABSN application later today. I believe that I will earn 95 points. I am glad that you started a thread. Best of luck to you too! --Mary Kate