I live between Columbia and Jackson. I was on Columbia's waiting list (which seemed like forever) and then a friend told me to try Jackson State Community College. I got into Jackson on the first try. They do not have a waiting list it is based on your act and gpa. I had to retake my act, but i though big deal. I now have a friend who is going to columbia and she hates it. I love jackson I am so glad now that I got into thisa program and not columbia. She (my friend) has told me about the teachers and she said it is like they just throw you out there. But at Jackson they are very helpful. I have to drive an extra 15 minutes but that is fine with me. Jackson also has a 99% pass rate when it comes to boards, adn was ranked 13th in the country for nursing programs.