which route to go

[csacree]

Which is the sure way of getting into a program right out of high school. It is so crazy competitive and the wait list are so long. Is it hard to get into a direct entry program for prenursing such as csu fullerton? Private colleges are to expensive. I am starting to get discouraged so any tips will be appreciated. I have average sat/act scores but will graduate valedictorian, ranked 6th in my class, ap bio ap stats and econ. Looking for any csu as we do not receive financial aid so uc is out. Thanks.

[duskyjewel]

What about going inland or north to more rural areas that may be less impacted? I know the situation in Arizona is nowhere near as bad as California, but I've known at least two people who got into nursing school 2-3 years before they otherwise would have just by getting out of Maricopa County (Phoenix metro). They are 2 year CC associates degree RN programs, but after finishing one of those she could bridge to BSN, possibly even while working. I knew yet another person, a new RN grad who could not get a job in Maricopa County, who landed her first RN job by applying in rural areas with smaller hospitals. So that could be another advantage to getting out of the crowded coastal areas.