Shoreline or UW??

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Hello all!!

I was just admitted to Shoreline community college's ADN program and have yet to hear back from UW. I only applied to these two schools and unfortunately, I need to let Shoreline know if I choose to enroll and begin classes Spring quarter before I even hear back from UW. There are definite pros and cons to both programs. I hear great things about Shoreline and it is less expensive. I want to go for my BSN however, so that would be a more indirect process through Shoreline, doing the extra year 1 day/week at UW Bothell. I am pretty certain I am going to accept my spot at Shoreline especially since there's the question of if I would even get into UW. However, I would love anyone's insight into my options... the reputation of the program, the graduates preparedness etc... just to help make this decision a little easier. Thanks!

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Specializes in Float Pool, acute care, management/leadership.

While going to the best nursing school in the country would be great, Shoreline definitely has its share of accolades as well. Many of the nurses that I've worked with matriculated from Shoreline, and they all have said pretty good things about the program. They have felt prepared as a nurse, and they felt like Shoreline adequately prepared them for the NCLEX. While achieving a BSN is ideal, I think UW Bothell isn't a bad way to go. I don't know if there's any truth to this, but people always "claim" that ADN programs offer more clinical time than BSN programs. Also, with the economy the way it is now, you would do well to minimize the cost of your education.

So, congrats and good luck! Btw, may I ask you how many points you had when applying for Shoreline? I am thinking about applying very soon. I've heard the average threshold of points to be competitive has gone down for applicants. Do you know of any truth to this?

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While going to the best nursing school in the country would be great, Shoreline definitely has its share of accolades as well. Many of the nurses that I've worked with matriculated from Shoreline, and they all have said pretty good things about the program. They have felt prepared as a nurse, and they felt like Shoreline adequately prepared them for the NCLEX. While achieving a BSN is ideal, I think UW Bothell isn't a bad way to go. I don't know if there's any truth to this, but people always "claim" that ADN programs offer more clinical time than BSN programs. Also, with the economy the way it is now, you would do well to minimize the cost of your education.

So, congrats and good luck! Btw, may I ask you how many points you had when applying for Shoreline? I am thinking about applying very soon. I've heard the average threshold of points to be competitive has gone down for applicants. Do you know of any truth to this?

I agree completely with j450n. I'm currently in the Shoreline program, so I'm obviously a little biased, but here's my quick assessment: you've been ADMITTED to Shoreline for the Spring quarter. That's a done deal. You're still waiting to hear from UW for Fall quarter start. Looking at the numbers of apps and the number of places open, there's certainly no guarantee you'll get in for fall. So you can take a gamble, or you can start school, get through the program, get your license, and start working. Yes, Bothell would be an additional year. But you'd be working AS A NURSE. This is what I'm planning on doing.

You already know Shoreline's reputation, or you wouldn't be trying to decide between SCC or UW. Are there any other factors you haven't mentioned that might be weighing on your decision?

Scott

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j450n,

Regarding the point threshold, it has definitely come down (search my posts for a detailed explanation of this). If you're at 105-110, you're definitely competitive (though that's no guarantee in any given quarter that the threshold won't rise (or fall)... see my previous posts, like I said).

Scott

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ceea44, What a dilemma! I think that decision would be very difficult - as its really a decision between two great choices. I'm on a similar (hopefully) path... I really like the previous posters note on attending shoreline and at a later date getting BSN through UW bothell. I think that I would lean towards the shoreline as it has a great reputation in the NW, it starts so much sooner, it is cost effective, and it is a sure thing. I would justify it by understanding that if I didn't choose shoreline and I was not picked up by UW.. then it would be a huge delay and I'd regret it.

Look forward to hearing more - and congrats on the shoreline acceptance!

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Specializes in ICU.

Congrats on getting in to at least one nursing school! I'd say it's hard to give accurate advice without knowing what kind of health care experience you have, since UW is really weighted towards that. However, I'd probably choose Shoreline. It may take you an extra year to get your BSN after you get your ADN, but if you didn't end up getting in to UW, you'd have to wait a year just to sit around and re-apply.

Good luck with your decision!

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Thanks to everyone for all the advice...I'm planning on accepting my spot at Shoreline for all those reasons and more. In response to j450n's question, I had about 108.9 points and the minimum was 105.5ish...last quarter the minimum was 108 so between last quarter and this one it has gone down. It must just depend on the applicant pool. That's all I know! Good luck to everyone who's applying!

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i got 112.9...see you this spring quarter!!!

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Specializes in Float Pool, acute care, management/leadership.

Congrats namv :)

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