Unusual Situation - What CalState Nursing Program To Apply To As A Transfer Student for Winter 2026

[Guy Rien]

Unusual situation:

I) Graduated HS in 2023 with a CSU 4.2 GPA.
ii) Went to UCSC as a pre-med but it wasn't for me. Have a 2.5GPA at UCSC

iii) Doing CC for Summer 2025, Fall 2025.
IV) What CSU can I apply for to get a direct admit into nursing for W2026?

[FullGlass, BSN, MSN, NP]

I'm not sure I understand the question.  At most UC and CS schools, nursing is an impacted major and admissions are highly competitive.  With a 2.5 GPA your freshman year, your chances of getting into a BSN program in Jan 2026 are very low, unfortunately.

My advice:

1) Take your nursing prereqs at CC.  Retake any classes that you got a C or lower grade in UCSC that are nursing prereqs and get a better grade.  Your goal is to get a 4.0 GPA in the nursing prereqs or as high a GPA as possible.  Nursing schools care most about your nursing prereqs GPA.

2) Apply to various BSN programs.  Also apply to CC ADN programs.  If you complete an ADN program, you can do a bridge to BSN program while working as an RN and a lot of employers will pay for that.

3) Explain your low UCSC GAP in your admissions essay, and have a good reason for that.

You will have to check with each school you apply to on what their admissions and start dates are.  Nursing schools are generally run on a cohort basis, so you may only be able to start once a year.  Some schools have cohorts start every semester or quarter, but that is not the norm.  This information is on each school's website.  Nursing schools also have webinars and school visit days, which is good chance to get more info and ask questions.  You can also make an appointment to talk to an admissions counselor.