West Coast University

kithzeez · Apr 3, 2008

I just finished my 6th term and moving to 7th term. It is true that you may experience some difficulties with the teaching of some instructor. I have taken some classes in UCLA myself and for such a big class they basically do the same.(ie. looking at powerpoint and self study) the price in UCLA and USC are not a joke either. But why am I here at west coast? because of nursing program. In my opinion, the teachers are more approachable than other schools. Of course they try to make your money worth. But from the start of the program, it is upon your knowledge that it is a fast track. This is a private school and "$60,000" school as they say, but it doesn't they will pass you in a snap. YOU HAVE TO WORK ON IT. Microbiology in west coast was really easy because instructor was pretty cool. Honestly, I did not learn much compare. Because he eliminated some of the important stuff. It was cool though that he is very helpful to those who were left behind in my class and needed to get an A because theyr were on probation. Although I know some of my classmate didn't really deserve to get an A. Administration was another thing but in our group, (when we were in term 5) more than half of the class failed. I have seen the administration coming to our class and talked to us and try to meet halfway. We demanded tutoring and more tutoring, they provided it to us. Term 6 was crucial too. but we survive because of the help of the instructors and the adminitration by providing us tutoring and support. One thing that is important is to have your clas to be a unit. Because that will make a louder voice to the administration. Our group is actually " the bad group" because they claim we were loud. If you have problem withyour studies, do not wait till the end. do something about it. Talk to the instructor. One thing I learn from this school is voice out and STUDY STUDY STUDY AND LOOK OUT FOR YOUR SUPPORT GROUP. You will be very surprise how powerful the group study is.

So far I am happy with the school system, I have applied for community school for program before WCU and waited and waited but did not get me anywhere. Now, with WCU I am looking forward to graduate in aug '08. BUT OF COURSE, $60,000 did not help me to be where I am but I study study study, that is the reason why I am surviving this term. Do not expect people to give you the answers just because you are paying. The service in administration, I never had problems. and if I do. they are small petty problem. I don't worry about those stuff, I worry about where will this $60,000 school will get at the end.

SO FAR, the people that graduate, is 96% considering a big class. attrition rate is 2-10%.

If somebody will ask me right now. I AM SATISFIED AS A STUDENT OF WCU.

ivfhelp · Apr 5, 2008

HI Kithzeez,

Thanks for the post. That was a really good input. It's good to hear something positive about WCU. I understand that this is a fast-track program, how did you balance school and life? Do you still work, full-time or part-time? Good luck to you, you're almost at the finish line.

allaboutthefamily · Apr 7, 2008

The only thing that makes me weary of reccomending WCU to alot of the people that ask me for advice is the fact that the credits will not transfer over if you needed to bail. That is to say, is you needed to move because of some kind of crazy situation, or you had to switch schools for whatever reason, you would pretty much have to start over. I might be mistaken on this, but I am fairly certian the CSU schools dont accept credits from there. Also, the semesters are so short, if you get sick a week with the flu you might be out several thousand dollars. I have heard nothing but good things about WCU from my friends that go there, these are just my concerns. Also I agree with whomever said take your pre-reqs ay a CC.

kithzeez · Apr 7, 2008

HI Kithzeez,
Thanks for the post. That was a really good input. It's good to hear something positive about WCU. I understand that this is a fast-track program, how did you balance school and life? Do you still work, full-time or part-time? Good luck to you, you're almost at the finish line.

Life in WCU is pretty tough. I started mine late because I have credited subjects from community college. I am fortunate that I am not working and well supported by my husband. BUT I have classmates that are working fulltime with five children and yet still manage to pass the exam and get good grades. So in my position when things get tough, I feel embarrass on complaining because it seems like I have no right to complain. But it can happen. With LOTS AND LOTS AND LOTS OF DETERMINATIONS AND POSITIVE OUTLOOK, you will excel.

kithzeez · Apr 7, 2008

The only thing that makes me weary of reccomending WCU to alot of the people that ask me for advice is the fact that the credits will not transfer over if you needed to bail. That is to say, is you needed to move because of some kind of crazy situation, or you had to switch schools for whatever reason, you would pretty much have to start over. I might be mistaken on this, but I am fairly certian the CSU schools dont accept credits from there. Also, the semesters are so short, if you get sick a week with the flu you might be out several thousand dollars. I have heard nothing but good things about WCU from my friends that go there, these are just my concerns. Also I agree with whomever said take your pre-reqs ay a CC.

That is why in my opinion, it is really better to think million times before you go to WCU. This is really a commitment. You really have to put your plans in place. moving in some kind of situation as per say, you are to really balance your pros and cos. and make a choice.

This what we always say( classmates) going to WCU is for a very serious people that do not love to secondthought never change mind. I am not sure about non graduates going to have credit taken from WCU TO CSU. But the are also community colleges that have subjects that are not tranferable. But I have a friend that graduated in early 2007 that is now in CSUN for bachelors degree in Nurses. most of the graduates either continue or go to university of phoenix.

about getting sick.. I think it is exagerated on my part. let say you have flu... which most of us had this term :) you can be absent. because if you guys know the class meets once a week per subject unless it is a science class so it is still ok.Science subject like chemistry for lecture you are allowed to be absent without fail 3x same with the lab3x I have classmate that gave birth and been gone for three weeks and still make and passed. So it can happen. she didn't have to repeat the whole term and spend thousands and thousands as you implied. Most of the instructors are approachable and will understand and will try to help you in anyway you can. If not you go to the administration. They help you out. For everyones information, there are also make up exams for missed exam. let say, you were absent for whatever reasons. you can also speak to your instructor if you can email you assignment so you will not be late. each term... you can miss 3 class meeting in one term without failing. that sounded too short. but if you think about it that is 3 weeks consecutive. you really have a valid excuse of missing the class.

I agree on taking the prereq in CC if you have the time. but if not. you have a choice of going to WCU for 8 months. I am familiar with system in community college because I took my prereqs there. lets say you will take spring semester, If you are freshman in the college you do not get major subjects right away for whatever reason (either you need another prereqs, or class is full) and most of the time you are not the priority. so 4months is already wasted because it is either you will take some subjects that you do not need just to be current. so next is summer, some major subject are not offered or limited class. again this depends on how soon is priority date and to think that will be 2 1/2 months and for short period of time you dont get 1 major science and a regular class. ( that is just me though). But if you do you have to be a full time student I assume. NOW fall, another 4 months. this time you get the major class of anatomy, english, speech. at this time you already have 10 months wasted. And if you are full time student and stopped working. I wonder how much you lost? I know because I did that mistake because I hesitated thinking it is expensive. by finishing anatomy, physiology, english, speech, sociology , math, microbiology, music, history and ETC... as a full time student not workin.. took me almost 3 years.NURSING PROGRAM IS ANOTHER THING.... i lost $45000 to $60000 annually. I used to work double job. My perception is that If I already have this commitment of being a fulltime student WHY DID I HESITATE OF GOING TO WCU WHEN I COULD FINISH LESS THAN 10 MONTHS AND BE DONE WITH THE PROGRAM LESS 2YEARS. Big mistake on my part.. BUt anyway I am here... almost done and doing whatever I can to finish. I am satisfied because I know I going somewhere. where I know in few months more I will be graduating. I dunno. you guys have the same experience like I did. but I am just sharing MY EXPERIENCE WITH COM. COLLEGE. Yes, you will be able to deduct the $30,000 on prerequisite but is it worth it on taking it for 2yrs when you lost already 40,000/ annual???

kithzeez · Apr 7, 2008

One thing more I want to add about getting sick... I said that 3 weeks is long enough and will save from not failing. BUT if you have been sick for a month... I think you are more focus on taking care of yourself than worry about another thousand of dollar you are going to spend. And if you were sick for a month, it is best to rest for another month to recuperate. don't you think.? then move on again for another term. It is suck you have to pay $9000. that is there protocol. I am against it too. but it is better to rest if you know that you are very sick because this is a very stressful schooling.. EUSTRESS I MAY SAY :)

allaboutthefamily · Apr 7, 2008

Very good points, I myself got really lucky (blessed) on the CC front. Never had a problem but I know many that have, so you have a valid point.

LVN_LosAngeles · Apr 9, 2008

Hi all,

Thanks for all the advises given about WCU. I really found them helpful. I'm going to be tested on Hesi today. I'm taking the LVN-RN route....How much $ have you guys gotten from Financial Aid so far? The negative thing about my situation is my Sociology/ Speech and possibly Math will have to be retake. Not so sure. I passed my math course with the challenge that i took at Pasadena CIty College for my AA/AS. Hopefully they'll accept that. I reallly hate Math heheh. For those that have already taken HESI, can you please tell me your experience? Was it really hard? HOw do they determine your passing score? I was told that 70% of the test is English and the remaining will be Math, with 25 questions being Anatomy/Physiology. THey gave me a Prep booklet that I"ve been studying from...is it pretty much similar types of questions in term of level difficulty? Please advise...i got 3 more hours to go.

On THursday, will be orientation day, I'll b joining the orientation with the Dean, i suppose. I have yet to sign my life to WCU though hehehe...very nervous at this point. Hoping that I'm committing to the right step here. $32 K is not a joke...at least not to me.

LVN_LosAngeles · Apr 9, 2008

Hi guys,

.

I know that many of you are struggling w/ jobs and money. I just want to suggest those that are having financial crisis..you can look into working as interpreter from home. I'm currently working from home for my job..so that is a big help when school starts..assuming that my company is willing to be flexible and work around my school schedule. I still haven't bring that up to them yet. If any of your are interested, check out Languageline.com or Cyracom.com and PacificINterpreters.com. Google search and apply with them. It will be contractor base type of job...meaning you'll file tax the end of the year. But it will be very good for FT students like myself. Let me know if you guys have questions k. I'll answer as best as I know how.

kithzeez · Apr 9, 2008

Hi all,
Thanks for all the advises given about WCU. I really found them helpful. I'm going to be tested on Hesi today. I'm taking the LVN-RN route....How much $ have you guys gotten from Financial Aid so far? The negative thing about my situation is my Sociology/ Speech and possibly Math will have to be retake. Not so sure. I passed my math course with the challenge that i took at Pasadena CIty College for my AA/AS. Hopefully they'll accept that. I reallly hate Math heheh. For those that have already taken HESI, can you please tell me your experience? Was it really hard? HOw do they determine your passing score? I was told that 70% of the test is English and the remaining will be Math, with 25 questions being Anatomy/Physiology. THey gave me a Prep booklet that I"ve been studying from...is it pretty much similar types of questions in term of level difficulty? Please advise...i got 3 more hours to go.
On THursday, will be orientation day, I'll b joining the orientation with the Dean, i suppose. I have yet to sign my life to WCU though hehehe...very nervous at this point. Hoping that I'm committing to the right step here. $32 K is not a joke...at least not to me.

I am sure you will do fine with the HESI. testing of the percentage result in Hesi is very hard to understand. I myself cannot comprehend it.

If you are going to take it the 3 subject. you can actually as to take it at one term only. since it is not a major science course. that will save you some time and money too. But you really have to be persistent and make sure the schedule coincides with each other. Usually math/sociology and psychology goes in one term.. you can switch the psychology to speech which is the one you need.

sorry fo the late reply...

:)

ivfhelp · Apr 16, 2008

Is anyone doing ONLINE CLASSES at WCU? I'd like to hear feedback. Thanks!

SoCalNursingStudent · Jan 8, 2009

Hi Kit,

I was wondering if you knew anthing about the straight BSN program? I heard from a few of the posts that WCU was not regionally accredited. Do you know what they mean by this? I will be starting WCU Feb 2nd 2009/ ontario ca and want to be sure i can use the degree from WCU to further my education to MSN. Thanks for your reply in advance.

Lan