West Coast University vs. Saddleback Jr. College

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Greetings,

I have been reading the boards for sometime and this is my first post. I was able to find a lot of information on both of these programs. I went to an information session at West Coast last Friday. I was not overly impressed with the admissions rep - but understand that it is very much a trade school and had that feel to me.

My situation is as follows - I am 41 years old, little prior college experience. I have 12 units from Saddleback College and am currently enrolled in 7 units.

I am a Mom and wife. I will have two children at home in the fall - a 7th grader and 10th grader.

The economy, like many has hurt us.

I see that they are approved by the RN board in California. My questions are as follows and thank you in advance for any time and consideration:

1. How long does a school hold onto that approval? Meaning the RN board approved it - what if I am enrolled and they "change" their minds? That is a concern.

2. Does going to school there impact my chances of getting into an new graduate RN program at one of our local hospitals where the competition seems to already be fierce?

I have read some pretty harsh things regarding West Coast and know it is expensive. Any other feedback is welcomed and encouraged. I am very worried about getting all A's in my core classes to get into Saddleback's impacted program - as well as waiting 4-5 years before being able to work.

Thanks so much!

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Bumping up - still looking/hoping for some feedback :)

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I heard westcoast costs around 60K. Id rather pay that at LLU/UCSD/ UCLA/ or USC.

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Kathleen - if West Coast cost 60,000 it would be more feasible..it is 116,000 for the BSN RN at this time. I took my HESI exam on Friday and meet with financial aid on Monday.

I believe they charge that much, well, because they can. Since I posted this I have done more research and it does appear local hospitals hire West Coast grads into their new RN programs as feedback from the HR people in the hospitals.

I would prefer to pay that for UCLA as well but it is not an option. I do not have the background at 41 to get into UCLA/USC nor could I commute to those schools. I have two children, 15 and 12 that will be at home still during my schooling.

I am not sure I can pull the 4.0 to get into Saddleback's nursing program. I have a 3.5 right now. Not good enough.

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Specializes in TELEMETRY.

I have wasted about 7 years trying to get into the community college system for my ASN. I finally decided to go to WCU-LA and will be done in October 2009. I talked to a counselor at Cal state Fullerton and they will take the credits from WCU for my ADN to MSN degree. Yes its expensive but there are positives to it its a no BS way of getting in and out. I have many friend who had straight A's and some with B's and they are having trouble getting into a RN program. If you want to save money then wait but if you think about it you are wasting time and money by not finishing your RN faster. GOOD luck!

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hey.. I'm starting my classes this summer at West Coast LA campus, how is the school? I really want to go there but its the $100,000 thats making me have second thoughts. How hard are the classes.. i have a 3.0 GPA and im scared its gonna be really hard since im going for the BSN program and its 3 years instead of 4 like every other school.

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I am applying for Saddleback's spring 2010 program in June. I have A's in all prereqs except a B in micro. I also have a 3.7 in my last 12 units. Do you think I'll be competitive or do you really have to have all A's?

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I am applying for Saddleback's spring 2010 program in June. I have A's in all prereqs except a B in micro. I also have a 3.7 in my last 12 units. Do you think I'll be competitive or do you really have to have all A's?

Hey scns1733,

Did you get into Saddleback? I have the same grades as you (2 A's and 1 B) in my prereqs. My gpa is a 3.9. Based on Saddleback's point system (since they no longer have a wait list) that gives me 15 points. I called the school's nursing department and they said the people that get in right away have 16-18 points...and that I "might be able to squeak in" with my 15. I got so bummed...get 1 B and you're screwed! So, I'm assuming you had 15 pts too.

Thanks!!!

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I'm not sure if I'm in yet. Supposedly they are sending letters out sometime before Sept. 15th so they should be coming soon. I know it is a bummer how competitive nursing school admission is. I just want to be a nurse, why is it so hard!!

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I'm not sure if I'm in yet. Supposedly they are sending letters out sometime before Sept. 15th so they should be coming soon. I know it is a bummer how competitive nursing school admission is. I just want to be a nurse, why is it so hard!!

Thanks for writing back!!! Please keep us posted... I plan on applying for the Fall 2010 program in February!

I agree...nursing school is sooo competitive...I feel like a big loser b/c I have 1 B. What?!?!?

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Hey there...

Did you get into Saddleback? I'm anxious to hear the outcome since it sounds like we have similar grades. I'm hoping you did!! :)

Thanks!

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Specializes in Emergency Department.

I have applied to Saddleback the last three semesters and didn't make the lottery cut. I have 2 Cs and a B in the sciences. I was told to repeat physiology (since I took combo A&P w/cadaver in another state) and get an A if I wanted to be competitive but repeating that class dings me on the applications for all the other ADN programs out there. Overall I have about a 3.5 but because of that combo class I'm screwed too.

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