When to apply?

You'll have to look at when each program has its application period. The CSUs have already had their university application period for the fall, but some have programs with spring programs (yes, you will apply next fall for the following fall, so apply in October and November 2015 to start August 2016). You'll have to research each program. You'll also need to make sure you meet every requirement of every program to which you are applying. Even the CSUs each have different requirements, and they have different applications and cycles for the different nursing programs (but all of the CSUs have the university applications at the same time- you'll apply to programs separately from the universities).

The only thing I can recommend is apply when you'll have the most amount of time between acceptance and starting. Specifically if you can apply in spring with pending classes for a fall start do that.

For example, I'm starting 1st semester BSN program on Jan 20. We had orientation on Nov 22. I had til Dec 15 to get a hoard of paperwork done including titers, immunizations, TB test, physical, drug test, etc in all while being in the last 3 weeks of my semester. All the first semester costs right before Christmas and now I have lab fees that have to be paid separate from tuition due in a week then tuition right after. Also the fee for ATI. Basically, I'm hemorrhaging money for nursing school right at the holidays. Even if I had financial aid available to me, it wouldn't help because it doesn't come until the semester starts.

So that's why my advice is try to apply when you have more than 6 weeks to get everything in your life together especially if that everything happens over holidays.

Edit to add : I read after that some schools have you apply in one fall to start in another fall. That wasn't my schools deal. We applied sept 15, got letters Nov 8, orientation Nov 22, paperwork due Dec 15, first day of class Jan 20.

Deadlines are really important. You have to know the details of what the program states on their website such as you can only apply when all prereqs are complete or have one left in progress. I believe you apply one year ahead yes but it really depends on the program