Which is the best school?

slward · May 13, 2009

Are you looking for LVN or RN?

I'd like to know about schools also. I am planning on enrolling (but more in Los Angeles), but haven't decided wether to do RN or LVN with a bridge. I hope you get some great responses!

From55 · May 13, 2009

I was referring to ADN programs for RN, slward.

I also applied to Cypress and SAC but got rejected from Cypress. I had some paperwork problems with SAC, which they only notified me a month ago.

May I ask which schools are you applying to?

slward · May 18, 2009

Not sure yet, still looking around. I live in Pasadena and I have a not-always-reliable car, so I need to take that into account. I'm thinking maybe Kaplan in North Hollywood for LVN (I don't think they offer RN) and a bridge program to follow. I've sought advice on these boards about that, but getting few responses.

PackersFan · May 19, 2009

55:

Congratulations! I have been accepted into Saddleback's program as well! :)

I have the same question as you. I have yet to hear from Golden West. I e-mailed their nursing department a few weeks ago and they said that we should know by the end of June...

My friend is a labor & delivery RN at Hoag Hospital. She said based on personal preferences she would choose Saddleback's program, but she admitted that she didn't really have a reason why.

Saddleback's NCLEX pass rates from the past 5 years are (along with the number of attempts):

Saddleback College9195.60%9691.67%9696.88%10599.05%12594.40%

Golden West's NCLEX pass rates are:

Golden West College8085.00%11192.79%11391.15%10390.29%12393.50%

I obtained these numbers from:

http://www.rn.ca.gov/schools/passrates.shtml

I'm almost hoping that I don't get into Golden West, because I already have anxiety about deciding which program I should do!

AOX4RN, MSN, RN, NP · May 19, 2009

55:
I have yet to hear from Golden West. I e-mailed their nursing department a few weeks ago and they said that we should know by the end of June...

Did you get a letter indicating all your transcripts and application was in order? You should've received that a couple of weeks ago. I'd love the two of you who got into Saddleback to go there and free up the spots to GWC candidates like me! haha!! I got in to Cerritos but would rather GWC over it because it's closer to me; clinical sites are just about the same so that's not an issue and both have new classroom facilities for the health sciences. I didn't get into Saddleback due to my sciences not being competitive enough to qualify for the GPA entry. My friend went to Saddleback and liked it... I'd take it or GWC but again, GWC is closer and that's what I'm most concerned with in the end. Of course, I'll take Cerritos if I don't get GWC :)

Good luck deciding!!

PackersFan · May 20, 2009

Apgar,

I did receive that letter from Golden West. I thought that it was just another rejection letter! The odds definitely aren't in my favor though. Apparently, they received over 700 applications for Fall 2009. Saddleback received around 460 applications for Fall 2009. (I am very nosy!) :)

It will be interesting to see what happens if I get into both programs...but I'm definitely ecstastic that I *FINALLY* was accepted into at least one!!

AOX4RN, MSN, RN, NP · May 20, 2009

I did receive that letter from Golden West.

I asked because you said you hadn't heard from GWC and the letter is the second step (1st being turning in the application) before the final notice (either acceptance or rejection).

Good luck :)

From55 · May 21, 2009

Thank you so much for replying guys!

The deadline for accepting or declining Saddleback is in 2 days and I haven't received news from GWC...The end of June you say? That is so far!

I am sincerely wondering which one to go to because Saddleback would mean a long commute for me (45 min each way) whereas GWC is 10 min away from me!

AAnderson, what are you going to do? Accepting Saddleback? Are you prepared for the TEAS test?

PackersFan · May 21, 2009

Apgar, I just wish GWC didn't have so many "steps!" I cried when I got the last letter, thinking that I didn't get accepted...and then I opened it and I was like "Oh...that's not so bad!" :)

From55, I currently live in Costa Mesa, but will be relocating to Seal Beach or Huntington in about a month. Saddleback will definitely be a commute for me (I lived in Long Beach and took my pre-reqs at Saddleback about 5 years ago...the commute isn't terrible.)

I've already accepted Saddleback, just because I really don't think that I'll be accepted into GWC. I have a lot of confidence in myself, I know. :)

I applied for COC in Valencia (my parents live in the area) for the Fall semester as well. I took the TEAS test there and passed it with an 82%. I ordered the study guide off of the TEAS site and took two practice tests. I drilled myself on the math portion and actually did a lot better than I thought that I would. I didn't get accepted into COC, but at least it's one less thing that I have to worry about at Saddleback. Plus, I don't have to move back home to my parents'!

When are you taking the TEAS? I signed up for June 2nd's paperwork date.

AOX4RN, MSN, RN, NP · May 21, 2009

Apgar, I just wish GWC didn't have so many "steps!"

I wish they and Saddleback were faster! Their app dates were so long ago! Cerritos got it done in a month!

I've already accepted Saddleback, just because I really don't think that I'll be accepted into GWC. I have a lot of confidence in myself, I know. :)

This is wise IMHO because you are up against a lottery vs. a sure thing @ Saddleback.

From55 · May 23, 2009

AAnderson:

I accepted Saddleback because I don't want to wait for GWC and then find out I've been rejected. So I'm taking the TEAS test on June 2nd as well as the paperwork session. I guess I'll see you there!

I am dreading the commute! But I'm happy that I finally get a start on this ! :nuke: