Hello! I’m advising a student who is interested in becoming a nurse and is a current LA resident. His grades and SATs are fine but not spectacular (3.75 GPA, ~1050 SAT), and he’s mostly looking at CSUs. Does anyone have any experience pursuing nursing at any CSUs? I’m looking for general information about nursing programs and differences in programs between campuses.
He’s also applying to UCLA/UCI for their direct admit nursing programs, but I think these are long shots and I’m trying to gather information on some safer schools. Any thoughts/opinions/information is great! Thanks
I recently toured CSU Fullerton and my tour guide shared that the nursing program is extremely competitive; they received over 5000 applicants. I can’t recall the exact number that they accepted but I know that it is less than 100. Similarly at San Diego State, my tour guide shared that the acceptance rate is less than 15%.
I did a summer health program at UCI and the dean of the school of nursing spoke with us. She talked about how competitive it is to get in and she gave us the statistics but I can’t remember what she said. I remember she did talk about looking at students who are passionate about healthcare and have made an effort to help others and gain medical experience within their community.
Sorry this isn’t too specific! Hopefully it helps (:
If the student’s CSU GPA is 3.75 and SAT score of 1050, California Nursing schools especially direct admits are not possible. The Cal states admit based on Eligibility index and major. EI= (CSU GPA x800) + (SAT Math + EBRW) so their EI is 4050. For Direct admit programs like SDSU and CSU Fullerton, he will need an EI of 4500+.
All Cal State Nursing programs even the 2+2’s are impacted so he should consider applying to some of the less competitive campuses such as Channel Islands, Bakersfield, Dominguez Hills, Stanislaus. The 2+2 programs are still very competitive since there is no guarantee that once you finish the pre-req courses, you will be able to get admitted into the Nursing program.
UCI/UCLA have around 3-5% acceptance rates so I really do no think it is worth the application fees.
UCI Nursing stats:
Fall 2018 freshman applicants: 2,887
Perhaps check out Golden West College as well. I believe they have an Associates program where you can earn your RN. Then you can circle back for a BSN (your employer might pay for it?). Saves some time and money (as I understand it).
Thanks for the tips! I knew direct admit programs were a long shot, but I was not aware it would be that tough. The backup schools and other options are really helpful!
