Now that I am done with the college application process I struggle with choosing where to go.
I was waitlisted to 2 out of state privates and accepted to 1, I was accepted to 1 instate private, 4 CSU’s, and I applied to UCI and UCLA (UCI accepted and UCLA rejected).
With that said, I applied as a nursing major to all of those schools. As of now, I am not considering a private because I would prefer the public school atmosphere. That leaves CSUs and UCI as my list to choose from.
The CSUs that I applied to accepted me as a prenursing major. Because of that I would have to apply to the actual nursing program after my first year. I am aware that I would have to have a high GPA in order to be accepted.
On the other hand, I applied to UCI as a nursing science major but was accepted for biological sciences. I was also selected to become a member of their Honors program. However, if I am to choose UCI I would major in biological sciences and go on to apply to PA school and pursue a career as a Physicians assistant.
I am so confused as to where to go. It all comes down with having to choose between CSUF/CSUC where I would be a prenursing major and have to risk not getting accepted to the nursing program when I apply, or UCI where I would major in bio sciences and pursue a career as a PA and risk not getting accepted into a PA program.
I would really appreciate any advice you guys have to offer!
Competition to get into either Nursing or PA school will be high. I would pick the school where you have the best chance of succeeding academically and where you will have access to any major related internships/volunteer and research opportunities. UCI’s Honors program has some great advantages such as priority registration, one on one academic advising and the chance for research/internships. Sounds like a great program for whatever path you choose if all schools are affordable.
I’d say that if it turns out you’re not the kind of person who can earn the grades get into the nursing program, then you wouldn’t have been admitted to a PA program had you tried that path instead.
Have you been volunteering or working in a health-care setting? It is preferred by nursing schools that you do so, some actually require it. Most PA schools require it. If you don’t have experience yet then your current decision is pretty speculative as to what the right path is.
One thing you should do now is look at the requirements for PA schools as well as those 2 nursing schools to make sure you understand what they’ll be looking for when it comes time to apply.
Thank you for your advice! Turns out CSUF accepted me as a direct entry nursing major and I won’t have to reapply to the nursing program (I would just have to maintain a 3.0+ GPA)! I did, however, spark an interest in UCI, its honors program, and the PA path. Now I just have to make up my mind on what career path I am truly passionate about (either a PA or Nurse practitioner). Good thing I have a month before the enrollment deadline to both universities!
I was also offered a place in CSUF’s Honors program but I missed the application deadline because I was so caught up in AP classes and senior year 
I will have to look into it and see if they accept applicants for the next school year because I would really like to join!