CSULB or IVC for Nursing

I got accepted to CSULB for Business. Since applying, I have decided that I want to pursue nursing instead and am fairly certain that it is what I want to stick with.

I know that pre-nursing is very impacted at CSULB. Will it be possible to switch my major to pre-nursing even though it is in a different school than business? Also, I know the competition into the nursing program from the pre-nursing program is very stiff. What is the probability of getting in (as in, how many applicants and how many spots are available)? I would not want to attend CSULB and be stuck with a major I do not want either because I couldn’t switch or I didn’t get into the nursing program.

My other option would be to go to a cc and then transfer. This is an attractive idea because then I can apply to multiple schools for nursing and have options, where at CSULB, I would be stuck with a different major if I did not get into their nursing program.

I don’t know if this information matters, but my GPA is 3.6 and my SAT score is 1880.

So my questions are:

  1. Is it possible to change my major from business to nursing right away or even at all?
  2. Even if I was able to change my major, how difficult will it be to get into the nursing program when my pre recs are done?
  3. Cost aside, which option would you choose?

As a in-coming Freshman not admitted to the Pre-nursing major, you will only be able to apply once you have completed the requirements listed below. I would double check this with admissions, but based on your GPA and SAT, will probably not possible right now. I you meet the requirements below then you have a chance in 2 years. I would consider the CC route, where you could work on getting a great GPA and do some volunteer or shadowing to make sure you really are committed to this major.

To be considered for admission to the major, applicants must demonstrate the following. Applicants must submit a separate program application to the School of Nursing. In reviewing applications, a personal profile is developed for each applicant based on GPA in pre–requisite courses and the General Assessment Test. The largest weight in the profile is derived from the pre–requisite science courses GPA, with typical courses being 3.25 or higher and no grades below “C.” Applicants with the highest profile scores are selected for admission. The number of applicants who can be admitted is limited by space availability. It is anticipated that about 72 students will be admitted each fall and spring from hundreds of applications.

Minimum Cumulative GPA: 3.0

Minimum lower division preparation (grade of C or better required):

Major preparation courses:
Human Anatomy Lecture and Lab – 4 semester units minimum (BIOL 208 – Human Anatomy)
Human Physiology Lecture and Lab – 4 semester units minimum (BIOL 207 – Human Physiology)
Microbiology Lecture and Lab – 4 semester units minimum (MICR 200 – General Microbiology for Health Professionals)
Integrated Chemistry Lecture and Lab – 5 semester units minimum (CHEM 140 – General, Organic, and Biochemistry)
STAT 108 – Statistics for Everyday Life
Required General Education courses not covered by major preparation courses:
Written Communication
Oral Communication
Critical Thinking
Applicants must complete a General Assessment Test given by the School of Nursing.