Compare, compare, compare

Check out more than one college to find the best fit.

Think about what your needs are. Things to consider:

	Maybe you need to take evening classes because you work during the day
	Maybe it’s important to stay close to home
	Maybe you want to start at a community college and transfer to a 4 year school

What else can you think of?

Make a list of what’s important to you. Compare the list and how each school meets those needs.

Most colleges have web sites that you can visit. Call the admissions office and ask for a brochure and catalog to get more information.

Learn the meaning of certain words

Colleges’ have a language all their own. Use our glossary to help you.

Understanding what certain word or phrases mean and the types of programs available at each college will make planning easier.

Make sure you know the difference between the types of colleges and degree options:

Associate’s Degree
Bachelor’s Degree
Master’s Degree

Set your goal.

It is important that you are clear about your educational goals and expectations.

In this case, setting a goal mean making a decision about the type of degree you’re going earn.

There are three educational pathways to nursing: Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN), Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN). It’s best if you understand the different types of degree options (associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree) before you choose a college.

Associate’s Degree
Bachelor’s Degree
Master’s Degree

See the campus for yourself.

Be careful about choosing a school because your friends are going there.

Don’t base your decision on the information provided in brochures or the web sites.

Consider visiting the campus. Contact the admissions office. They can help you set up an appointment to visit the school. They can also tell you about open house dates.

A visit to the campus will allow you to check out:

	The size of the campus
	The environment,
	The surrounding community.

During the visit you can:

	Ask students and faculty about campus-life and what they like about the college
	Ask students about their educational experience.
	Eat in the cafeteria
	Check out the dorms, library, career center, labs, etc.
	Investigate what a typical day is like

The school you select should be one where you feel comfortable.

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Consider Size, Diversity and Activities.

Find out about the size of the student body.

	The number of students in the program
	The diversity of the student population and
	The type of student activities and cultural events the school offers.

Being at college allows you to meet interesting and different people and to do new things.
Think about the type of students you want to be spend time with.

Remember, a larger school could also mean larger class sizes.

Think about how size will affect your ability to spend time with the faculty. Size also affects the available resources and the chance to build relationships. The size of the school can also affect how well you do in the program. Larger schools often have more support services for students- like counselors, scholarships and computer labs.

Find out about academic assistance programs

Many schools offer programs to help you with your class work.

These services are designed to improve your skills in reading, math, test taking, and studying. Some schools offer tutoring and mentoring programs.

Consider whether these types of services could benefit your educational performance.

Make plans for financing your education

College can be expensive. Never count a school out because of cost.

To help you afford a college education you can apply for:

	Loans
	Grants
	Scholarships
	Work-study programs

The financial aid office can help you figure out ways to pay for school.

The best thing to do is establish a plan to pay for school. You do not want to have to change schools due to money issues.

Check our links to financial aid sources for more information.

Decide where you want to go to school

	Do you want to go to school close to home?
	Do you want to go to school where the weather is warm?
	Do you want to be near the ocean, mountains?
	Do you want to go to school in a big city or rural community?

There are a wide variety of nursing programs available in California.

Explore all of your options before you make a decision. The school that you decide on should be the one you like and that meets your needs.