<p>Based on the schools you listed, I’m going to safely assume you’re a resident of California. While UCs may have more resources than CSUs, you’re correct about the school coming second to a nursing degree and your NCLEX score in terms of importance.</p>
<p>UCLA and UCI are two of the three direct nursing programs in CA (the third being the University of San Fransisco). This means you are part of their nursing program as a freshmen if admitted. As a result, these nursing programs are very competitive to get into. CSUs on the other hand are NOT direct programs. You have to take a series of prerequisite courses before applying to their nursing programs. I would say this is easier than applying to UCLA and UCI’s nursing program, but not by much. CSULB’s fall 2010 nursing class for example had students with an average of a 3.85 science GPA and an average 3.72 GE GPA. Source: <a href=“http://www.csulb.edu/colleges/chhs/departments/nursing/docs/PoolStatsInitialFall10.pdf[/url]”>http://www.csulb.edu/colleges/chhs/departments/nursing/docs/PoolStatsInitialFall10.pdf</a> In addition, you have to take a test called “TEAS.”</p>
<p>In short, all nursing programs in California even those of Community Colleges, are heavily impacted and highly competitive. If you want to go into nursing, just be on top of your game.</p>
<p>To answer some of your questions…</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Make sure you have a fairly rigorous senior schedule. Get good grades. Don’t slack off or succumb to senioritis. Continue any volunteer experience you have, especially if they are health/medical related. And most importantly, have fun, it’s your last year as a high schooler after all!</p></li>
<li><p>I’m not sure if you have considered going to college out of state, but nevertheless, here is a list of direct nursing programs: <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/nursing-major/859704-master-list-direct-entry-nursing-programs.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/nursing-major/859704-master-list-direct-entry-nursing-programs.html</a></p></li>
<li><p>You can enter a MEPN after you get an undergraduate degree, but if you are sure on nursing, why not just get your BSN in the first place?</p></li>
<li><p>I’m not a nurse, but I’m sure there are many on this forum who would like to further advice you. :]</p></li>
<li><p>Yes, you can do that. As a would be current UCLA student, you’d changed your major to nursing once you’ve taken the appropriate classes. You’d end up with a BSN, and not a degree in psychology, if you end up following through. Source: [UCLA</a> School of Nursing](<a href=“http://www.nursing.ucla.edu/admissions/BSN/BSN_admissionrequirements.html]UCLA”>http://www.nursing.ucla.edu/admissions/BSN/BSN_admissionrequirements.html)</p></li>
</ol>
<p>I hope I helped clarify a few things for you. Good luck! =D</p>