Good discussion. Fortunately when my D began her journey to find the right BSN program our friends had gone through much research already for their now freshman D nursing student. They informed us about the direct entry approach and that’s where we’re headed. We agree that progression requirements for direct programs must be considered. D just received a pamphlet from OSU describing how difficult it is to be admitted to Nursing program. It reports that the typical student completes the pre-requisites with a 3.7 GPA.
However, the direct entry approach for other majors isn’t always preferred. Our older D is enjoying her first year at an engineering program that doesn’t directly admit anyone. The first year students experience all disciplines their first year before deciding on and transitioning to major. Roughly 90% of students with a 2.7 GPA successfully transition to major which is very doable.