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Extended Learning

ABSN FAQs

Thank you for your interest in our ABSN program. Please also review our ABSN Admissions Guide webpage for step by step instructions.

We kindly ask that you do not reach out with questions regarding course equivalencies or requesting pre-admission  advising. Due to the number of inquiries that we receive, we are unable to review students for eligibility without an application. Thank you for understanding. 

Admission: General Information 

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Admission: Points & GPA

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Application

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  • When does the program begin?

    At this time, the ABSN program accepts two cohorts (60 students) to our San Marcos location in the fall (August) and spring (January) and one cohort (60 students) in Temecula each summer (June).

    Please note that students can expect to attend classes/labs at both campuses (Temecula and San Marcos), regardless of which location they were admitted to.   Deadlines and application links  

  • Do I need to send all transcripts?
    Yes. We need a full academic record, including AP scores. Applications are not considered complete until all transcripts are received. Incomplete applications are not reviewed. All transcripts should arrive by the deadline. Please plan accordingly.  
  • Do I need to send AP scores?
    If any pre-nursing core will be met with AP tests, we will need AP scores.  Please plan accordingly, as AP scores can take several months to be sent, received, and processed. Students are encouraged to attach unofficial AP scores to the application. ABSN students can use AP scores to meet the following areas: Written Communication (A2), Statistics, and Introduction to Psychology. Minimum score of 3 is required in order to receive credit. 
  • Where do I send my transcripts/AP scores?

    Official transcripts should be sent to CSU San Marcos.  

    We accept transcripts through Parchment.  

    Electronic transcripts can be sent to transcripts@csusm.edu 

    Hard copy transcripts can be sent to 333 S. Twin Oaks Valley Rd. San Marcos, CA 92096. 

     Additional transcript information 


Admission Decisions & Process

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  • When will I be notified if I’ve been accepted?

    Dates may vary each term, but our projected 2025-2026 dates are listed below: 

    Notification by Semester
    Notification Spring 2026 Summer 2026 Fall 2026
    Admissions Notifications Sent Sept. 23, 2025 - Sept. 25, 2025 Feb. 3, 2026 -  Feb. 5, 2026 April 7, 2026 -  April 9, 2026

    We also invite you to review the Admissions Guide 

  • I didn’t receive an offer of admission or denial, what does this mean?
    Please refer to your Student Center at my.csusm.edu, if your application status reads “Evaluated”, you are in admission consideration for 1 calendar year from application submission. You will not receive any communication unless admitted to the program. Please understand we are not able to provide individual feedback on your application status or ranking.  
  • Why was I denied admission?
    We use a points system to make admissions decisions. Students who don’t meet all requirements and/or don’t have competitive points are denied admission. Denied students are encouraged to review our requirements and points breakdown.  
  • I received a denial email, what are my next steps?
    • If you applied and had pre-nursing coursework in progress or missing, you need to re-apply once all pre-nursing coursework has been completed.

    • If you applied and had a TEAS score below 71%, reapply once you have received a 71% or higher score.

    • Review the ABSN statistics. If your self-assessed points are not competitive (close to the averages), consider retaking pre-nursing coursework and/or TEAS and then reapply for another term 
  • Can I meet with an Advisor to review my application and points?
    No. Due to the number of inquiries and applications that we receive, we are unable to meet with one-on-one with denied students.  
  • Can I re-apply?
    Yes, students are welcome to re-apply. However, we encourage students to re-apply once they have taken the proper steps to make themselves more competitive.  
  • How can I make myself more competitive?

    We use a points system to make admission decisions.  Our point breakdown  

    Review the ABSN statistics. If your self-assessed points are not competitive (close to the averages), consider retaking pre-nursing coursework and/or TEAS and then reapply for another term 

    Factors outside of the criteria listed on the points breakdown document (last 60 GPA, pre-nursing core GPA, and TEAS score) are not considered.  

  • Can I appeal?
    If you believe that a mistake has been made and you would like to appeal our admission decision, please review the information and steps on our website. 

Student Experience

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  • How long is the program?
    The program is 5 consecutive semesters. The course sequence can be found on our website 
  • What is a cohort?
    A cohort is a group of students who work through a curriculum together to achieve the same academic degree. Because they are accepted into the same program, take their classes together and graduate together, students in cohorts tend to form a strong support system and professional network that benefits them during their degree program and beyond. 
  • What does a typical day look like for an ABSN student?
    This is a daytime, full-time, in-person program. Lectures/classes will be held 1-2 days a week. There is no set class schedule, it will look different each semester. Students can expect to attend classes/labs at both campuses (Temecula and San Marcos), regardless of which location they were admitted to. The schedule for clinical rotations will vary by student and it will look different each term.   
  • What is the schedule and locations for clinicals?
    The schedule for clinical rotations will vary. They can take place in the mornings or late at night. Clinicals can be anywhere from Chula Vista to Riverside. This program is full-time commitment.  
  • May I continue to work during the program?
    We do not recommend working during the program, but we understand that you may need to. Please make sure that your work is flexible as your school schedule will be set each semester. The Accelerated BSN is a full-time program and will require a major commitment of time to complete. You will be required to complete 67 semester units of study within the five-academic-term program. Approximately 22 units of the program consist of clinical study, which begins as early as 7:00 a.m. or extends as late as 11:00 p.m. Prospective students should take into consideration the demanding nature of this program prior to submitting an application for admission. Clinical rotations may vary by day and time each month; therefore, you should not plan on working while enrolled in this program. 
  • Are there any classes that need to be completed outside of the program?

    You are required to fulfill the following BRN specific courses by the end of the third semester in the program. Some may have been done as part of your first degree. For a list of articulated courses at other institutions, visit the Assist Website. For courses taken out-of-state, please consult your Extended Learning academic advisor. 

    • Social Science 
    • Behavioral Science (must be in Psychology department) 

     

  • What services for you offer to active military, veterans and dependents?
    Please visit our military and veteran services page to learn how we can help. 
  • What are the NCLEX pass rates?
    To view CSUSM’s passing rates for the NCLEX, please visit the California Board of Registered Nursing website and look for CSU San Marcos. 

Cost & Financial Aid 

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