CCSF specific question: Is the lack of priority registration truly that bad?

I wasn’t sure where else to ask such a question so here it is.

I spoke to a counselor to discuss matters related to entering a nursing program. Reviewed the sorts of classes and one’s expectations and it was all well and dandy. However, the counselor brought up the need to have priority registration. By need, I mean it was heavily implied that I must qualify somewhere or give up. That’s concerning as I considered whether to join the army, adopt a child, or become a homeless for a chance of studying nursing. None of which are ideal.

Again, I’m not really sure where else to direct such queries but I’d love for anyone else who is/has been a student without any sort of priority registration tell me how that’s like. Doesn’t necessarily have to be a nurse. To say that it appears grim is a bit of an understatement.