Applying for nursing school is an important step on your future career path. The top nursing schools are very competitive, and many of them have admissions guidelines that can take weeks for you to finalize. Starting early and paying attention to detail are great ways to increase your chances of success. Remember, though, that each nursing school has its own admissions requirements and application process, so there is no more important step than carefully reading each school’s admissions list and prioritizing them according to date.
Step One) Make a list of potential nursing schools. Here is where organization will become your best friend. List the prerequisites for each one as well as the dates at which the admissions packet needs to be completed and turned in. You might also want to rank the nursing schools according to your ideal outcome or dream schools.
Step Two) Make sure you have all the prerequisites completed. All nursing schools will require at least a high school diploma (or GED) and a minimum GPA, as well as a few science and math classes or possibly even some college-level coursework. University-level programs, such as a Bachelor’s degree in nursing, might even require an SAT score. Don’t apply for programs that you will automatically be disqualified for—it is a waste of both your time and your money.
Step Three) Take any necessary tests. Although cramming in a last-minute SAT probably isn’t a good idea, the nursing schools you apply for might have admissions tests (this is common with community colleges). You will need to take and pass them in order to be admitted to the school, and there is typically a test cost associated with it, as well.
Step Four) Get several copies of your high school transcripts, your SAT scores, and any other paperwork needed for nursing school admissions. Having these on hand will make things go a lot easier.
Step Five) Ask for a letter of recommendation. Although this isn’t listed as a requirement on each nursing school application, a personalized letter can make the difference in a highly competitive program.
Step Six) Write your personal essay. Most nursing schools require some sort of entrance essay in which you outline your history, your goals, and your qualifications for the program. Have someone else read it before you send it in to look for errors.
Additional Considerations
Some nursing schools require additional steps, including background checks and admissions fees. The fees can run anywhere from $20 to $200, and you may be asked to pay for your own background check, so be sure you know what to expect from the number of schools you’re applying to. Other issues, like applying for financial aid or meeting core curriculum classes can also impact the outcome of your application.
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Preparing for Nursing in High School
Hello, I came upon your website when I was searching the web.
I’m a college graduate (2007) and have an English and Studio Art degree. i was always interested in the medical field, but was scared it wasn’t for me. after 4 years, I want to study again and become an NP but have no idea where to start and am worrying I’m too old (28years old). I would like to ask for you help. thank you
@Hannah: You’re not too old! I would recommend looking into “Accelerated BSN” programs, which are specifically designed for people who already have a Bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field. You’ll probably have to take some prerequisite science courses, but with the accelerated programs, you can get a second BS in nursing in 1-2 years (depending on the program). Some examples of nursing schools that have accelerated programs you might want to check out are Johns Hopkins, NYU, OHSU, and UW. Good luck!