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How to Apply to Nursing School

No matter where you apply to nursing school, there’s going to be student competition. That’s why it’s important to find ways to make yourself stand out from the crowd. We have some tips and tricks to help you submit the most competitive application possible.

But before we get into your nursing school application, be aware that every nursing program has different admissions requirements. Make sure you’re eligible before you apply. For instance, many accelerated nursing programs require their applicants to have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree and a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0.

If you’re not quite at a 3.0, there are still ways of getting into nursing school with a low GPA. Some schools believe in taking a holistic approach to student selection. For the right applicant, they’re willing to accept a GPA of 2.7.

Application Advice

While their admissions requirements differ, nursing schools require their applicants to submit many of the same documents as part of the enrollment process, such as official academic transcripts, recommendation letters, a current resume, and a goal statement.

Academic Transcripts

While you don’t need your official academic transcripts to begin the nursing school admissions process, you will need them to submit your application. So reach out to the college(s) you previously attended and request these official documents sooner rather than later.

Recommendation Letters

Nursing schools want your recommendation letters to come from academic and professional references. Make it a point to contact your references well ahead of the application deadline, telling them when you need these letters completed.

Current Resume

When writing your resume, be sure to include any skills, experiences and certifications that will position you as a standout student. Also, consider the qualities of a great nurse and find ways to showcase these traits as you describe your personal and professional experiences.

Goal Statement

A goal statement, or letter of intent, gives nursing schools a better sense of who you are as a person. They want to know why you want to become a nurse and what makes you a good fit for their nursing program. When writing your statement, make sure you keep your thoughts organized and what you’re sharing is memorable.

Now that you know how to apply to nursing school, you need to know when to apply to nursing school. Complete our online form to have an admissions representative contact you about setting your education in motion.

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