How to Get Accepted into Nursing School

So many people have asked me how to get into nursing school. While every nursing school has different requirements, there are some standards things that all schools look at. So, if you're interested in getting into that nursing school of your dreams so you can get started on your career, you've got some work to do!

Don't Slack in Your Pre-Reqs

This is a mistake that I see very often. There are times in college when we all just want to relax and have a good time. But college is also a serious time. It is meant to prepare us for our careers - what we will be doing for the rest of our lives! Check out the pre-reqs that the nursing program requires, and make sure you do top-notch work in those classes. The other classes are important as well, but a 'C' in Interpretive Dance probably won't hurt you as much as a 'C' in A&P I and II.

Another thing I am seeing more frequently are multiple repeats of prerequisite courses. While the last grade you receive is the one used in calculating your GPA, repeats of courses can be an ominous sign. Nursing school slots are very limited, so applicants who are the cream of the crop will be chosen. Usually, those who have most or all of their prerequisite courses with a high GPA will be chosen.

Send in Your Application on Time...Or EARLY!

Nothing makes someone look less professional than being late. The same thing goes with the application. There are deadlines for applications for a reason. Those on the Admissions Committee must sift through literally hundreds (maybe even thousands) of applications each year. Nothing makes you stand out in a bad light than turning in the application after the deadline. The application is marked as having been turned in late, and those who submitted prior to the deadline will be chosen first. While some schools allow late application submissions, the chance of being accepted will be even greater if the app is turned in early.

Do Well on the Admission Exam

Admission Exam?!?! Who said anything about THAT? Not all nursing schools have an admission exam. However, they are proving to be more and more predictive of student success. Schools are looking for students who will be successful in their programs. Why, you ask? Many people think that colleges and universities only want students' money. That is far from the case. While colleges and universities definitely need money to stay afloat, student success is in everyone's sight. That being said, some basic knowledge is needed in order to do well in nursing school. If a nursing program requires an admission exam, it usually contains English, Math, Science, and Critical Thinking components. If the exam has a study book available, it is advisable to get it. You may be able to borrow it from your local library or even the library at the college. Or, if you are applying with a lot of your friends, you might all chip in together to buy one book. This will save you some much-needed money - nursing school is expensive!

Complete Your Application Completely, Legibly, and Professionally

You may not believe this, but I have seen some applications that looked as though a 3rd grader wrote them. There were misspelled words, missing information, and the handwriting was barely legible. Not only does this cast you in a bad light, it might be a part of the nursing program's admissions policy to place those applications on the wait list. Make sure to put your best foot forward. Your application is usually your first impression with the nursing school. Sometimes, the only thing the admissions committee sees is your application, if there is no interview process.

Attend an Advising Session

If the nursing school requires it, you must attend an advising session. The program may have you come to meet with an advisor one-on-one, or it may have you come in for a group session to learn about the program. During this session, dress comfortably but professionally. Arrive early. Call ahead for directions, parking tips, and walking distance. I say this from experience. I have had several students come in late for an advising session because they arrived to campus on time but didn't realize they had to walk a mile in from the parking lot. They came in, didn't have any time to prepare, and appeared distressed. Take your time. If you arrive too early, go to the restroom and make sure you still look presentable. You are likely meeting with a future faculty member if you make it in!

Make a Good Impression in your Interview

Some schools require you to participate in an interview. It is important to present your best, professional self during this process. Dress appropriately (ask if you are not told what the dress should be; if all else fails, dress in business attire), and work in front of a mirror prior to the interview to ensure you maintain composure. If you were asked to bring any documents with you to the interview, make sure the documents are crisp and clean. Carry them in a manila folder or envelope - do not fold them. You may elect to carry them folder or envelope in a business case or bag. This shows your organization. Arrive several minutes early (but do not show up too early). If the school has a secretary, introduce yourself and tell him or her you there for an interview with (name). When you enter the interviewer's office, introduce yourself with a firm handshake, stating your first and last name. Speak loudly enough to be heard, but not so loud that it is uncomfortable for you or the interviewer. Respond to questions with thoughtful answers and make eye contact with your interviewer when you are talking. Do not be afraid of letting a little silence fall between the question and your answer. Many interviewers appreciate interviewees taking a little bit of time to think about their answers. This shows thoughtful contemplation. Have a few questions handy you would like to ask about the program, but make sure it shows you have done your research. Once the interview is over, thank the interviewer for his or her time, and give another firm handshake. Tell the secretary goodbye and thank him or her for helping you. Exit the building with efficiency (don't run out, but don't dawdle around, either). Some people opt to send a thank you note to the interviewer (either a paper note or email). If you do decide to do this, make sure the thank you is succinct and professional. Do not repeatedly call, write, or email asking for a decision. You will only slow the process down and you will show an unprofessional side to the admissions committee.

Good luck to all of you out there who are desperately trying to get into nursing school. I have one more bit of advice: try to get as many pre-reqs out of the way as possible before starting nursing school. Once you are in nursing school, your life is pretty much consumed. So many students who are taking outside courses struggle because the weight of nursing school is so heavy. Compound that with a job, a spouse, kids, and other duties, and you are a ticking time bomb. So do yourself a favor and get those pre-reqs out of the way. I promise you'll thank me!