How to Get Into Nursing School: Prerequisites, Exams, and Application Tips

Building a Strong Foundation Before You Apply

Securing admission to a nursing program requires careful planning and strategic preparation that often begins years before you submit your formal application. The competitive nature of nursing education means that successful candidates demonstrate excellence across multiple dimensions, from academic achievement to practical healthcare experience. Understanding what admissions committees evaluate and how to optimize each component of your profile significantly improves your chances of acceptance.

The journey begins with foundational academic work. Most nursing programs, whether Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) tracks, require applicants to demonstrate high school completion through graduation or a GED credential. This prerequisite establishes the baseline educational requirement, but the real foundation extends far beyond this minimum threshold. Selective nursing programs evaluate your complete academic trajectory, including both your high school performance and college coursework relevant to healthcare education.

High School GPA and Its Role

Your high school GPA remains an important credential throughout the application process. For ADN programs, most institutions expect a minimum GPA between 2.5 and 2.75, while BSN programs typically require at least a 3.0 GPA. However, increasingly selective schools demand higher standards. If you earned below these thresholds during high school, you can demonstrate improved academic performance through college prerequisite coursework, which many programs weight heavily in their admissions calculations.

Essential Prerequisite Courses and Requirements

Nursing programs maintain consistent prerequisite requirements across most institutions, though specific minimum grades and GPA calculations may vary. These foundational courses ensure you possess the scientific knowledge necessary for success in professional nursing coursework and clinical practice.

Core Science Prerequisites

The following courses form the backbone of nursing prerequisites:

• Biology (one year of high school or college level with minimum C grade)
• Chemistry (one year of high school or college level with minimum C grade)
• Anatomy and Physiology (full series completion required)
• Microbiology (essential for understanding infection control and disease processes)
• Mathematics (two years of college-preparatory coursework with minimum C grade)
• Statistics (increasingly required by BSN programs)

The specific grading requirements merit careful attention. While some programs accept C grades in prerequisites, calculating your “nursing GPA” based on prerequisite coursework alone, others evaluate your cumulative science GPA separately. At institutions like Indiana University’s BSN program, prerequisite grades combine into a nursing application GPA that must reach at least 3.0 for consideration. This distinction means earning a C in chemistry might satisfy the minimum requirement but could significantly impact your overall competitiveness if your other science courses are stronger.

Timing Your Prerequisite Completion

Strategic planning around prerequisite completion timing can enhance your application strength. Many programs require completion of all prerequisites by specific deadlines. For example, some nursing programs mandate that you finish the complete anatomy and physiology series by the end of the fall term before your program start date. Planning your course schedule to align with these deadlines while maintaining strong grades requires advance coordination with academic advisors.

Standardized Testing and Entrance Examinations

Nearly all nursing programs incorporate standardized entrance exams into their admissions process. These assessments evaluate your readiness for graduate-level nursing education and provide schools with comparable data across diverse applicant populations.

Common Entrance Examinations

The two most widely required exams are the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) and HESI A2, with most programs accepting scores from either exam. These assessments typically cover four content areas:

• Reading and comprehension skills
• Mathematics proficiency
• Science knowledge (biology, chemistry, anatomy, physiology)
• English and language usage

Preparing strategically for these exams significantly impacts your scores and application competitiveness. Most successful candidates begin preparation 6-8 weeks before their test date, utilizing official practice materials, study guides, and diagnostic exams to identify knowledge gaps. Unlike undergraduate prerequisites where individual grades matter, entrance exam performance is often evaluated as a single composite score, meaning strong performance here can compensate for slightly lower prerequisite grades.

Developing Healthcare Experience and Volunteer Work

Admissions committees seek evidence that you understand the nursing profession and possess genuine commitment to healthcare work. Practical experience demonstrates your motivation while providing insight into whether you’re suited for nursing’s demands.

Building Your Healthcare Resume

Competitive candidates typically cultivate healthcare experience through multiple pathways:

• Volunteer roles in hospital or clinical settings, preferably involving direct patient interaction
• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification and employment
• Medical assistant positions or phlebotomy technician roles
• Patient care attendant work in long-term care facilities
• Emergency medical technician (EMT) or paramedic credentials
• Military healthcare experience or service in healthcare-related roles

The depth of your experience matters more than the duration. Admissions committees evaluate what you learned from your work and how it shaped your understanding of nursing. An application highlighting 200 hours of meaningful volunteer work where you articulate specific lessons about patient care, teamwork, and professional challenges proves more compelling than listing 1,000 hours of administrative tasks. When describing your healthcare experience in essays or interviews, emphasize moments where you recognized why nursing aligns with your values and strengths.

Understanding Program-Specific Requirements and Variations

While core prerequisites remain consistent across most nursing programs, individual institutions impose additional requirements or modifications based on their mission and resources.

BSN Versus ADN Program Differences

Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs typically demand higher prerequisites than Associate Degree in Nursing programs. BSN programs generally require a minimum 3.0 GPA for admission, while ADN programs often accept 2.75 GPA. Additionally, BSN programs frequently require completion of approximately 28-31 credit hours of pre-nursing coursework before admission, while ADN programs may have fewer course requirements. BSN programs at selective institutions may demand cumulative science GPAs of 3.0 or higher and require submission of standardized test scores within specific date windows.

Residency and Enrollment Status Requirements

Some nursing programs prioritize in-state or continuing students. Certain universities require applicants to be active, degree-seeking students at their institution or to maintain continuous enrollment before applying to the nursing program. Transfer students and those who’ve attended the university in prior years may face different requirements or timelines than direct applicants from high school. Understanding these nuances specific to your target schools ensures you don’t miss critical application windows or misalign your enrollment status with program requirements.

Crafting Compelling Application Materials

Beyond meeting minimum requirements, successful nursing school applicants distinguish themselves through thoughtfully prepared application components that reveal your character, motivation, and fit for the profession.

Essential Application Documents

Standard nursing program applications require:

• Official transcripts from high school and all college coursework
• Standardized test scores (TEAS, HESI, or both)
• Completed application form with biographical information
• Personal essay or statement addressing your nursing motivation
• Letters of recommendation (typically two to three)
• Application fee (commonly $30-$75)
• Video interviews or online assessments at some institutions

Writing a Persuasive Personal Statement

Your personal essay offers a crucial opportunity to communicate aspects of your background and motivation that grades and test scores cannot capture. Effective nursing school essays move beyond generic statements about wanting to help people. Instead, they recount specific moments or realizations that crystallized your commitment to nursing. Perhaps you witnessed a nurse’s compassionate care during a family member’s illness, recognized how a healthcare provider changed a community you care about, or experienced a pivotal moment during volunteer work that illuminated nursing’s impact. These narratives, supported by genuine reflection on what nursing entails and why it aligns with your values, resonate far more powerfully with admissions committees than abstract declarations of intent.

Securing Strong Recommendation Letters

Recommendation letters carry substantial weight in nursing school admissions. Seek recommendations from individuals who can speak authoritatively to your academic capabilities, work ethic, and interpersonal qualities. Strong recommenders include science professors (particularly those teaching prerequisite courses), volunteer coordinators or supervisors in healthcare settings, employers from healthcare roles, and academic advisors. Provide recommenders with specific information about the nursing program and a deadline well in advance. Many programs prefer recommendations from different sectors—one from an academic source and one from a healthcare experience—to provide comprehensive perspectives on your candidacy.

Strategic Application Timing and Management

The nursing school application process operates on specific timelines, and strategic submission timing significantly influences your admission prospects.

Priority Deadlines and Early Application Advantage

Many nursing programs employ rolling admissions, reviewing applications as they arrive and making admission decisions progressively throughout the cycle. Applicants who submit early, particularly by institutional “priority deadlines,” receive consideration before the applicant pool expands to its maximum size. Early submission ensures your profile reaches admissions committees while they’re evaluating candidates with greater flexibility and typically have more seats available. Applications received after priority deadlines may still be accepted but are reviewed subject to seat availability.

Managing Multiple Applications

Given nursing program competitiveness and variation in admission standards, applying to multiple institutions significantly increases your acceptance likelihood. Develop a portfolio of target schools across different selectivity tiers—reach schools that represent your aspirational choice, target schools where your academic profile aligns well with typical admitted student statistics, and safety schools where your credentials exceed typical admissions standards. This balanced approach provides multiple pathways to admission while allowing you to ultimately select among accepted programs.

Excelling in Nursing School Interviews

Successful candidates advance to interview stages where they demonstrate communication skills, professional demeanor, and genuine understanding of nursing. Interview performance often carries substantial weight in final admissions decisions, particularly when academic credentials are similar across candidates.

Preparation Strategies for Interview Success

Prepare for nursing interviews by researching the specific program and articulating why it aligns with your goals. Review common interview questions regarding your motivation for nursing, challenges you’ve overcome, healthcare experiences, and how you handle ethical dilemmas. Practice responses that tell coherent stories rather than providing isolated answers. Prepare examples demonstrating teamwork, communication with diverse populations, adaptability, and commitment to continued learning. Additionally, develop thoughtful questions about program curriculum, clinical placement diversity, graduate outcomes, and institutional support for nursing students. Questions demonstrate your genuine interest and sophisticated understanding of nursing education.

Strengthening Your Overall Application Profile

Beyond meeting minimum requirements, competitive applicants employ multiple strategies to distinguish themselves in admissions processes.

Academic Excellence in Prerequisite Courses

While minimum grades are the baseline, earning higher grades in prerequisites substantially strengthens your profile. Programs increasingly utilize prerequisite GPA as a separate metric that heavily influences admissions decisions. Earning A’s and B’s in science courses demonstrates mastery of content you’ll encounter in nursing education while signaling to admissions committees that you can sustain high academic performance under challenging coursework.

Demonstrating Diversity and Inclusion Commitment

Modern nursing programs actively seek students who bring diverse perspectives and demonstrate commitment to serving underrepresented communities. Your application can articulate how your background or experiences position you to contribute to healthcare equity. This might include languages you speak, communities you’re connected to, experiences with healthcare disparities, or personal background that drives your commitment to inclusive nursing practice.

Financial Planning and Funding Preparation

While not directly affecting admission decisions, understanding the financial investment required for nursing education and beginning to plan funding sources demonstrates seriousness about pursuing the career. Research scholarship opportunities specific to nursing students, investigate institutional financial aid packages, and explore loan options or employer tuition assistance programs available in your area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I get into nursing school with a low high school GPA?

A: Yes, many programs accept applicants with lower high school GPAs if they demonstrate strong performance in college prerequisite coursework. Your nursing application GPA—calculated from prerequisite courses—often receives greater weight than your high school GPA. Focus on earning strong grades in biology, chemistry, anatomy, physiology, and other science prerequisites to overcome a lower high school starting point.

Q: How many times can I take the TEAS or HESI exam?

A: Most programs allow multiple attempts at entrance exams, though some limit submissions to two or three attempts within a specified timeframe. If your first attempt score doesn’t meet program minimums, you can typically retake the exam after a waiting period (often 30-60 days). Always check specific program policies before your first attempt.

Q: How important is volunteer experience for nursing school admissions?

A: Healthcare volunteer or work experience significantly strengthens your application by demonstrating genuine interest in the field and providing evidence that you understand nursing’s realities. While some programs admit students without healthcare experience, competitive applicants typically have at least 100-200 hours of meaningful healthcare work or volunteer experience. This experience also helps you write more authentic personal statements and provide stronger recommendation letters.

Q: Should I choose an ADN or BSN program?

A: This depends on your timeline, financial situation, and career goals. ADN programs typically take two years and have slightly lower admission requirements, allowing faster entry to nursing practice. BSN programs require four years (or three for accelerated tracks) and have higher prerequisites but provide greater career advancement opportunities. Many nurses complete an ADN then pursue a BSN later through RN-to-BSN programs.

Q: What should I include in my nursing school personal essay?

A: Your essay should clearly articulate your motivation for nursing with specific examples and experiences that shaped your decision. Rather than generic statements, describe a moment when you realized nursing aligned with your values, discuss how healthcare experiences influenced you, or explain how your background prepares you for nursing’s challenges. Admissions committees seek authenticity and evidence that you’ve thoughtfully considered this career path.

Written by

Sneha Tete

• Integrated M.A. in Applied Linguistics, University of Hyderabad
• 5+ years in editorial, instructional, SEO, and research-based writing

Sneha is a relationships and lifestyle writer with a strong foundation in applied linguistics and certified training in relationship coaching. She brings over five years of writing experience to theskillvault,  crafting thoughtful, research-driven content that empowers readers to build healthier relationships, boost emotional well-being, and embrace holistic living. Her writing and insights reflect the belief that beauty, happiness, and wellness…