15 PRO-TIPS To Help You Get Into Top Nursing Schools
Written By:
Darby Faubion
Darby Faubion RN, BSN, MBA
Darby Faubion is a nurse and allied health instructor with over 20 years of clinical experience. Darby lives in Louisiana and loves exploring the state’s rich culture and history. Darby has a passion for caring for veterans and a special interest in those affected by post-traumatic stress disorder. In her quest to make a difference for veterans, she founded a non-profit called “Operation Battle Buddy.” Read Full Bio »» RN, BSN, MBA
Are you considering a career in nursing but do not know where to begin? I have been where you are and understand what it’s like trying to pick the right program or school. Of course, you want to get into the best school, right? In that case, you probably wonder, “Who can tell me how to get into a top nursing school?”
In this article, I am going to share some information with you to help you get a clearer picture of what nursing schools look for in candidates and things to avoid when applying to top nursing schools. Also, I will tell you 15 tips to get into top nursing schools. By implementing these tips, you can increase your confidence when applying to nursing school and increase your chances of getting into the program of your choice.
How Hard is It to Get Into Top Nursing Schools?
It can be a competitive process to get into a top nursing school. However, do not count yourself out simply because the admissions process is challenging. If you verify the admission criteria, follow directions for applying, and follow through, you can improve your chances of getting into a good school.
5 Main Things Top Nursing Schools Look for in Potential Applicants
Every nursing school has criteria they look for in candidates, which may vary from one school to another. There are some things that all schools consider important. The following are five main things nursing schools look for in potential applicants that could increase your chances of getting into top nursing schools.
THING #1: Great Communication Skills
Excellent communication skills are essential in nursing. Nursing schools look for potential applicants who are comfortable communicating with others. Your written and verbal communication skills will be evaluated, usually by submitting an admissions essay or personal statement and participating in an admissions essay.
THING #2: History of Academic Success
Whether you are applying to nursing school directly out of high school or have some college experience, getting into a top nursing school requires a history of academic success. While most schools require candidates to have a minimum cumulative high school or college grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, the higher your average, the more competitive you become.
THING #3: A True Passion for Nursing
Nursing is a wonderful career full of opportunities. Unfortunately, both nursing school and nursing careers come with lots of challenges. Nursing faculty understand this, which is why they look for candidates who have a true passion for nursing and what it means. One way to demonstrate this is to use your personal statement or admission essay to tell a personal story about how you or a loved one were helped by or cared for by a nurse. If you have work or volunteer experience related to healthcare that led you to decide to become a nurse, share some of your experiences and how they impacted you.
THING #4: Excellent Letters of Recommendation
Most nursing schools request applicants to submit two or three letters of professional or academic recommendation. When admission faculty read recommendation letters, they look for statements that suggest you are professional, courteous, and motivated and that you have a likelihood of success in their programs.
THING #5: A Solid Commitment to Learning
Saying you want to go to nursing school and being truly committed to learning are two entirely different things. I can tell you from the view of both a student and a teacher that nursing school can be tough and sometimes grueling. Admission teams and program faculty know what it takes to succeed in their programs, and they look for candidates who are committed to putting in the extra time and effort it takes to make it. You can demonstrate your commitment to learning by discussing your strategies for managing time to balance school with your other responsibilities, such as work or family obligations.
How to Get Into Top Nursing Schools?
(The following 15 pro tips will help you in your pursuit of getting into one of the top nursing schools in the nation.)
PRO-TIP #1: Determine Your Professional Goals and Find a Program that Aligns with Them
Every nursing program has program goals and expected student outcomes, but what is equally (if not more) important is for you to set your own goals and expectations. Think about what you want to accomplish professionally and what you need from a school to help you achieve those goals. I recommend reviewing school websites and reading their program goals, reviews, and testimonials to get a feel for what they offer.
PRO-TIP #2: Decide Which Type of Degree You Want to Pursue
While there are many levels of nursing education, for the purposes of this article, we will discuss the two undergraduate nursing degrees: Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Knowing which degree you want to pursue will help you narrow down the choices of schools when you begin to apply for admission.
Deciding the type of degree you want to pursue is helpful when it comes to getting into a top nursing school because you can personalize essay questions and interview answers to the specific program. For example, an associate degree in nursing is typically more clinically based, while a bachelor’s nursing degree includes leadership and management preparation. Knowing what you want to do after graduation can help you decide which type of program you want to pursue.
PRO-TIP #3: Understand that Grades Truly Matter!
Whether you are applying to nursing school straight out of high school or if you have some previous college experience, your prior academic performance is key to getting into a top nursing school. Top schools typically look for candidates whose high school or college grade point average was a minimum of 3.0 on A 4.0 grading scale. If you struggled with grades previously, you might consider taking some college classes to help you get on track with the college pace of studying and to help bring your GPA up to an acceptable level.
Also, if you are concerned that your grades are not up to par, take the time to talk with academic advisors at the schools that interest you. A good advisor can help you determine the right path to achieve your goals by reviewing your past academic achievements and discussing your short- and long-term academic and professional goals.
PRO-TIP #4: Prepare for Entrance Exams
One of the first things you must do to get into a top nursing school is meet the required score the school has designated for its entrance examinations. Each school determines what entrance exam candidates must take before applying. Some of the most common exams required are the
Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS),
Health Occupations Basic Entrance Test (HOBET),
National League for Nursing Pre-Admission Exam (NLN PAX), and the
Health Education Systems Incorporated (HESI) exams.
PRO-TIP #5: Get Some Volunteer or Work Experience in Healthcare
Although all nursing schools do not require work or volunteer experience in healthcare, especially undergraduate nursing programs, having that type of experience makes you a more competitive applicant. Remember, if you want to get into top nursing schools, you must take the initiative and “step up your game” against the competition.
You could consider volunteering at the local Council on Aging, American Red Cross, nursing homes, or community health events. If you want to or need to work, look for jobs in a healthcare setting, such as a hospital, nursing home, or physician’s office.
PRO-TIP #6: Prepare an Excellent Admission Essay or Personal Statement
Most nursing programs require applicants to write a Personal Statement or Admission Essay and submit it with their application packet. The essay/statement is more than just a random paper you write and turn in; it is your opportunity to show the admissions team who you are and why you are the right candidate for their program.
Think about why you want to become a registered nurse and how you feel the school to which you are applying can help you achieve your goals. Keep in mind that the top nursing schools have lots of applicants. So, you want your statement to stand out and give the admissions team something to think about, so they want to invite you for an interview, which is one of the final steps in the admissions process.
PRO-TIP #7: Check the Schools Out In Person
There are actually a few advantages to visiting the schools that interest you. If you want to increase your chances of getting into top nursing schools, visit the campuses. Attend events like open houses, workshops, or student recruitment rallies. Events like these give you the chance to see the layout of the school and nursing department and meet program faculty.
I can tell you from experience, as well, that when you visit the schools and get involved in whatever event is going on, you will grab the attention of faculty who are there as well. I was always interested to see how many prospective students would come to our open house events and workshops and how much interest they genuinely showed in our program.
When you go, take the time to introduce yourself to the program faculty. Ask for business cards or program pamphlets...anything to show you are truly interested in their program.
PRO-TIP #8: Consider Applying to Multiple Schools
I always knew I wanted to be a nurse. In high school, I thought I had my whole future planned out, including where I would go to college and what job I would have when I graduated. I suppose you could say I had tunnel vision when it came to where I thought I would go to school, as I had my sights set on one program. Several factors played into my decision to go to another school, but not for lack of trying.
Getting into a top nursing school is not always easy. The admission process can be competitive. Also, because the schools are ranked so well, they may charge higher tuition. So, I encourage you to consider several options and weigh the pros and cons of each before choosing where to earn your degree.
PRO-TIP #9: Apply to Schools that Offer Multiple Start Dates
Some nursing schools begin their programs once each year, while others offer two, three, or more start dates yearly. Because admission to top schools is competitive, if you apply to a school with only one start date, you could find yourself on a waiting list. In addition to applying to more than one school, I also recommend finding schools that have multiple start dates and applying to them. With more starts, you have a better chance of receiving an offer of admission and getting into a top nursing school.
PRO-TIP #10: Be Meticulous About Your Admission Application
If you take any advice from me in this article, I encourage you to pay attention to this tip! When you begin applying to nursing school, you must complete an application and submit supplemental documents, as required by the school. Take the time to proofread everything you prepare. Make sure you answer every question on your application or other required forms. If you are asked to prepare an essay or Personal Statement, make sure it is grammatically and punctually correct.
I can tell you from personal experience that admission teams and nursing faculty pay close attention to the quality of your application. If you submit forms that appear half-heartedly completed or turn in a packet with missing documentation, it speaks volumes about whether you take things seriously. Remember, the objective here is to get into a top nursing school, so you need to bring your best!
PRO-TIP #11: Consider Getting a C.N.A. Certification
Being a Certified Nursing Assistant may not be a requirement for getting into a good nursing school, but it certainly has its advantages.
Becoming a CNA is an excellent way to get some experience with patient interaction and care. It also shows genuine interest in the field, as you are taking a step to get a certification that may not be required for admission. Taking the initiative like this is something that admission faculty see as a positive attribute.
PRO-TIP #12: Get Your Application in Early
I truly feel I cannot stress this tip enough because there is not just an overall shortage of nurses in the U.S., but a shortage of nursing faculty. In fact, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing reported that in the 2021-2022 academic year, U.S. nursing schools
turned away nearly 92,000 qualified applicants because there were insufficient faculty, classroom space, preceptors, and clinical sites to accommodate them.
Nursing schools post the dates that admissions are open and the deadline for submitting applications. To increase your chance of getting into a good nursing school, pay close attention to the dates the schools begin accepting applications and get yours turned in early. Remember, admission to the best schools can be competitive, so waiting until close to the deadline could put you at risk of being waitlisted.
PRO-TIP #13: Prepare for Your Admissions Interview
The final step in the admissions process is typically to participate in an admission interview with program faculty. The interview is a crucial step in the admission process, as it means you have met admission criteria and that faculty are interested in meeting you to see if you are a good fit for their program.
Even the most well-spoken person can feel anxiety when it comes to an interview, especially one that may determine if they get into a top nursing school. You can prepare for your interview by reviewing possible
interview questions and answers. Also, consider asking a friend or family member to do a mock interview with you, which may help you relax a bit when the actual interview takes place.
Remember, although you may be nervous, nursing faculty are not “out to get you.” They want you to succeed. So, prepare for your interview, relax, be yourself, and you will do great!
PRO-TIP #14: Get Excellent Letters of Recommendation
You will likely be required to submit letters of recommendation along with your application. Your previous academic and/or work experience will determine who you should ask to write your recommendations. For example, if you plan to go to nursing school right after high school and have no college experience, you could ask your high school guidance counselor or principal or a mentor from any volunteer activities you participated in to write a letter for you. If you have been to college or have worked, a former college professor or supervisor is a good source for a recommendation. Avoid asking friends and family members to write letters, as your references should come from professional sources without personal ties to you.
PRO-TIP #15: Follow Up!
Finally, if you want to get into a top nursing school, you must follow up! You can submit an application, attend an interview, and do all the other “right things,” but if you do not follow up, you could miss out on your chance of being admitted. After the admissions deadline has passed, wait a few weeks before following up. You can send a follow-up email to the admissions coordinator or make a follow-up call. Just remember, admission teams are busy at this time. So, be respectful of their time if you call by making your phone call brief and to the point.
Bonus! 5 Must Avoid Common Mistakes That Might Ruin Your Chances of Getting Into Top Nursing Schools
You can learn all the tips there are to know to get into top nursing schools, but one mistake can ruin your chances. The following are five must-avoid common mistakes that could ruin your chances of getting into a top nursing school.
MISTAKE #1: Not Disclosing Important Information When Asked
One of the worst things you can do that can ruin your chances of getting into top nursing schools is to try and conceal important information, especially when it is something you are specifically asked. For example, your nursing school application will have questions about whether you have ever been arrested or convicted of a crime. Even if charges were dismissed, if you have an arrest on your record, it is crucial that you disclose that information. Although it can be embarrassing, honesty is always the best policy.
MISTAKE #2: Refusing a Drug Test or Having a Positive Drug Test
All nursing programs require candidates to have a negative drug screening as part of the admissions process. If you fail the test or refuse the test, you pretty much consider your chance of getting into a top nursing school “zero.” Of course, there are some who will argue that there are some prescription medications that will cause a positive drug test, which is true. However, if you plan to use that defense, you must have a current prescription and test positive only for the medication for which you are prescribed.
MISTAKE #3: Not Having Up-to-Date Immunizations
One thing I have seen many times is prospective students who argue their case about not being vaccinated. While being vaccinated is an individual choice, that does not mean that a school is obligated to change its guidelines based on your choice. In cases where unvaccinated students are admitted to a nursing school, they may be restricted from clinical sites. Since clinical training is an essential part of nursing education, the inability to proceed further could mean dismissal from the program. Knowing this, many of the top nursing schools make it clear to applicants that immunizations must be current to be considered for a spot in their programs.
MISTAKE #4: Not Taking the Admissions Interview Seriously
Because the nursing school interview is often the last step in the admissions process, some candidates feel they are already assured a place in the program and that the interview is just a formality. Unfortunately, they are mistaken. Being invited to an admission interview is a good sign that you have met other criteria and are a viable candidate, but you should still take the opportunity seriously. Prepare for the interview as if you were preparing for a job interview. Dress professionally, arrive early, practice answering questions, and think of a few questions to ask faculty about the program, as this demonstrates genuine interest.
MISTAKE #5: Turning in a Late or Incomplete Application Packet
If there is anything that can ruin your chance of getting into a top nursing school, it is turning in a late or incomplete application. You are applying for a program that will prepare you for one of the most essential professional roles available. Reliability is a must. If you cannot get your application documents together and submitted on time, it may leave one questioning whether you will take your assignments or patient care seriously. Remember, you are applying for a spot in a top school, so competition is fierce. Get it right!
My Final Thoughts
If you have considered a career in nursing, it is natural to wonder, “Can someone tell me how to get into a top nursing school?” In this article, I shared 15 tips to get into top nursing schools to answer that question. Additionally, you learned about the things top nursing schools look for in candidates and things to avoid that could result in you not being admitted. As a nurse and healthcare educator, I encourage you to follow these tips and pursue your dreams!
Frequently Asked Questions Answered by Our Expert
1. When Is The Application Deadline For Top Nursing Schools?
Application deadlines for top nursing schools vary, depending on the school. Some schools have deadlines for each semester, while others offer rolling admission. I advise verifying the admission deadline for each school that interests you.
2. What Are The Admission Requirements For Top Nursing Schools?
Getting into top nursing schools typically requires meeting criteria such as having a high school diploma or the equivalent, meeting a certain GPA (usually a 3.0 or higher), and having a genuine interest in the profession. Each school determines the criteria for admission to its program. Therefore, if you plan to apply to multiple schools, I recommend carefully verifying the admission requirements for each school.
3. What Is The Average GPA Of Students Who Get Into Top Nursing Schools?
The average GPA of students who get into top nursing schools is 3.5 on a 4.0 scale.
4. Can I Get Into A Top Nursing School With A Low GPA?
Some nursing schools may offer conditional admission to students with a low GPA. However, remember, your objective is getting into a top nursing school. These schools look for candidates with a proven track record of academic success. Therefore, the higher your GPA, the better your chance of admission.
5. How Important Is Experience When Trying To Get Into A Top Nursing School?
Undergraduate nursing schools do not usually require work experience in the healthcare field. However, if you do have work or volunteer experience, it can make you a more competitive candidate.
6. Can I Get Into A Top Nursing School Without Extracurriculars?
While extracurriculars can enhance your nursing school application, you can get into a top nursing school without extracurriculars.
7. Is There An Interview For Admission Into Top Nursing Schools?
Many top nursing schools require an admission interview before extending an offer of admission.
8. What Is The Admission Rate For Top Nursing Schools?
The average admission rate for top nursing schools is around 80%.
9. Is There A Waiting List For Top Nursing Schools?
Some of the top nursing schools have a waiting list, while others do not. Typically, schools that offer more than one start date have shorter waiting lists or no waiting list compared to those with only one start date each year.
10. Will Applying Early Increase My Chances Of Admission Into Top Nursing Schools?
Top nursing schools often have a limited number of available spots. Therefore, applying early could increase your chances of getting into a top nursing school.
List Of Sources Used For This Article
1. ATI Testing (
atitesting.com)
2. National League for Nursing (
nln.org)
3. Elsevier Education (
elsevier.com)
4. “Is a CNA Worth It? (Pros vs. Cons)” (
nursingprocess.org)
5. American Association of Colleges of Nursing (
aacn.org)
6.
“150 Top Nursing School Interview Questions and Answers in 2024” (
nursingprocess.org)
Darby Faubion, RN, BSN, MBA
Darby Faubion is a nurse and allied health instructor with over 20 years of clinical experience. Her work history includes clinical experience in pediatrics, mental health, addiction and behavioral disorders, geriatrics, wound management, and communicable disease. Darby has worked in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home health and hospice agencies. Darby also has experience as a nursing and allied health educator at both community college and university levels. Her love for nursing and nursing education led to her becoming a test-taking strategist and NCLEX prep coach.