Do's and Do Not's of Getting Accepted into Nursing School (2024)

FAQs

Do's and Do Not's of Getting Accepted into Nursing School? ›

Generally speaking, a low GPA for nursing school would be anything from a 3.0 and lower. While many nursing schools state that their minimum GPA requirement is a 3.0, remember that it is not necessarily a competitive score and will not guarantee admission.

Generally speaking, a low GPA for nursing school would be anything from a 3.0 and lower. While many nursing schools state that their minimum GPA requirement is a 3.0, remember that it is not necessarily a competitive score and will not guarantee admission.

Recommendation letters provide a holistic view of a student, offering insights into their character, work ethic, and suitability for nursing. Personal attributes. They reveal essential traits like compassion, resilience, and interpersonal skills, which are not always evident in academic records. Clinical aptitude.

Make Yourself Stand Out

You want to use your essay to show why you should go to their school rather than tell them why you want to go there. Use personal examples to make your writing more candid and intriguing. Share your motivation for wanting to attend that program and what inspires you.

Staffing shortages are the main reason why nursing schools are not able to accept more students who want to become registered nurses. The programs are contending with a lack of faculty, clinical placements for students and preceptors who supervise the students during their rotations at health care providers.

While most nursing schools set their minimum GPA requirements at 3.0, there are accelerated nursing programs that accept students with 2.7 and 2.8 GPAs. Keep in mind that this does not mean you would receive a lesser nursing education with these programs.

GPA requirements depend on the type of nursing program you want to apply for, but most programs require at least a 3.0 GPA or higher. However, due to the competitive nature of nursing programs, most schools prefer a 3.7 to 4.0 GPA.

Will a 3.3 GPA get me into nursing school? ›

The lowest GPA I think they allowed to get into my nursing school was a 3.0. Your GPA of 3.3 is great and yes I definitely think you can handle nursing school.

Higher-ranking nursing schools have higher expectations of candidates. While most nursing schools require a GPA of at least 3.0, more competitive ones may expect GPAs of at least 3.8.

Pharmacology. Pharmacology, or the study of medication, can seem scary because of the sheer scope of the course. “It becomes one of the hardest classes for nursing students due to the depth and amount of knowledge needed,” says Megan Lynch, RN and instructor at Pima Community College.

According to the National League for Nursing, the national dropout rate for nursing programs in the United States is 20%, and this high attrition rate is considered problematic. The National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission set the desirable retention rate at 80%.

Nursing school involves complex concepts that can be challenging to learn and understand. In addition, you must practice and refine your skills to treat real patients and pass all the nursing school exams and the NCLEX. While it is hard, nursing school is not impossible.

What makes a college application look better? A good college application should showcase strong grades, high test scores, volunteer or relevant work experience, compelling letters of recommendation and an honest and thoughtful personal essay. It's also good to show improvement and a willingness to challenge yourself.

No one expects you to know everything. Make it a habit to ask questions of team members when you need clarification. Asking questions shows that you're enthusiastic and willing to learn something new every day. How you make patients feel when they are in your care is one of the best ways you can shine as a nurse.

Example: “I believe that I am an ideal applicant for your nursing program because I possess the intelligence required to learn important medical knowledge, the natural dexterity to manage the physical demands of a nursing position and an empathetic heart which is well-suited to a care-giving field.

The interviewer wants to hear your passion for nursing, so let it shine. Focus on what makes your work meaningful, such as patient relationships or opportunities for growth. You'll want to talk about why you chose a career in nursing too. That is an essential part of your career narrative.