Top Tips: Make your application to nursing school attract plenty of attention

Your dream is to turn out to be a nurse, and the one thing standing between you and that goal is acceptance right into a nursing program. But the nursing school application process is competitive. According to data According to data from the National League of Nursing, in 2012 only 41% of BSN applicants were accepted. Of those that weren’t accepted, 23% qualified but still didn’t qualify for the finals. Why so tough? One reason is that there simply is not enough capability. Nursing programs face challenges capability expansion, namely resulting from the shortage of clinical internships and lack of staff. Who are the rejected students? What is the admissions department searching for? Michelle Meiser, director of admissions at Pennsylvania College of Health Sciencesshares suggestions to assist your nursing school application rise above that tall pile of applications.

1. Get excellent grades

Meiser says excellent grades in math and science, with an SAT rating > 1000, will set you apart and put you in good standing. The more science and math courses you are taking, the higher off you will probably be. Admissions staff are searching for a highschool diploma or GED (you could have almost accomplished it while you apply), with no less than one biology course, one laboratory coursework, two units of algebra, and 4 units of English. PA College accepts transfer credits but prefers that core courses be taken at the faculty itself.

2. Demonstrate extracurricular involvement

Participation in athletics, student government, other clubs and activities demonstrates motivation, commitment to non-public development and leadership potential.

3. Have experience as a volunteer

Volunteering – especially in hospital or healthcare-related areas – shows that you may have done some research about nursing and know from experience that nursing will probably be a superb fit for you. Meiser strongly encourages potential applicants to make use of this of their application essay when explaining why you need to turn out to be a nurse. She recommends volunteering in numerous areas of the hospital to expand your knowledge of various specialties and learn from as many nurses as possible. If a student decides that nursing will not be the appropriate fit for them, they’ll find something else at a health care facility.

If you are usually not accepted

Speak to the admissions department to search out out what prevented your application from being accepted. This can show you how to develop an motion plan that can put you in a greater position for acceptance if you happen to determine to reapply. If math and science grades are a problem, Meiser suggests taking college classes to enhance your grade (with the goal of getting a B or higher). Good luck, students – the nursing career needs you!