Every High Schooler Should Know This About Nursing Admissions
Nursing is one of the most respected, stable, and meaningful careers out there. But here’s the truth most high schoolers don’t hear enough:
Nursing programs are some of the MOST competitive majors to get into—often more competitive than business, biology, or psychology.
Whether you’re aiming for Clemson, USC, College of Charleston, MUSC, or a private university, every future nurse needs to understand what admissions committees are actually looking for.
Let’s break down the real story behind nursing admissions—no sugarcoating, but plenty of encouragement.
💉 1. Your GPA Matters… A LOT
Most nursing programs want strong science students.
And yes—your GPA carries serious weight.
For many BSN programs, competitive applicants have:
3.7–4.7 weighted GPA
A’s or high B’s in Biology, Chemistry, and Algebra
A solid record of course rigor (Honors, AP, or Dual Enrollment)
Even if colleges are test-optional, nursing programs often aren’t.
They want proof you can handle heavy workloads and intense clinicals.
🔬 2. Science Courses Are the Backbone of Your Application
Nursing admissions committees want to see that you’re ready for tough prerequisites like:
Anatomy & Physiology I and II
Microbiology
Chemistry
Pharmacology
In high school, aim for:
Biology (Honors or AP)
Chemistry (Honors or AP)
Anatomy & Physiology (if available)
Dual Enrollment science courses
If your school doesn’t offer these, don’t panic. Colleges evaluate applicants in context—but do your best to take the strongest courses available.
🏥 3. Shadowing, Volunteering, or Patient Experience Is a HUGE Boost
Here’s the thing: anyone can say “I want to help people.”
Nursing programs want evidence.
Examples that set you apart:
Hospital volunteer
CNA certification (big advantage!)
Shadowing nurses (even a few hours helps)
Summer medical camps
Working in senior care, daycare, or community health programs
These experiences prove you know what nursing is actually like—not just the TV version.
📊 4. Some Schools Admit Students Directly Into the Nursing Program
This part is HUGE.
There are two types of BSN admissions:
Direct Admit Programs
You’re accepted into the nursing major right out of high school.
Examples:
Clemson University (very competitive)
University of South Carolina
UNC–Chapel Hill
University of Alabama
Pre-Nursing Programs
You start as “pre-nursing,” then apply again after taking college prerequisites.
Translation: you must earn high college grades to avoid being weeded out.
If you’re set on nursing, direct admit gives you a much more secure path.
💬 5. Your Essay Really Matters (More Than You Think)
Nursing programs want individuals who can:
Communicate clearly
Reflect on their experiences
Show compassion and maturity
Demonstrate resilience
The best nursing application essays highlight:
Real patient interactions
Moments of responsibility
Leadership in stressful situations
Personal motivation (not just “I want to help people.”)
Be honest, vulnerable, and reflective.
Nursing is about heart and grit—not perfection.
🧪 6. TEAS or HESI Exams May Be Required
Many BSN programs require an entrance exam such as:
TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills)
HESI Admissions Exam
These test English, math, science, and reading comprehension.
High TEAS scores can make or break admissions at some schools.
Pro Tip: Start prepping early—junior spring or summer before senior year.
🧭 7. There’s More Than One Path to RN Licensure
If you don’t get into a direct BSN program right away, you STILL have great options.
Common alternate routes:
ADN (Associate’s Degree in Nursing) → then RN → then BSN
Start as Pre-Nursing → apply to upper-division BSN after prerequisites
LPN to RN Programs
Bridge to Nursing Pathways at Technical Colleges
Admissions committees know nursing students come from many different paths—your journey does not need to be linear.
🌟 8. Nurses Are in Massive Demand—Your Career Is Secure
Nursing is one of the most recession-proof jobs in the world.
The need is growing in:
Pediatrics
ER
Geriatrics
Surgery
Labor & Delivery
Mental health
Travel nursing
Nurse practitioner roles
You’re not chasing a shrinking field.
You’re stepping into one of the most essential careers on Earth.
🧠 Final Thoughts from College Refocus
Nursing admissions aren’t easy.
But they are achievable when you plan ahead.
The key ingredients are simple:
Strong science foundation
Real-world experience
A clear, authentic story
Smart school choices
A confident, prepared mindset
If you’re called to nursing, don’t let competitiveness scare you.
Let it motivate you.
The world needs great nurses—and that might be you.
🎯 Call to Action
Want help building the perfect nursing admissions plan—GPA, activities, majors, and essay strategy?
📅 Book a College Strategy Session with College Refocus and let’s set you up for nursing school success from day one.