Applying to nursing school before finishing your pre-reqs

Pixiesmom, BSN, RN · Jan 21, 2007

Maybe it varies on the school. I know at my school they want you to file a letter of intent to enter the nursing program as well as take the NLN pre-pax. They encourage that this be done as soon as you start taking your pre-req's. Don't be too shy to call and ask what the proper procedure should be. It just might save you some wait time. :wink2:

juicy_jade · Jan 21, 2007

My counselor told me to go ahead and apply. That way you will kind of "put your name out there" and possibly get on any mailing lists. what would it hurt besides?

opradiva · Jan 21, 2007

My counselor told me to go ahead and apply. That way you will kind of "put your name out there" and possibly get on any mailing lists. what would it hurt besides?

I've thought about this myself. What I have decided to do is to apply (most of the schools in my area just want to know that you are taking prereq's), and as my transcripts become available, notify them and send them a copy if they request one. That way I'm letting them know that I'm a serious candidate, and the transcript shows them the classes I have taken and the grades I've received.

Jules A, MSN · Jan 21, 2007

I've found that they all are a bit different. Some have pre-reqs that must be completed prior to applying and some pre-reqs can be in progress or can even be completed while you are in nursing school. I agree that you should ask these questions of each school. I've found them to be willing to give you the low down on what you need to do. Good luck, Jules

DesertRain · Jan 21, 2007

I agree, give them a call. At my CC we have a Health Programs Advisory Kiosk where there is someone there to hand out applications, answer questions etc. At my CC though we have an application due date, for example mine is March 1st 2007 to get into Fall 2007. There is however a completion date which is June 1st. I just handed in my application and the advisor gave me an application package with a checklist where I have to fill in everything, get my transcripts printed, my NLN scores handed in all prior to June 1st to be considered.

catzy5 · Jan 21, 2007

Question for all pre-nursing students: When do you apply to nursing school? Say I'll be finished all my pre-reqs in May '08 and I want to start nursing school in September '08. When do I apply? If I apply in January '07 I still won't have all the credits I need. Does that mean that I need to wait a full year? Or will they accept you based on what you've completed already and wait for the final grades to come in?

Its going to depend totally on the school you are applying too they are all different. I will finish my pre reqs this spring of 07, however I can not apply until the fall of 07 for a spring 08 acceptance. At my school they require all the pre reqs to be on the transcript before you can apply, so we have a semester off.....if we even get in that is.

violingirl · Jan 21, 2007

At my school we have to finish all the pre-req's and take the HESI admission assessment before we can apply. I'll have to wait a semester too, and hopefully get accepted for Spring of 08.

MB37 · Jan 21, 2007

At my school the stated policy is that you must complete all prereqs prior to application, which means you sit out a semester or take electives. However, when I actually talked to the director of admissions, she told me that since they just instituted this policy they are going to waive it in some circumstances the first couple semesters. So I went ahead and applied for summer admit even tho I'm still finishing up my prereqs. It can't hurt to ask someone in admissions!

Valasca · Jan 21, 2007

The best way to get accurate information is by going to an information session and/or setting up a time to meet with a nursing advisor. It is really difficult to give any advice b/c every school is different when it comes to their specific admission process. Good luck.

Jilaweez, BSN, MSN, RN · Jan 21, 2007

It does depend on where you are going to apply. I applied to two schools, one took applications in August and the second is taking applications until Feb. 15th. Both are for fall start. I did not have to have all my pre-reqs done before applying but I do have to have them finished before starting the program.

Megsd, BSN, RN · Jan 22, 2007

If I were you, if your particular school says you have to have your prereqs done before you apply, I'd apply anyway and specify in which semesters you intend to take each prereq.

The reason I say this: the program I am in right now said on their website that all prereqs must be completed by the application date (in January) in order to qualify to start in September. A friend of mine went to an open house for the program and was told by a student that this wasn't really true -- you could be conditionally accepted prior to completing them. I called the school the next day and asked if what my friend heard was true, and I was told it was "technically" true, but it was a "very long shot" because they would look at EVERYONE else's application who had their things done first, and THEN look at mine if there were spaces left.

I applied anyway and specified when I would take each prereq, and provided the school with my grades after each term. I got in.

So unless you feel like applying too early would blacklist you somehow, I'd at least give it a shot.