When should I apply to nursing school?

[hcook08, BSN, RN]

I posted this question on my local board but haven't received a response. I will be finished with my pre-reqs Spring 2010 and would like to earn my ADN at a local community college. I could apply in Spring 2010 for Fall 2010 or apply in Fall 2010 for Spring 2011. Here is my dilemma... I won't be finished with my final pre-req until May of 2010 and the application deadline for that fall is Feb. 2010. Would it look bad if I applied before I finish all of my pre-reqs. Also, I would like to apply in the Fall for Spring 2011 but I worry about being accepted because they only allow 10 applicants. Fall semester allows 50-60 applicants. What should I do?

[hiddencatRN, BSN, RN]

Many schools will let you apply without all your prerequisites complete as long as you will have them done by the time the program starts. Some schools won't, and some schools will give competitive preference to applicants who have all prerequisites completed. The only way to know is to speak to your school about it.

[sunray12]

Many schools will let you apply without all your prerequisites complete as long as you will have them done by the time the program starts. Some schools won't, and some schools will give competitive preference to applicants who have all prerequisites completed. The only way to know is to speak to your school about it.

ITA. Read the instructions on the application checklist and if you have questions then speak to your school. Speak to your school anyway because sometimes the written instructions aren't clear.

[xlilchatonx]

I would definitely speak with admissions at your school and your adviser. I won't even be done with my pre-reqs when I'm applying to start, I'd have to still take one of my pre-reqs while doing my nursing and my school is okay with that because that's how it is in the course sequence, so definitely check that out. And I'd say just go for it, as long as you're taking them when you apply, you shouldn't have a problem at all.