Complete all prerequisites before you apply--or your application may be passed over. Core prerequisites include courses in human anatomy and physiology and microbiology. A semester in organic chemistry or pharmacology may also be needed as well as coursework in English, psychology, sociology and nutrition. Some schools such as Western Wyoming Community College, require applicants complete a nursing assistant course.
Make good grades. Although many nursing schools list a 2.5 overall g.p.a. as meeting program admission criteria, this is not competitive in impacted programs. Applicants with grade point averages of 3.3 or higher--particularly in math and science coursework- are more likely to sway the admission's committee and get you a spot, according to Akins.
Score well on the entrance test. These scores are used to rank applicants and can earn you points over the competition. The two main entrance exams used by nursing schools are the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) and the Nursing Entrance Test (NET). Both measure skills in math, reading, and critical thinking. California State University Sacramento's nursing program which uses TEAS scores to rank applicants requires a minimum score of 75 percent and awards big points to those who score in the top 90th percentile.
Create a compelling personal statement by telling the selection committee why you want to be a nurse. Perhaps you volunteered at a nursing home, or helped raise a brother with a disability or have a strong desire to provide care for medically under served communities. This is also your opportunity to describe your talents and show how you will contribute to the nursing profession.
Show cultural competence. Nurses are expected to serve increasingly diverse populations and knowing a second language such as Spanish, Russian or Hmong, for example, is a skill nursing schools look for in their applicants.
List any volunteer or work experience you have in the health field. Many nursing applicant selection committees give points or weight to candidates who have direct experience working with patients.
Submit glowing recommendation letters. If you work in the medical field, include a recommendation from a supervising physician or registered nurse who can attest to your abilities. If you excelled in biology, ask your college professor for a recommendation. According to the Columbia University's BSN-Entry Level Master's Nursing Program, letters from academic advisors with doctorate degrees hold more weight.