Before you apply
- Choose ADN, BSN, accelerated BSN, or transfer pathways that match your timeline.
- Confirm each school's prerequisite list and in-progress course policy.
- Calculate your overall GPA, science GPA, and prerequisite GPA.
- Review TEAS score requirements, HESI A2 requirements, or CASPer requirements.
- Build a balanced list of reach, target, and likely nursing programs.
Documents and materials
- Official transcripts from every college attended.
- Entrance exam score reports, if required.
- Resume with healthcare, volunteer, leadership, and service experience.
- Personal statement or nursing school essays.
- Recommendation letters from instructors, supervisors, or healthcare mentors.
- Proof of certifications, immunizations, or background check steps if requested.
Final nursing application checklist
- Match every prerequisite to the exact course name and credit requirement.
- Check deadline dates, time zones, and whether materials must be received or submitted by that date.
- Proofread essays for program-specific details.
- Confirm recommendations were submitted.
- Save a PDF copy or screenshot of every submitted application confirmation.
- Track interview invitations, decision dates, and deposit deadlines.
Do not wait until the deadline week
Transcript delays, testing account issues, and missing recommendations are easier to fix when you discover them early.