How to Get Into Nursing School: GPA, Prerequisites & Tips

Getting into nursing school has never been more competitive. With nursing demand surging post-pandemic, applications to BSN programs have increased dramatically, and many top programs now reject 50–70% of applicants. If you're serious about getting in, you need a plan.

Here's everything you need to know about nursing school admissions in 2026 — from GPA requirements to prerequisite courses to the application tips that can set you apart.

What GPA Do You Need for Nursing School?

GPA requirements vary by program, but here are general benchmarks:

Program Tier	Minimum GPA	Competitive GPA	Examples
Top-Tier Public Universities	3.5	3.7+	UMich, UNC, UVA
Mid-Tier State Schools	3.0	3.4+	Most state flagship nursing programs
Community College ADN	2.5	3.0+	Local ADN programs
Accelerated BSN (ABSN)	3.0	3.5+	Second-degree programs

Important: Most programs look at both your overall GPA and your science GPA separately. A 3.6 overall GPA with a 2.8 in science prerequisites will hurt you. Programs want to see that you can handle anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and chemistry.

Required Prerequisite Courses

While exact requirements vary by school, most BSN programs require the following prerequisites:

• Anatomy & Physiology I and II (with labs) — The most critical prerequisites. Many programs require a B or better.
• Microbiology (with lab) — Focuses on infectious disease, immunology basics.
• General Chemistry (with lab) — Some programs accept one semester; others require two.
• Statistics — Needed for understanding research and evidence-based practice.
• Human Development / Lifespan Psychology — Covers developmental stages from birth to death.
• English Composition — At least one semester; some programs require two.
• Nutrition — Sometimes required, sometimes recommended.

A key tip: complete your prerequisites at a four-year university if possible. While community college courses are accepted by most programs, some competitive BSN programs give preference to students who completed science prerequisites at a university. If you do take them at a community college, aim for A's.

The TEAS Exam: What You Need to Know

Many nursing programs require the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) as part of the application. The TEAS covers four areas:

• Reading (53 questions)
• Math (36 questions)
• Science (53 questions)
• English and Language Usage (28 questions)

The national average TEAS score is around 65%. Competitive programs typically want scores of 78% or higher, with top-tier programs looking for 85%+. The science section is heavily weighted toward anatomy, physiology, and biology — so if you've done well in your prerequisites, you'll have a significant advantage.

Study resources: ATI (the test maker) offers official prep materials, and many students use the ATI TEAS Study Manual alongside practice tests.

Healthcare Experience: What Counts?

While not always required, healthcare experience significantly strengthens your application. Programs want to see that you understand what nursing actually involves. Valuable experience includes:

• CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) certification: This is the gold standard for pre-nursing experience. Working as a CNA gives you direct patient care experience and demonstrates commitment. Many CNA programs take just 4–8 weeks.
• Hospital volunteering: Even non-clinical volunteer roles show exposure to the healthcare environment.
• EMT certification: Emergency medical experience is highly valued.
• Medical scribing: Shows familiarity with clinical documentation and medical terminology.
• Shadowing nurses: Useful for your personal statement, even if it's less impressive than paid experience.

Application Tips That Actually Matter

1. Apply Broadly

Don't put all your eggs in one basket. Apply to 4–6 programs across selectivity levels. Many students who are rejected by their top-choice program end up thriving at their "safety" school.

2. Write a Specific Personal Statement

Avoid generic "I've always wanted to help people" essays. Instead, tell a specific story — a moment that crystallized your desire to become a nurse. Programs read thousands of applications; specificity is what makes you memorable.

3. Get Strong Letters of Recommendation

The best letters come from science professors who know you well and can speak to your work ethic, intellectual curiosity, and ability to handle rigorous coursework. A letter from a healthcare professional who supervised you is also valuable.

4. Retake Weak Prerequisites

If you earned a C in Anatomy & Physiology, seriously consider retaking it. A repeated A replaces the C in most GPA calculations and shows programs you can handle the material.

5. Don't Overlook Your Science GPA

Many students focus on their overall GPA and neglect their science GPA. Nursing programs weight science courses heavily. If your science GPA is below 3.0, prioritize raising it before applying.

Timeline: When to Apply

Most BSN programs have application deadlines in fall or early spring for the following academic year. A typical timeline:

• Freshman/Sophomore Year: Complete prerequisites, maintain strong GPA, get CNA certification.
• Spring of Sophomore Year: Take the TEAS exam, finalize letters of recommendation.
• Fall of Junior Year: Submit applications to nursing programs (many schools have internal applications for their nursing college).
• Spring of Junior Year: Receive admission decisions, begin nursing coursework.

Get Advice from Real Nursing Students

Every nursing program has its own quirks — hidden prerequisites, interview tips, and insider knowledge that you won't find on the website. Ask Kinsley connects you with current nursing students and recent graduates who can tell you exactly what it takes to get into their program. Get the real story before you apply.