Frequently Asked Questions

When is the application deadline?
The application deadline is always February 1st, 4:30p.m., for the following fall start.

 Do you have spring admission?
We only admit one time per academic year, for a fall semester start.

What are your admission statistics?
Typically, we receive over 500 applicants and have 128 spots available in the program. Ninety six (96) places are reserved for Twin Cities applicants, and 32 for our Rochester location. The average prerequisite and cumulative GPA is about 3.7 for both locations.

How competitive is the program?
This is a very competitive program, however, admissions is based on a holistic review. We take into consideration many factors besides your GPA. Applicants are first reviewed for the minimum eligibility requirements. We will also review the essay portion of your application for any previous health care related experience. Experience may include volunteering in a hospital setting, or having obtained your nursing assistant license. While health care experience is not a requirement, it will help in distinguishing you among other candidates. Additionally, your educational background is reviewed in detail. We also highly recommend that candidates have leadership, diversity, and work experience.

What are the BSN program eligibility requirements?

• At the time of application, applicants must have completed, or have in progress, at least five of the six college-level/college credit prerequisites listed in the application, with the  ability to complete all six prerequisites (seven for Rochester applicants) before entering the program in September.

• Applicants must also have completed at least one natural or physical science course, (either Biology, chemistry, or AP1 for Rochester applicants) with an A-F grade. Anatomy and Physiology (or AP1/2) must have been taken within 10 years before admission.

• Applicants must have a cumulative college GPA of at least 2.80.

• Applicants must have a cumulative prerequisite GPA of at least 2.80, with at least five courses (completed or in progress) taken A-F.

• English language proficiency, if applicable: TOEFL score of at least 240 on the computerized version, 95 on the Web version (iBT), or 586 on the paper version.

I am a transfer student outside of the University of Minnesota system. How do I apply?
Transfer students must complete by the February 1st, 4:30p.m., deadline:

1. Complete an online undergraduate transfer student application for admission through the U of M Office of Admissions.
2. Submit all official copies of transcripts to the U of M Office of Admissions.
3. Complete online the School of Nursing application.

I have attended the U of M in the past as a degree seeking student, or am currently enrolled as a degree seeking student at one of our campuses. Do I need to reapply to the University of MN?
No. Previous U of M students should complete the Change of College form in addition to the School of Nursing application. Students currently enrolled at UMD, UMC, and UMM must also complete the Change of College form. Please note: Students who are currently, or who have been previously enrolled in the College of Continuing Education as non-degree seeking students, must also complete a Transfer Undergraduate Application.

How will my credits transfer?
Prerequisite coursework must:

1. Be transferable to the University of Minnesota.
2. Fulfill the minimum credit requirements.
3. Have the same or similar course title and description.
4. Meet the course completion timeline requirements.

Please note you may complete the prerequisites at another academic institution, at another U of M campus location, or college at the University of Minnesota. You may then transfer to the School of Nursing for your final three years.

Please refer to www.transfer.org for specific courses.

May I complete the program in fewer than 3 years?
No. The program is highly structured. No matter what grade level you enter in (sophomore, junior, senior, or previous college graduate) the program will still take three years to complete.

Do you only admit college sophomores?
No, we have many students who apply and begin their program as juniors and seniors. We have students who are also returning for a second bachelor’s degree, or, have even completed graduate level education.

Do you have a 2 year completion or "bridge" program?
No, we only have a 4 year BSN program. Students who have already completed their 2 year program are encouraged to seek admission to a two year completion program.

Do you transfer in other nursing courses?
We will evaluate nursing courses ONLY for those admitted into our program. This review is conducted only after you are admitted, not before. We require a final official transcript as well as course syllabi from each nursing course. There is no guarantee your credits will transfer.

I am in a current BSN nursing program, can I apply?
Yes, you will be required though to submit, to our department, a letter of good standing from your current or previous, nursing program. Applicants who are not in good standing are not eligible for admission to our program.

May I apply to both the MN and BSN program?
Yes, students may apply to either program so long as they meet the eligibility criteria. Each program has its own criteria. Please review both programs closely.

How do you contact applicants regarding admission decisions?
We contact all applicants who completed a School of Nursing application via the email account they have included with their application. Admission decisions typically go out mid-April.
 

Do you have a wait-list?
Yes, we do have a wait-list. This is not a ranked or a weighted list. Students who are asked to be on this will be notified via email when admission emails are sent to all applicants. Should a place become available this list is reviewed thoroughly and the SON will contact individuals.