3 Proven Ways to Get Into Nursing School
Aug 22, 2025
3 Proven Ways to Get Into Nursing School (From a Doctoral-Prepared Family Nurse Practitioner)
If you’re just starting your pre-nursing school journey, you’re probably wondering how to stand out and stay on track. I’ve been there! Here are the exact steps you can take to make sure you get accepted:
1. Stay Organized and On Track
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Use a Planner: Keep track of assignments, deadlines, and important dates. Staying organized will help you manage your workload and reduce stress.
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Take the Right Classes: Make sure you’re enrolled in all the prerequisite courses required by your nursing program.
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Meet with Your Academic Advisor: Regularly check in to ensure you’re on the right path and not missing any requirements.
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2. Boost Your GPA
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Connect with Professors Early: During the first few weeks, introduce yourself to your professors. Ask for study tips and clarify expectations for each class.
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Prioritize Science Courses: Focus on excelling in key subjects like Anatomy & Physiology and Microbiology, as these are often heavily weighted in admissions decisions.
3. Prep for the Entrance Exam
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Know Which Exam to Take: Find out if your nursing school requires the HESI or TEAS exam.
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Get a Study Guide: Invest in a reputable prep book to help you review and practice.
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Take Practice Tests: Identify your weak areas and focus your studying there.
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Plan Ahead: I almost didn’t get in because I took my TEAS test too close to the deadline. Give yourself enough time to take the exam at least twice before applying, just in case you want to improve your score. Make sure your scores will be sent in before the application deadline!
Bonus Tip:
Find out the minimum score needed for your program—and aim higher! Scoring above the requirement can give you a competitive edge.
Starting your first or second year of college on the right foot can set the trajectory for your entire year. So stay focused & organized, work hard in your classes, and prepare early for your entrance exam. You’ve got this!
If you do get distracted that’s okay. Because we all do. Just recognize where you went wrong, learn from it and start back over. Because what matters most isn’t that you fall down, but whether you GET BACK UP!
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