Entrance into nursing school is a competitive process. While requirements vary from school to school, qualified applicants should have at least a 3.0 cumulative grade point average, as well as a 3.0 average in the required science coursework. As always, it is a good idea to review each school’s profile to determine what the minimum requirements are for entry.
Application Requirements
Each school will vary with what the specifically require to apply to their program, but the following is a list of common components of the application process:
- Letters of Recommendation – Written by faculty members, schools may require 2-3 letters on your behalf. Ideally these letters should come from faculty who know you well and with whom you have done well in their courses.
- Essay – Most schools will require to write an essay regarding your interest in nursing school and the field of nursing. Some schools may even have specific questions for you to answer.
- Entrance Exams – Some schools require exams such as the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills).
Additional Resources
For information on specific schools requirements, please visit the individual school website. For additional information regarding Nursing, please visit the following websites:
Students interested in Nursing are also encouraged to join the Pre-Nursing Society (PNS), which offers programs and workshops throughout the the year. To become a member or to learn more about this club, visit their Instagram @umbcprenursing
Nursing Schools in Maryland
UMBC students apply to nursing schools all over the region, but many choose schools in the Baltimore area. Below you will find a list of the most popular schools our students apply to, and some basic information about their application process. For more detailed information, make sure to contact the individual school.
Bowie State University
- Traditional BSN program
- Begins in the Fall semester
- Fall application deadline: April 6
- Requires an overall GPA of 2.75 and a 2.5 GPA in Science courses
Coppin State University
- Begins in the Fall semester.
Johns Hopkins University
- Entry to Practice MSN** program
- Begins in both the Fall & Spring
- Fall application deadline: around Jan 1
- Spring application deadline: around July 1
- Requires an overall GPA of 3.0
Notre Dame of MD University
- BSN program
- Application Deadline: around March 15th
- Accelerated BSN** program
- Application deadline: around Nov 15th
- Both programs
- begin in the Fall semester
- require an overall GPA of 3.0
Salisbury University
- Begins in the Fall semester
Stevenson University
- Traditional BSN program
- Begins in the fall semester
- Application deadline: around Feb 15
- Requires an overall GPA of 3.0 and a 3.0 GPA in Science courses.
Towson University
- Traditional BSN program
- Entry to Practice MS program
- Both programs begin in both Fall & Spring
- Fall application deadline: around Jan 15
- Spring application deadline: around Aug 15
- Requires overall GPA of 3.0
University of Maryland, School of Nursing
Fall & Spring
- Traditional BSN
- Fall application deadline: around Feb 1
- Spring application deadline: around Sept 1
- Entry to Practice MSN-E**
- Fall application deadline: around Feb 1
- Spring application deadline: around Aug 1
- Both programs require an overall GPA of 3.0
** Requires a Bachelor’s Degree (not in nursing) to apply