Curious about how to get into nursing school? You can increase your chances by being well-prepared when reaching out to an enrollment counselor. Write down questions and consider your motivation for becoming a nurse. Then, work with your enrollment counselor to complete your admissions plan, including fulfilling prerequisites.
If you are aiming for a nursing career, the first step is preparing a competitive application for nursing school. Applying to nursing school can seem challenging, but understanding admission requirements and what makes a strong applicant can give you a clear path forward. At Mercer University, you will have the support of your enrollment counselor.
Mercer University’s Second Degree Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) track could be the right pathway for you to earn your nursing degree sooner. Our ABSN track in Atlanta, Georgia, prepares students to graduate ready to take the NCLEX-RN exam in as few as 12 months.
As you explore the admission process, you may want to consider questions like, Is it hard to get into nursing school? and, What will I need to apply? You will also want to become familiar with what you will need to submit as part of your application. It all begins with a conversation with an enrollment counselor at Mercer University.
What is nursing school really like? Learn what you can expect.
Are ABSN Programs Hard to Get Into?
In general, nursing schools can be competitive due to high demand and the need to ensure students are prepared for the rigor of the curriculum. You do not need to be a straight-A student to get into nursing school. It is an achievable goal if you have a competitive GPA, though requirements vary by program. Mercer requires a minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher for ABSN applicants.
1. Prepare Before Contacting Admissions
Before you apply to Mercer University’s Accelerated BSN track in Atlanta, you will connect with an enrollment counselor.
Know Why You Want to Be a Nurse
Your first conversation with an enrollment counselor is an opportunity to share why you want to be a nurse and why you are a good fit for Mercer University’s ABSN track. Communicating your passion for nursing can demonstrate that you are committed to your nursing education.
Write Down Any Questions You Have
Asking thoughtful questions is another way to illustrate your dedication to the journey ahead. As you prepare for your call, write down any questions you may have. Some of the questions you might want to ask include:
- How does Mercer University’s ABSN track work?
- What are the prerequisite requirements, and how do they apply to my academic history?
- What is the tuition information for Mercer University’s ABSN track?
- What are the advantages of earning an Accelerated BSN?
- How soon can I start?
Similarly, be prepared for the enrollment counselor to ask you a few questions, which may include:
- Why do you want to become a nurse?
- Why are you interested in Mercer University’s ABSN track?
- What are your long-term career goals?
- How do you manage your time?
Obtain Your Unofficial School Transcripts
While it might not be required to have your unofficial school transcripts for your initial admissions conversation, obtaining them can be helpful for the process. Not only will you be able to discuss your GPA and course history, but having transcripts on hand demonstrates your preparedness.
2. Be Candid When Working With Your Enrollment Counselor
Your enrollment counselor will ask you questions about your goals. They will also discuss your previous academic studies, schedule and availability, and nursing school goals. During the call, you should:
Listen Carefully and Take Good Notes
Your enrollment counselor will follow up with the key takeaways of your call, but taking detailed notes of any next steps, additional questions, track requirements, and important dates can ensure you have all the information you will need at your fingertips. Developing strong note-taking habits can support your success in nursing school and in professional practice.
To get the most out of your initial conversation with an enrollment counselor, try to choose a time and place free of distractions so that your counselor has your undivided attention.
Be Upfront About Any Issues of Concern
While it is important to put your best foot forward during your initial discussion with an enrollment counselor, Mercer University is committed to your success both in the classroom and beyond. If there are academic areas that may be challenging or areas in your academic history you may wish to discuss, be sure to mention that to your enrollment counselor.
This allows your enrollment counselor to help map out your personalized pathway to success. Your counselor is committed to helping you achieve your dream of becoming a registered nurse (RN). After admission as an ABSN student at Mercer, you would also have access to academic success coaches who provide individualized support while working through the curriculum.
3. Create and Follow Through on Your Academic Plan
Following your first conversation with an enrollment counselor, you will be asked to submit your unofficial college transcripts. Your enrollment counselor will then work with you to develop an individualized academic plan during a follow-up conversation.
This plan may include fulfilling outstanding prerequisite courses or retaking a science course completed more than seven years ago, among other requirements. Once you have an academic plan, your enrollment counselor will assist with establishing a target application date and entry term for Mercer University’s ABSN track.
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Complete Any Needed Prerequisite Courses
The number of prerequisites you will need to complete depends on your prior academic experience. All prerequisites must have been fulfilled within seven years of your ABSN start date. While completing these courses, be sure to put forth your best effort, as your grades will matter. You will need a minimum GPA of 3.0 in all prerequisite courses.
Consider Gaining Some Healthcare Experience
Although it is not a requirement to apply to Mercer University, healthcare experience may prove helpful. Consider looking for a volunteer position in a hospital or hospice agency or look for an entry-level paying job in healthcare. Gaining some healthcare experience may make you a stronger candidate for nursing school, and it can also help you refine your career goals.
Prepare to Take the TEAS
When considering how to get into nursing school, prioritize a strong performance on the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS). On this nursing school entrance exam, Mercer ABSN applicants must earn a minimum composite score of 76. With the right preparation and study plan, you can succeed on the TEAS and increase your chances of getting into nursing school.
Try these top tips for succeeding on the TEAS test.
Submit TOEFL Scores
If you are an international student interested in studying at Mercer University, you will need to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Submit your TOEFL scores as part of your application.
Write a Compelling Admissions Essay
One of the final steps in the application process is submitting your resume and admissions essay. Your essay should clearly demonstrate your passion for the field of nursing and commitment to the values of Mercer University’s College of Nursing, including Christian caring, compassion, and social responsibility.
Before submitting your resume and essay, have someone review them and provide feedback. With that feedback in mind, revise your essay and resume as needed and be sure to proofread them both.
Do You Have What It Takes to Be a Mercer University Nurse?
If you already have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university, it may be possible to earn your nursing degree in as few as 12 months with Mercer University’s ABSN track. Our ABSN track is designed to support your success as a nursing student and beyond, with academic success coaches to provide individualized attention and small class sizes that facilitate faculty mentoring.
Contact an enrollment counselor today to learn more and begin your nursing journey.