You may find that getting into a nursing program takes time, work and patience, but it can also be very good if you know how your ACT scores will change your chances of being let in. Since each nursing school has different rules for acceptance, some put high value on tests like the ACT, while others want to look at the whole app and then decide. So, whether or not your ACT scores matter depends on the school you are going to apply to, the school of nursing you want to go to, as well as how good your whole application actually is. In order to help you through this, I will tell you what role ACT scores play when it comes to getting into a nursing school. In this post, we will talk about:
- Different types of programs for nurses and how to get into them
- How to apply for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
- What your ACT scores mean for your app, and when they are good enough
- How some top nursing schools in the U.S. look at ACT scores
- Ways to get a better ACT score and make your app better
By the end of this guide, you will have been in a better position to position yourself as a solid applicant and maximize the odds for admission to his or her choice program of nursing.
Types of Nursing Programs/Admission Criteria
There are several paths to nursing, and different degree requirements that allow students to obtain an entry-level nursing job. There are three primary paths that can be taken to become a nurse: the ADN, BSN, and graduate and advanced degree nursing programs. Each of these programs could get you ready to apply for state licensure as a registered nurse (RN) or a practical nurse, but there are significant differences between all the programs in what they cover, how much time and what the future holds for your career.
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
It is a 2-year program to prepare students to work as generalists. The curriculum is designed on both the technical and theoretical aspects of nursing. The ADN graduate is prepared to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) and become licensed for practice as a Registered Nurse. Many go that route because it’s faster and cheaper for that kind of work, but some agencies may require or prefer a BSN for advanced positions and career opportunities.
Admission Requirements for ADN Programs:
- A student needs either their high school diploma or an equivalent certification
- The institution requires students to complete science and math prerequisite courses
- The institution sets its own minimum GPA requirement for admission
- The entrance examination requirements differ between nursing schools
- Students must submit immunisation documentation along with their background investigation results
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
A BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) program is a four-year university-based program of study. ADN specifications include more theoretical and clinical skills, along with other domains like leadership, research, and public health that a BSN covers. The applicant must also take and pass the NCLEX-RN to obtain a license. BSN is usually preferred by employers in the health field, which may result in broader job opportunities, enhanced salaries, and options for specialisation.
Admission Requirements for BSN Programs:
- Pass the secondary education or equivalent course.
- Determine whether or not the prerequisite courses have already been completed in biology, chemistry, and mathematics.
- Moreover, a good GPA is required, depending on the institution.
- Occasionally, the institution may require standardized test scores (ACT or SAT).
- Some programs may require a personal statement or essay.
- Many institutions require letters of recommendation.
Graduate Nursing Programs (MSN & Doctoral Degrees)
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Doctoral Nursing Programs (DNP, Ph.D.) advanced educate in areas of specialization concerning leadership, education, and research, as well as advanced clinical practice for professional nurses seeking advancement or activities outside of direct patient care. These programs are specifically for nurses wishing administrative roles, to become nurse educators, or specialize as nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, and clinical nurse specialists.
Admission Requirements for Graduate Nursing Programs:
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing from an accredited institution
- Registered Nurse license
- Work experience in nursing (often preferred)
- Strong academic record (GPA requirements vary)
- Letters of recommendation, personal statement
- GRE scores (required for some programs)
Each of these programs teaches a different level of education and career advancement. Choosing a specific path depends on an individual’s career goals, available finances, and their time commitment to education.
The General Application Process for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Admission processes for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program vary according to universities. Generally, nursing schools follow one of two admission pathways: direct admission as an entry into college or through separate admission to nursing after completing prerequisite courses. Knowing how each of these routes works thus helps applicants to prepare and meet all necessary requirements.
Direct Admission into a Nursing Program
While some universities may grant direct entry into the nursing program at the time of general undergraduate admission, others typically input nursing as an intended major during their college applications. Oftentimes, admission to such programs is competitive; applicants should have a good academic record and standardized test scores such as ACT/SAT. In addition, there are application materials required, including a personal statement or some recommendation letters. Admission will allow students to take the nursing courses straight away with general education curriculum.
Applying to a Nursing Program After Completing Prerequisites
In relation to this, schools specifically in nursing demand that students separately apply to the field after the first two years of an undergraduate course. During these first and second years, students are given the designation of pre-nursing majors. Within this period, students also have to take general education as well as courses like biology, chemistry, and anatomy, plus it’s worth noting that there is a minimum GPA requirement that must be met from their nursing school.
By about the middle of the sophomore year, any person fulfilling the qualifying requirements must submit a separate application to the nursing school. An application may entail such processes as:
- All courses must be completed before the admission requirement.
- GPA Requirements: Competitive graduate programs usually set their GPA standards for eligibility.
- Personal Statement or Essay: Some programs ask participants why they want to pursue their particular specialization in nursing.
- Letters of recommendation: References may be asked from a faculty member, employer, or health professional.
- Entrance Exams: Some nursing schools require candidates to take an entrance exam, such as the HESI A2, to determine whether they are academically prepared and have personal suitability for nursing.
Interviews and Holistic Review
In general, the more competitive the BSN program, the more likely students will be invited to interview if they have met the academic and testing eligibility requirements. This provides an excellent opportunity for the admission committee to assess the applicants’ leadership experience, problem-solving abilities, and other relevant qualities related to their commitment to the field of healthcare. Many nursing schools follow holistic review processes whereby they look for attributes and experiences, including volunteer work, healthcare-related experience, and extracurricular involvement.
Understanding Admission Competitiveness
Set forth demands and come up with selection criteria, which ordinarily vary according to the competitiveness of a nursing program. Highly competitive programs are associated with several applicants but limited seats; hence, the admission standards are very high. Prospective nursing students should carry out research on the schools they want to apply to as early as possible for eligibility in meeting all requirements. It is important to develop a complete application with highlights of academic excellence and associated credentials in dealing with health-related issues.
The Impact of ACT Scores on Your Nursing School Application
It is for nursing students to interpret how standardized test scores affect admission. ACT score requirements might differ from nursing program to nursing program or differ according to the admission policies set forth by different universities. While some universities emphasize student ACT scores in a fair manner, some others still give higher priority to overall performance in prerequisite coursework than they do to any given standardized test score.
How ACT Scores Influence Nursing School Admissions
Direct-Entry Nursing Programs
Universities providing direct admission to nursing programs through general admission for the college as a whole consider ACT scores in their selection. When the college could possibly hold higher admission standards for nursing than their general acceptance standards, competitive ACT scores enhance the chances of applicants being given a seat in nursing. Therefore, applicants should try for an ACT score at or above the 50th percentile (of all accepted applicants) for those admitted into the nursing program. Higher ACT scores may be required by other programs in which case the competition might be tougher.
Nursing Programs with a Separate Application Process
The ACT scores are usually not a key consideration to nursing programs once the students have already completed their prerequisites. As far as the nursing admission teams are concerned, your college grades in courses like biology, chemistry, or anatomy matter much more than your high school or ACT score. In general, nursing schools do not consider high school standardized test scores to be as dependable a predictor of success as a strong GPA in these core science courses.
What ACT Score is Considered Competitive?
Well, some schools think that mid-to-high 20s on the 36-point scale can be expected; however, it depends from nursing program to nursing program. Prospective nursing students should research average ACT scores of admitted nursing students at their target schools and aim to meet or exceed those averages. Although nursing programs do not have scores as an admission requirement, a good score helps a lot in getting into direct-entry programs.
Other Key Considerations:
Nursing programs cannot be purely thought of as a function of ACT scores. First, getting a foothold in the university will be required of students. The examination committee demands students show an all-round portfolio: rigorous course studies, a good GPA, practical experience in health care, and indications of being in a leadership role.
Sure, a good ACT score adds weight; however, this is only one amongst many factors in nursing applications. Each nursing program has its unique requirements; thus, while maintaining an acceptable academic record, relevant information about the program of interest should be sought. Ultimately, consistent effort along with a well-rounded application is what sets someone apart in an equally competitive process of admission into nursing.
A Closer Look at How Top U.S. Nursing Schools Evaluate ACT Scores
Aiming for top nursing programs? Let’s not sugarcoat it. ACT scores are definitely on their radar, but they’re far from the full picture. Sure, your grades count for a lot (nobody’s surprised there), but every school has its own approach to standardized testing. Some see the ACT as a serious benchmark, while others just consider it part of a larger application mosaic. It all boils down to the specific qualities each program wants in its students.
In this discussion, I’ll walk you through how six leading BSN programs in the U.S. evaluate ACT scores. We’ll look at their typical admissions criteria, what kinds of ACT scores might catch their eye, and, just as importantly, the other characteristics these schools genuinely value. Because, at the end of the day, your ACT score is just one aspect of what you bring to the table.
At the UPenn School of Nursing, students begin their studies in nursing in the first year, mixing their general education with clinical experience that starts in the spring semester of the sophomore year. Being a university of high ranking, admission to this program requires students to apply through UPenn in their centralized undergraduate process, along with submitting ACT/SAT scores, transcripts, and letters of recommendation. The School of Nursing does not publish specific ACT data for their students, but the broader University admission statistics would give us a discernment; the middle 50% of those admitted in the class of 2023 scored between 33 and 35, which is near a perfect score. This offers an indication that nursing applicants would require superlative ACT scores in compatibility with the university’s competitive standards. UPenn seeks beyond grades for candidates that will demonstrate their sincere interest toward patient care, curiosity on medical issues, and a firm background of sciences, especially chemistry, which showed with a 92% NCLEX pass rate by its graduates since 2009.
Students interested in flexible course options covering specialty courses, like global health, and being in the Honors Program, may apply to the Parish M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, for the four-year BSN program. Admission is offered to the prospective students found admissible by the admissions committee for studying BSN where much weight is placed on ACT scores. While ACT averages specific to nursing are not published, Villanova noted that as of the class of 2023, the middle 50% for admitted students scored about 32-34, so applicants should aim to have a score of at least 32 along with a weighted GPA in the range of 4.13 to 4.47 in order to be considered competitive. Villanova seeks those who have a record of strong academic achievement and a sincere desire to tailor their nursing education to their career aspirations.
Emory University’s Nell Hodgson School of Nursing uses a distinct method which accepts students into the university before nursing enrollment starts at the junior year after two prerequisite years. The 2023 Emory first-year undergraduate application process requires ACT test scores with 32-35 being the middle 50% range of admitted students. After students reach Emory University the nursing school admission process focuses on college-level academic achievement along with student activities instead of ACT scores although good test performance does help students enter the first year. The selection process at Emory University focuses on students who succeed in their initial courses and show leadership abilities or active participation since these qualities indicate readiness for the program’s demanding two-year period.
The University of Texas in Austin is a strong possibility for students who fall a little lower than the benchmark ACT scores. Freshmen apply to nursing school directly through the Admissions Office at the university, simply choosing nursing as their first major. This choice has the most significant effect on ACT scores – the admitted students’ scores fall within the middle 50% which has scores between 27-33, more broad than some of its peers. This gives students the most flexibility and an excellent option if their test scores do not mirror their potential, especially with strong essays, transcripts, and demonstration of their commitment ethics to nursing.
The University of Wisconsin in Madison utilizes a two-part process: students take two years of pre-nursing courses and then apply for the BSN in their sophomore year. While when students are admitted as undergraduates, UW-Madison does not specify an ACT score minimum since it has no set standard but takes a holistic care when reviewing applicant files, the competitiveness of the nursing school is present when reviewing its data from the last admissions cycle, as 400 students applied for 160 slot (with an average admitted GPA of 3.5). While ACT scores do matter for admission to the university initially, nursing school is more focused on grades in pre-requisites(minimum 2.75 overall GPA with minimum C in each pre-requisite) and overall academic consistency throughout college than solely relying on standardized test performance.
Lastly, the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) School of Nursing admits to its four-year BSN directly out of high school, requiring both a university application and a supplemental nursing application. In 2019, the ACT scores for admitted UCLA nursing students were in the middle 50%: 30 to 35 (with unweighted GPAs from 3.92 to 4.00). UCLA nursing has no minimum score to apply, but for the selective program accepting 50 freshmans applicants (with about 10 transfers accepted each year), students must submit their ACT scores supplemented with a strong statement of purpose or rationale for applying to the school and strong letters of recommendation.
In these programs, the ACT scores serve as the first gate, with a competitive range generally from 27-35, depending upon the school. However, many of the top nursing programs tend to look at more than ACT scores, with an emphasis on academic preparation, a focus on being committed to a career in healthcare, and personal characteristics indicating their ability to be a successful nursing student and future nurse in the profession. Students should aim to be in the top end of the middle 50% whenever possible. Students should also do their best to build a strong application to reflect personal commitment to nursing and capacity to be successful in all aspects of nursing education.
Practical Strategies to Improve Your ACT Score and Strengthen Your Nursing School Application
A competitive nursing program acceptance requires you to achieve more than minimums. It comes down to a plan for your ACT scores, as well as for your entire application. For many top Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs, a strong ACT score can help form the basis of a well-rounded and compelling candidacy, along with the necessary evidence that you’ll be able to engage with and complete the rigors of nursing education. Below are seven straightforward ways to improve your ACT scores and enhance your application to make those admissions committees at great nursing schools in the U.S. sit up and pay attention.
1. Investigate Program-Specific ACT Expectations
To enhance your ACT preparation, the first step is to explore the admission policies of each of the nursing schools you are considering. Each nursing school has its own expectations of ACT scores; some schools explicitly list the middle 50% of ACT scores of admitted students, while others indicate that they take a holistic review when choosing students to admit. For example, some schools like the University of Pennsylvania indicate that they have expectations for math and science ACT components, and student scores are to be in the 33-35 range, while the University of Texas at Austin indicates that they are acceptable with a broader range of scores (27-33). Once you determine the parameters of expectation, you will then be able to ascertain a score that you can reasonably expect to achieve documenting the types of programs that you indicated as your top three. This process will refocus you on the expectations schools will have of you and give you the best opportunity to be competitive as you anticipate your next step in the application process.
2. Strengthen and Master Your Foundations in Math and Science
Nursing programs rely heavily on math and science; math includes any calculations from medication dosages, and science includes the basic understanding of human body physiology. Typically, Admission Committees will look carefully at the math and science sections of the ACT to get some sense of your potential to succeed in these two areas. In order to succeed in math and science, they are courses you need to take in high school. It is very important to study and finish high school courses in Algebra, Geometry, Biology, and Chemistry. If you lack confidence in your comprehension of math or science, you may want to seek assistance from tutors and study groups as necessary. A strong base in your foundations will improve your ACT scores in math and science, as well as demonstrate that you are ready for the academic rigours in a BSN program.
3. Enroll in a Structured ACT Preparation Program
Standardized tests can be intimidating, especially under the weight of nursing school admissions. An organised ACT prep course can help you understand the structure, timing and types of questions on the ACT, and build your confidence and speed. Many prep programs provide instruction on addressing strengths and weaknesses, and study strategies to help answer challenging test sections (like data interpretation skills in science, or applying problem-solving in math). The better you understand the structure of the test, the less anxious you will feel and be able to manage your time better throughout the exam, therefore increasing your chances of the best score possible.
4. Identify and Work On Weaknesses
Self-evaluation can be an extremely valuable means of improving your ACT score (and therefore your overall application). Take a full-length practice test under timed conditions to build a profile of your strengths and weaknesses. If your test results indicate lower scores in GPA-wise English grammar or reading comprehension, dedicate additional practice time to those particular skills. Use trusted ACT prep books, online coursework or study materials provided by your school to practice specific question types. Each week, improve a weak section and raise your overall composite score, which is the most important number to nursing schools.
5. Schedule Your ACT with Plenty of Time
Many nursing programs have early application deadlines and usually have limited seats, so timing is very important. You should plan on taking the ACT during your junior year of high school in the spring or early summer, so you have time to retake it in the fall of your senior year, if you need a higher score to make your target. Taking the ACT in early spring or summer provides more than enough time to develop and retake, if needed. It also ensures that you are way ahead of deadlines when applying, since you will be able to submit your ACT scores on time, once again, a key factor in a competitive admissions process.
6. Practice Time Management Under Test Conditions
The ACT does move very fast, at about 36 seconds per question, for the entire test of 215 items, which does put pressure on even the best students. In order to adapt to this fast pace, make sure you practice in conditions just like the “real” test by strictly adhering to the time limits in each section (English-45 minutes, Math-60 minutes, Reading-35 minutes, Science-35 minutes). You also want to make sure you are using this time to better prioritise questions, for example, skip the very hard question, but do it quickly and save it as a flag question for later if there is time left. The point is, time management is crucial to avoiding sloppy mistakes and making sure you finish in each section with your best score possible.
7. Emphasise Relevant Experiences in Your Application
While your ACT score has the potential to open doors for you, nursing programs want students that will dedicate themselves to the profession. In addition to your test score, it is a good idea to highlight experiences that are geared towards healthcare as well. Examples include experiences like volunteering in a clinic, shadowing a nurse, doing some sort of science-related extracurricular activities, etc. When you write your application essays or supplemental materials, you can explain how these experiences have informed your understanding of nursing and your career aspirations. You are showing that if your academic strength is displayed, your practical dedication can be just as extraordinary. This will set you apart as an applicant.
By following these seven strategies, you can improve your ACT score and develop an application that demonstrates academic excellence, as well as a vested interest in the profession of nursing. If you begin soon enough, work hard enough, and treat your application as a proxy for your willingness to face challenges while also continuing to dedicate yourself to the healthcare field, you will present yourself as a candidate who is worthy of acceptance to a BSN program. More importantly, you will show that you are willing to do what it takes to become a nurse who is ready to contribute to the healthcare profession, particularly in the role of a nurse.
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