Getting into a nursing program is a challenging yet rewarding journey, and understanding how your ACT score impacts your chances of admission is crucial. Since nursing schools vary in their admission criteria, some programs place significant weight on standardized test scores, while others take a more holistic approach. This means that the importance of your ACT score depends on the specific schools you’re applying to, the type of nursing program you’re interested in, and the strength of your overall application.
To help you navigate this process, we’ll break down the role of ACT scores in nursing school admissions. This blog will cover:
- The types of nursing programs available and their admission requirements
- The general application process for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
- The impact of ACT scores on your application and what score range is considered competitive
- A closer look at how some of the top nursing schools in the U.S. evaluate ACT scores
- Practical strategies to improve your ACT score and strengthen your nursing school application
By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clearer understanding of how to position yourself as a strong applicant and maximize your chances of gaining admission to your preferred nursing program.
Types of Nursing Programs and Their Admission Requirements
Aspiring nurses have multiple educational pathways to enter the profession, each with its own academic requirements and career opportunities. The three primary options include an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), and graduate-level nursing programs. While all of these programs can lead to licensure as a registered nurse (RN) or practical nurse, they differ in duration, coursework, and career prospects.
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
The Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is typically a two-year program designed to provide foundational knowledge and clinical training in nursing. Graduates of ADN programs are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN), which is required to obtain RN licensure. Many students choose this pathway because it is a more cost-effective and quicker route to entering the workforce. However, some employers may prefer or require a BSN for advanced roles and career growth.
Admission Requirements for ADN Programs:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Prerequisite coursework in science and math
- Minimum GPA as required by the institution
- Entrance exam (varies by school)
- Background check and immunization records
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a four-year degree program offered at accredited colleges and universities. Compared to an ADN, a BSN provides a more in-depth education, covering not only clinical nursing skills but also leadership, research, and public health. Graduates must also pass the NCLEX-RN to become licensed. A BSN is often preferred by healthcare institutions and may lead to better job prospects, higher salaries, and opportunities for specialization.
Admission Requirements for BSN Programs:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Completion of prerequisite courses in biology, chemistry, and math
- Competitive GPA (varies by school)
- Standardized test scores (ACT/SAT, depending on institution)
- Personal statement or essay (for some programs)
- Letters of recommendation (required by certain schools)
Graduate Nursing Programs (MSN & Doctoral Degrees)
For those looking to advance in the field, Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Doctoral Nursing Programs (DNP, Ph.D.) offer specialized training for leadership, education, research, and advanced clinical practice. These programs are designed for nurses who want to move into administrative roles, become nurse educators, or specialize as nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, or clinical nurse specialists.
Admission Requirements for Graduate Nursing Programs:
- A BSN degree from an accredited institution
- RN licensure
- Work experience in nursing (often required)
- Strong academic record (GPA requirements vary)
- Letters of recommendation and personal statement
- GRE scores (required by some programs)
Each of these nursing programs offers a different level of education and career advancement. Choosing the right path depends on an individual’s career goals, financial situation, and the time they are willing to dedicate to their education.
The General Application Process for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
The process of applying to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program varies depending on the university, but nursing schools generally follow one of two admission pathways: direct admission upon entry into college or separate admission to the nursing program after completing prerequisite courses. Understanding how each process works can help applicants plan effectively and meet all necessary requirements.
Direct Admission into a Nursing Program
Some universities offer direct entry into the nursing program at the time of general undergraduate admission. In this case, students must select nursing as their intended major when filling out their college application. Admission to these programs is often highly competitive, requiring a strong academic record, standardized test scores (ACT/SAT), and sometimes additional application materials such as personal statements or recommendation letters. Once admitted, students begin their nursing coursework immediately alongside general education requirements.
Applying to a Nursing Program After Completing Prerequisites
Other institutions require students to apply separately to the nursing program after completing their first two years of undergraduate coursework. In these cases, students are typically classified as pre-nursing majors during their freshman and sophomore years. During this time, they must complete general education and prerequisite courses, such as biology, chemistry, and anatomy, while maintaining a minimum GPA set by the nursing school.
Around the middle of sophomore year, students who meet the eligibility requirements must submit a separate application to the nursing school. This application process may include:
- Prerequisite Course Completion – All required courses must be successfully completed before applying.
- Minimum GPA Requirement – Competitive programs often set GPA benchmarks for eligibility.
- Personal Statement or Essay – Some programs require applicants to explain their motivation for pursuing nursing.
- Letters of Recommendation – Faculty members, employers, or healthcare professionals may be asked to provide references.
- Entrance Exams – Some nursing schools require applicants to take an exam such as the HESI A2, which assesses academic readiness and personal suitability for nursing.
Interviews and Holistic Review
For more competitive BSN programs, applicants who meet academic and testing requirements may be invited for an interview. This allows the admissions committee to assess qualities such as leadership experience, problem-solving abilities, and commitment to the field of healthcare. Many nursing schools conduct a holistic review, evaluating not only academic performance but also factors like volunteer work, healthcare-related experience, and extracurricular involvement.
Understanding Admission Competitiveness
The number of requirements and selection criteria often depend on how competitive a nursing program is. Programs with limited seats and a high volume of applicants tend to have more rigorous admission standards. Aspiring nursing students should research their target schools early, ensure they meet all requirements, and focus on building a well-rounded application that highlights both academic strengths and relevant experiences in healthcare.
The Impact of ACT Scores on Your Nursing School Application
For students considering a career in nursing, understanding how standardized test scores impact the admissions process is crucial. The ACT score requirement varies depending on the nursing program and the university’s admission policies. Some institutions place a strong emphasis on ACT scores, while others prioritize academic performance in prerequisite courses over standardized testing.
How ACT Scores Influence Nursing School Admissions
Direct-Entry Nursing Programs
For universities that offer direct admission into a nursing program as part of general college acceptance, ACT scores play a significant role in determining eligibility. These programs often have higher admission standards than the university’s general acceptance requirements, meaning that competitive ACT scores can improve an applicant’s chances of securing a seat in the nursing program. In such cases, applicants should aim for an ACT score that falls within or above the 50th percentile of accepted students at their chosen university. More competitive programs may require even higher ACT scores for consideration.
Nursing Programs with a Separate Application Process
In contrast, schools that require students to apply separately to the nursing program after completing prerequisite courses generally place less emphasis on ACT scores. By the time students apply to the nursing program typically in their sophomore year admissions committees evaluate their college coursework, GPA, and performance in science-based prerequisite classes rather than their high school ACT results. In these cases, a strong academic record in foundational courses like biology, chemistry, and anatomy is a more important predictor of success in nursing school.
What ACT Score is Considered Competitive?
While there is no universal ACT score requirement for nursing programs, a higher score increases admission chances, particularly for direct-entry programs. Competitive nursing schools may expect scores in the mid-to-high 20s (on a scale of 36), though requirements vary. Prospective students should research the average ACT scores of admitted nursing students at their target schools and strive to meet or exceed those benchmarks.
Other Key Considerations
Regardless of how a nursing school weighs ACT scores, applicants must first gain admission to a university before entering a nursing program. A balanced application including strong coursework, a solid GPA, relevant healthcare experience, and leadership involvement can strengthen a student’s overall candidacy.
Ultimately, while a strong ACT score can be an advantage, it is only one component of a successful nursing school application. Understanding the specific requirements of each nursing program and maintaining strong academic performance in college coursework are essential steps toward securing a place in a competitive nursing program.
A Closer Look at How Top U.S. Nursing Schools Evaluate ACT Scores
When applying to elite nursing programs, understanding how institutions interpret ACT scores can provide a critical edge. While academic performance is a cornerstone of admissions, the role of standardized tests like the ACT varies across schools, often reflecting their distinct philosophies and program structures. Below, we examine how six of the top BSN programs in the U.S. consider ACT scores, drawing on their admissions processes and the broader context of their expectations. This analysis highlights not only the score ranges that make applicants competitive but also the additional factors these schools prioritize alongside test performance.
At the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, students dive into nursing coursework from their first year, blending general education with clinical experiences that begin in the sophomore spring semester. Admission to this highly ranked program requires applying through UPenn’s centralized undergraduate process, which includes submitting ACT or SAT scores, transcripts, and recommendation letters. While the School of Nursing does not publish specific ACT data for its students, UPenn’s broader admissions statistics offer a clue: the middle 50% of its admitted class of 2023 scored between 33 and 35 a near-perfect range. This suggests that nursing applicants need exceptionally strong ACT results to align with the university’s competitive standards. Beyond scores, UPenn values a demonstrated passion for patient care, a curiosity about healthcare challenges, and a solid foundation in sciences, particularly chemistry, as evidenced by its graduates’ 92% NCLEX pass rate since 2009.
Villanova University’s M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing offers a four-year BSN that emphasizes flexibility, allowing students to pursue specialities like global health or join the Honors Program. Admission occurs concurrently with the university application, where ACT scores are a key component of the review process. Although Villanova does not release nursing-specific ACT averages, the university reports that its middle 50% of admitted students for the class of 2023 scored between 32 and 34. Aspiring nursing students should aim for at least a 32 to remain competitive, complemented by a weighted GPA between 4.13 and 4.47. Villanova seeks candidates who show academic excellence and a clear intent to personalize their nursing education to match their career goals.
Emory University’s Nell Hodgson School of Nursing takes a different approach, admitting students to the university first, with nursing enrollment beginning in the junior year after completing two years of prerequisites. The initial undergraduate application requires ACT scores, with the middle 50% of Emory’s 2023 admitted class ranging from 32 to 35. Once at Emory, admission to the nursing school hinges more on college-level academic performance and extracurricular involvement than on the initial ACT score, though a strong test result helps secure that first step. Emory looks for students who excel in their early coursework and demonstrate leadership or engagement, ensuring they are prepared for the program’s intensive final two years.
For those with slightly lower ACT scores, the University of Texas at Austin offers a compelling option. Freshmen apply directly to the nursing program through the university’s admissions office, selecting nursing as their top major. Here, ACT scores carry significant weight, with the middle 50% of admitted students scoring between 27 and 33 a broader and more accessible range than some peers. This flexibility makes UT Austin an excellent choice for students with solid but not exceptional test scores, provided they bolster their application with strong essays, transcripts, and a clear commitment to nursing.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison employs a two-phase process: students complete two years of pre-nursing coursework before applying to the BSN program in their sophomore year. While undergraduate admission to UW-Madison does not specify a minimum ACT score focusing instead on a holistic review the nursing school’s competitiveness is evident in its recent cycle, where 400 applicants vied for 160 spots, with an average admitted GPA of 3.5. ACT scores may influence initial university acceptance, but nursing admission prioritizes prerequisite grades (minimum 2.75 GPA, with a C or better in each course) and overall academic consistency over test performance alone.
Finally, the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) School of Nursing admits students into its four-year BSN from the freshman year, requiring both a university application and a supplemental nursing application. ACT scores for UCLA’s 2019 admitted class ranged from 30 to 35 for the middle 50%, paired with unweighted GPAs of 3.92 to 4.00. Despite no minimum score requirement, the program’s selectivity of accepting only 50 freshmen and 10 transfers annually means applicants must pair high ACT results with a compelling statement of purpose and strong recommendations to stand out.
Across these programs, ACT scores serve as an initial gatekeeper, with competitive ranges typically falling between 27 and 35, depending on the school. However, top nursing programs consistently look beyond numbers, valuing academic preparation, a commitment to healthcare, and personal qualities that signal future success in the field. Prospective students should aim to exceed the middle 50% range where possible, while also building a robust application that reflects their dedication and readiness for the demands of nursing education.
Practical Strategies to Improve Your ACT Score and Strengthen Your Nursing School Application
Securing a spot in a competitive nursing program requires more than just meeting minimum requirements it demands a strategic approach to both your ACT performance and your overall application. For many top Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs, a strong ACT score can set the foundation for a compelling candidacy, but it must be paired with a well-rounded profile that reflects your readiness for the rigours of nursing education. Below, we outline seven practical strategies to enhance your ACT results and bolster your application, ensuring you stand out to admissions committees at leading U.S. nursing schools.
1. Investigate Program-Specific ACT Expectations
To optimize your ACT preparation, begin by researching the admissions criteria of the nursing schools on your list. Each institution weighs ACT scores differently some provide middle 50% ranges for admitted students, while others emphasize holistic reviews. For instance, schools like the University of Pennsylvania expect scores in the 33-35 range, whereas the University of Texas at Austin accepts a broader 27-33 range. Identifying these benchmarks allows you to set a realistic target score tailored to your top-choice programs. This focused approach ensures your efforts align with the expectations of your desired schools, maximizing your competitiveness.
2. Strengthen Your Foundation in Math and Science
Nursing curricula are heavily rooted in math and science, from calculating medication dosages to understanding human physiology. Admissions committees often scrutinize your ACT math and science section scores as indicators of your ability to succeed in these critical areas. To excel, prioritize your high school coursework in algebra, geometry, biology, and chemistry, and seek additional support through tutoring or study groups if needed. A solid grasp of these subjects not only boosts your ACT performance but also demonstrates your preparedness for the academic demands of a BSN program.
3. Enroll in a Structured ACT Preparation Program
Standardized tests can be daunting, particularly under the pressure of nursing school admissions. A dedicated ACT prep course can demystify the test’s format, timing, and question types, helping you build confidence and efficiency. Many programs offer tailored practice sessions and strategies to tackle challenging sections, such as data interpretation in science or problem-solving in math. By familiarizing yourself with the test’s structure, you can reduce anxiety and allocate your time effectively during the exam, increasing your likelihood of achieving a higher score.
4. Target and Address Your Weaknesses
Self-assessment is a powerful tool for ACT improvement. Take a full-length practice test under timed conditions to identify your strengths and areas needing work. If your results reveal lower scores in English grammar or reading comprehension, for example, dedicate extra study time to those skills. Use reputable ACT prep resources books, online platforms, or school-provided materials to drill specific question types. Improving weaker sections elevates your composite score, which is often the key metric nursing schools consider, enhancing your overall application.
5. Schedule Your ACT with Ample Lead Time
Timing is critical in the admissions process, as many nursing programs have early application deadlines and limited seats. Plan to take the ACT during your junior year of high school, ideally in the spring or early summer. This timeline allows you to retake the test in the fall of your senior year if your initial score falls short of your target. Early testing also ensures your results are ready for submission well before application deadlines, giving you a head start in the competitive admissions cycle.
6. Practice Time Management Under Test Conditions
The ACT’s fast pace averaging about 36 seconds per question across its 215 total items can challenge even well-prepared students. To master this, simulate real test conditions during practice by adhering strictly to section time limits: 45 minutes for English, 60 minutes for math, 35 minutes for reading, and 35 minutes for science. Refine your ability to prioritize questions, skip difficult ones initially, and return to them if time permits. Effective time management can prevent rushed errors and ensure you complete each section to the best of your ability.
7. Highlight Relevant Experiences in Your Application
While a strong ACT score opens doors, nursing schools also seek candidates with a genuine commitment to the field. Complement your test performance by showcasing healthcare-related experiences, such as volunteering at a clinic, shadowing a nurse, or participating in science-focused extracurriculars. In your application essays or supplemental materials, articulate how these experiences have shaped your understanding of nursing and your career aspirations. This holistic approach demonstrates that your academic strengths are matched by practical dedication, making you a standout applicant.
By implementing these seven strategies, you can elevate your ACT score while crafting an application that reflects both academic prowess and a deep-rooted passion for nursing. Start early, prepare diligently, and present yourself as a candidate who is not only capable of meeting the challenges of a BSN program but also eager to contribute to the healthcare profession. With this comprehensive preparation, you position yourself as a strong contender for admission to your top-choice nursing school.
How The Princeton Review Singapore Can Help You Get Into Your Dream Nursing Institute
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Our program begins with a pre-assessment mock test to identify areas for improvement, followed by a customized study plan. With access to over 120 hours of high-quality practice materials, you will receive the support needed to strengthen your skills. Regular bi-weekly assessments help track progress, while booster sessions and full-length mock tests prepare you for exam day. Additionally, our experienced mentors provide test-day strategies to enhance performance.
Beyond test preparation, we offer post-test counselling to refine your application, ensuring you stand out in the admission process. With a strong foundation and expert guidance, you can confidently take the next step toward your nursing career.
Contact us today to learn more about our ACT preparation programs and start your journey toward success.