Applying to Illinois Nursing Programs
Introduction
In the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, we hope that our students are accepted to the UIC College of Nursing to pursue their nursing studies. However, the number of students who are interested in becoming a nurse always exceeds the number of seats available in each class. The application process to UIC and many other nursing programs is highly competitive. Because of this, LAS Pre-Health Advisors encourage students to explore an array of different nursing programs. In fact, being aware of your options can make students better applicants - learning about different nursing programs allows you to find the best fit program for you. Transferring to another institution can be confusing, so students are encouraged to speak with a Pre-Health Advisor as well as admission representatives of the schools to which they plan to apply. There are a number of different ways to pursue nursing studies. The State of Illinois compiles a list of the various Illinois nursing programs and degrees offered. While many are located in the Chicagoland area, good nursing programs exist throughout the state.
Application Requirements
While each nursing program has its own specific requirements, there are three general categories that you can expect to find in an application to nursing school: Required Coursework & GPA, Essays & Resume, and Letters of Recommendation.
How you will apply to nursing programs will vary. Many transfer BSN and accelerated BSN programs will have specific applications on the school website. Others will utilize NursingCAS. NursingCAS is a centralized application service specific to nursing programs (sort of like the CommonApp but for nursing programs) which tends to be favored by graduate MSN, Nurse Practitioner, and Advanced Nursing degree programs. Please be sure to check the websites of the schools and programs that you are considering to make sure you understand the application process and requirements for each specific program. We strongly recommend creating a google or excel spreadsheet to track details related to your application process!
Required Coursework & Minimum GPA
Each nursing program will have its own specific course requirements, cumulative GPA, and ‘science’ GPA requirements. As you begin to explore your options, make sure that you are making note of any specific courses that are required beyond those of the UIC College of Nursing. You can find general prerequisites that LAS Pre-Health Advisors recommended for pre-nursing in the LAS Pre-Nursing undergraduate catalog page.
The UIC College of Nursing requires a minimum overall grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 in order to be reviewed for admission and a minimum of a 2.5 ‘natural science’ GPA. Students whose GPA’s do not meet these minimums will not be considered for admission.
LAS provides a GPA calculator for those students who are unsure of their overall or science GPAs. Contact LAS Pre-Health Advising if you have questions or concerns about your GPA.
Essays & Resume
Applicants to nursing programs should expect to write either a personal essay or complete several short answer essay questions, depending on the specific nursing application. Each school determines their requirements for admission, including essays. You will also typically be asked to submit a resume or, for programs that use NursingCAS, you will be asked to list your achievements, experiences, and any licenses/certifications you may hold.
Applicants to the UIC College of Nursing must complete several short answer essay questions. A resume is also required for consideration. LAS Pre-Health advisors are available to review students’ essay responses and resumes for the UIC College of Nursing application in the fall semester. Students are strongly encouraged to make use of this service. Students and alumni applying to other nursing programs with summer or fall deadlines are welcome to submit essays and/or resumes in the spring semester.
Letters of Recommendation
In addition to transcripts, essays, and a resume, applicants should expect to submit at least two letters of recommendation, though some schools will ask for more. Ideally, at least one recommendation writer will have taught you in a college level class. The other recommendation letter(s) can come from a professional or academic connection. A work supervisor or someone who has overseen you in a clinical experience would be appropriate. The UIC College of Nursing requires two letters of recommendation.
Please note that the UIC College of Nursing will automatically disregard letters of recommendation from family, friends, or coworkers; this is to be expected with other nursing programs as well. Be thoughtful about your choices and cognizant of the application timeline. Letters of recommendation are required to be submitted before your application will be considered complete. LAS Pre-Health Advising strongly encourages students to give recommendation writers at least one month from the date of request to the date of submission for the letter of recommendation. Students are encouraged to watch the Letters of Recommendation webinar series before selecting recommenders.