Can I Apply to Nursing School While Taking Prerequisites?

Understanding Prerequisite-in-Progress Applications

The majority of nursing programs accept applications from students who have prerequisites in progress at the time of application. However, there are important conditions and deadlines to understand.

What "In Progress" Means

When nursing programs say you can apply with prerequisites "in progress," they typically mean:

• You're currently enrolled in required courses during the application semester
• You must complete ALL prerequisites before the nursing program starts
• Final transcripts showing completed courses must be submitted by a specific deadline
• Your conditional acceptance depends on successfully completing in-progress courses

Common Program Policies

Programs That Allow In-Progress Prerequisites

Most programs (70-80%) permit:

• 1-2 prerequisites in progress at application time
• All courses completed by the semester before nursing program enrollment
• Official transcripts submitted by a deadline (often May-July for fall admission)

Programs With Stricter Requirements

Some highly competitive programs (20-30%) require:

• ALL prerequisites completed before application submission
• No in-progress courses accepted
• Final transcripts due with application

Example: University of Washington's competitive BSN program requires all prerequisites completed before applying, while many state community college ADN programs allow up to 2 courses in progress.

Which Prerequisites Can Be In Progress

Programs that allow in-progress prerequisites often have specific rules about which courses qualify:

Usually acceptable as in-progress:

• General education (English, Psychology, Sociology)
• Non-sequential sciences (if you've already completed others)
• Final courses in a sequence (A&P II, if A&P I is complete)

Often required to be complete before applying:

• Anatomy & Physiology I
• Microbiology
• Chemistry
• Mathematics (prerequisite for sciences)

Strategic Timing for Your Application

Ideal Timeline Example (Fall Nursing Program Start)

Year 1 (before application):

• Fall: A&P I, Psychology, English I
• Spring: A&P II, Sociology, English II
• Summer: Microbiology, Nutrition

Year 2 (application year):

• Fall: Chemistry (if required), Math, apply in October-December
• Spring: Final 1-2 electives if needed, submit final transcripts
• Summer: Take TEAS exam, prepare for nursing school
• Fall: Start nursing program

Risks of Applying With Too Many Prerequisites In Progress

❌ Delayed admission offers: Programs may wait until grades are posted to make acceptance decisions, putting you at a disadvantage compared to applicants with complete transcripts.

❌ Conditional acceptance stress: If you earn a C in a science course when the program requires B or higher, your acceptance will be revoked.

❌ Missed deadlines: Final grades must be submitted by specific dates; a late transcript can mean forfeiting your spot.

❌ Lower GPA calculation: Grades from in-progress courses aren't included in your application GPA, which may hurt competitiveness if those courses would have boosted your average.

Best Practices for Applying With Prerequisites In Progress

1. Verify Program-Specific Policies

Contact the nursing program admissions office directly and ask:

• "How many prerequisites can be in progress when I apply?"
• "Which specific courses must be complete before application submission?"
• "What is the deadline for submitting final transcripts?"
• "Are conditional acceptances common, or should I wait to apply?"

2. Prioritize Core Science Courses Early

Complete A&P, Microbiology, and Chemistry before applying. These courses:

• Carry more weight in admissions decisions
• Demonstrate your ability to handle science rigor
• Often have the highest minimum grade requirements (B or C+)

3. Save General Education for Last

If you must have courses in progress, make them general education (Psychology, Sociology, English) rather than sciences. These courses:

• Are less critical to nursing-specific competency
• Have more predictable grading
• Pose lower risk to your conditional acceptance

4. Plan for Transcript Submission Deadlines

Know exactly when final transcripts are due and build in buffer time. Many students lose spots because:

• Their college processes transcripts slowly
• Grades post later than expected
• Mail delays or technical issues with electronic submission

Pro Tip: Request your transcript 2-3 weeks before the deadline to account for processing delays.

5. Maintain Communication With Admissions

If you're applying with in-progress courses, stay in touch with the nursing program:

• Confirm they've received all required documents
• Notify them immediately if any issue arises with a course
• Ask about estimated decision timelines for conditional applicants

Alternative Strategy: Wait and Apply With Complete Prerequisites

Advantages of waiting until all prerequisites are complete:

• ✅ Stronger application with full GPA calculated
• ✅ No risk of conditional acceptance being revoked
• ✅ More time to prepare for TEAS/entrance exams
• ✅ Opportunity to retake any courses with grades below B
• ✅ More competitive for limited spots

When waiting makes sense:

• You have multiple science courses still incomplete
• You're uncertain about earning strong grades in remaining courses
• The program is highly competitive (30%+ acceptance rate)
• You can use the extra time for volunteer hours or CNA certification

What Happens After Conditional Acceptance

If you receive conditional acceptance with prerequisites in progress:

1. Complete all remaining courses with required minimum grades (usually C or B)
2. Submit final transcripts immediately after grades post
3. Receive final acceptance confirmation (typically 2-4 weeks after transcript receipt)
4. Complete any additional requirements (background checks, immunizations, orientation)

Important: Conditional acceptance is NOT the same as guaranteed admission. If you fail to meet conditions (minimum grades, transcript deadlines), your spot can be given to another student.