NP School Applications 101: How to Prepare & When to Apply

So, are you thinking of applying for an NP program, but not quite sure what that process is? Let us help guide the way! In this post, we’ll go over when to start applying, how to make sure your application stands out, and prepare for an admissions interview to help seal the deal. 💌

When should I start applying for an NP program?

That depends on a few things. First, what is your current nursing degree? If you have a BSN and an active RN license, you can look at MSN or BSN-to-DNP nurse practitioner programs. If you have an associate degree in nursing and an active RN license, you have two options. You can look at programs to earn a BSN and then move forward to graduate schools, or you can look for NP programs that offer an RN to MSN route, meaning you’ll complete coursework at the BSN level and then enter into the NP courses.

Also, when looking at programs, you’ll want to review the requirements. Some NP programs may require a certain amount or type of nursing experience before applying. For example, an acute care NP program may request intensive care nursing experience. Other programs may specify 1–2 years of any type of nursing experience. Another application requirement may be a minimum GPA, so be sure to look at your transcripts.

Want some good news? Many NP programs (especially online programs) offer rolling admissions and flexible start dates. That means that when you’re ready to start your NP journey, you’ll likely find a program ready for you!

What will you need for an NP school application?

Every program will probably have slightly different requirements, but the big things to know are to update your resume, know how to obtain your transcripts, and craft a great personal statement.

Resume

We’ve got a great post on how to build your NP resume that you can tailor to meet your current experience level. Overall, keep your resume neat and simple, and focus on your nursing experience.

Transcripts

Sometimes, the institution you’re applying to will assist with retrieving your transcripts, but if that’s something you need to provide on your own, it’s easy! Sometimes your previous institution provides a link to a secondary vendor (such as Parchment or National Student Clearinghouse). But, if you’re not finding that information easily, you should contact the Office of the Registrar from where you attended previously. 

NP School Personal Statement

Now, what should you include in your personal statement? You can provide an overview of your nursing experience so far, but don’t just repeat what is already on your resume. Instead, here are some things to focus on:

✅ Your motivation for becoming a nurse practitioner (especially whatever specialty you’re choosing).
✅ How does the mission of the institution align with your goals and ideals?
✅ Do you have any volunteer or community service activities that are important to you? How will that shape your NP practice?
✅ If you feel comfortable doing so, you can share a personal story about an NP that inspired you, or a situation where you knew that the scope of practice of an NP was needed to ensure safe patient care.

Keep the statement to around two pages, and let your own personal story, motivations, and goals shine through! 

How should I prepare for my NP school interview?

Some NP programs may admit based on the application materials and transcripts alone, while other programs may want you to complete an admissions interview.

If you start feeling the jitters before your interview, don’t fret! If you’ve decided to become an NP, you’re already showing that you’re driven to succeed, want to make a difference in the lives of patients, and are dedicated to the nursing profession. You’ve already got all those things going for you!

Here are a few examples of the types of questions you may be asked:

⭐ ”Why do you want to become a (specialty) nurse practitioner?”
⭐ ”Describe your nursing philosophy.” (Pro tip: Think about how you approach nursing. What values and beliefs guide your nursing practice?)
⭐ ”How do you use evidence-based practice in your current nursing role?”
⭐ ”Describe a time when you had to make a critical decision under pressure.”
⭐ ”Tell me about a situation where you had to advocate for a patient.”
⭐ ”What qualities do you possess that will make you a successful nurse practitioner?”
⭐ ”If the program is online, describe your experience with online learning.”

If you’ve made it to the interview stage, you’ve already met the academic requirements for the NP program. Whoever is conducting the interview—which may be someone from the admissions department, the chairperson, or other administrator in the NP program—wants to see that you’re excited about the next step in your nursing journey. 

What if I don’t get into an NP program?

First, take a deep breath!

Once the initial sting passes, it’s time to re-evaluate. If possible, ask for feedback from an admissions counselor at the institution. Use that information to apply again in the future or to make an application at another institution really stand out.

If your GPA is not where it should be for an NP program, you can look into the possibility of retaking undergraduate level nursing courses to boost your GPA. You can also inquire about taking MSN level courses as a non-matriculated student (meaning you’re not accepted into a particular program). If you do well in those courses, it may help show that you can succeed in graduate level coursework.

Lastly, use this time to get more nursing experience. Strengthen your clinical skills, or maybe earn a nursing certification to boost your resume. Always seek out new connections. Go to nursing conferences! You can meet directly with different NP programs or explore other nursing roles.

Further Resources

If your dream is to become an NP, we’re rooting for you! Apply when you’re ready, and all of us here at SMNP Reviews will be here with you along the way. 💜

And for even more (free!) tips on becoming an NP, check out these other posts on the blog:

• How Much is NP School (& How Do I Pay for It)?
• NP Curriculum Demystified: Everything You Need to Know
• What Are the Different Nurse Practitioner Specialties and How Do You Choose One?