BSN Application Preparation
Presented by the Kirkhof College of Nursing, Office of Student Services
The Kirkhof College of Nursing uses a holistic admissions process that values academic readiness and the personal experiences and attributes each applicant brings. For both the Traditional and Second-Degree BSN programs, four components each make up 25% of the overall admission decision. Each is reviewed independently, ensuring fairness and balance in the process:
- Prerequisite GPA (25%)
- Student Profile (25%)
- Personal Statement (25%)
- Interview (25%)
Together, these four components provide a complete picture of each applicant and their readiness to enter the nursing profession. This website is designed to help students prepare for the application by offering clear guidance on each component, ensuring transparency in the process, and providing tools to get ready in advance.
Drop-In Advising
Need to clarify anything about your application before you submit? Nursing advisors are available for drop-in advising between January 5 - January 8 for quick questions about your nursing application. No appointment required!
Important Notes:
- Click the Zoom link to join the waitlist
- First-come, first-served
- Advisors will have approximately 15 minutes to assist you
If you need drop-in assistance for scheduling questions, please view this website for additional dates/times.
Instructions:
- Advisors are not allowed to view or offer unsolicited feedback on materials
- Advisors can only answer any questions you may have, so please have them prepared
Monday, Jan. 5
12:30 pm - 2:30 pm
Tuesday, Jan. 6
9:30 am - 11:30 am
Wednesday, Jan. 7
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Thursday, Jan. 8
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Learn more about each component...
Eligibility
Meeting minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee admission. Admission is competitive, with up to 120 seats available per semester in the Traditional BSN program and up to 48 seats available per semester in the Second-Degree BSN program.
To be considered for admission, applicants must:
- Declare Nursing as a major prior to submitting an application.
- Earn an overall GPA of 2.7 or higher (includes non-GVSU courses).
- Earn a prerequisite GPA of 2.7 or higher (includes non-GVSU courses).
- Earn a grade of C (not C-) or higher in all required courses.
- Submit an application within the designated application window.
- Adhere to the KCON course repeat policy: Students may repeat up to three admission prerequisite courses (only two may be in BMS, CHM, or BIO). A course cannot be repeated more than once.
- Second Degree Applications Only: Bachelor’s degree must be conferred before starting the program.
If offered a seat in either program, selected students must also complete all required co-requisite courses and submit documentation of a physical examination, immunizations, TB testing, criminal background check, drug screen, and CPR certification before starting the program.
Timeline
At the time of application, students will submit grades for their prerequisite courses along with the Student Profile and Personal Statement (both available in advance to prepare early). About one month after applying, students will be invited to their Interview. Shortly after the interview, applicants will receive an admission decision.
Admission is competitive. Each cycle, up to 120 students are admitted to the Traditional BSN program and up to 48 students to the Second-Degree BSN program.
Traditional BSN
|
Application Window |
Start of the Program |
|---|---|
|
August 1–8 |
January (Winter Semester) |
|
January 1–8 |
August (Fall Semester) |
Second Degree BSN
|
Application Window |
Start of the Program |
|---|---|
|
August 1–8 |
January (Winter Semester) |
|
January 1–8 |
May (Summer Semester) |
|
May 1–8 |
August (Fall Semester) |
Workshops and Preparation Sessions
Office of Student Services Events
Student Profile Workshop (Virtual)
March 17, 2026 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
The Student Profile accounts for 25% of the admissions decision for both the Traditional and Second-Degree BSN programs. It’s a table-based document where you highlight experiences, skills, and...
Student Profile Workshop (In-Person)
March 20, 2026 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
The Student Profile accounts for 25% of the admissions decision for both the Traditional and Second-Degree BSN programs. It’s a table-based document where you highlight experiences, skills, and...
Personal Statement Workshop (Virtual)
April 2, 2026 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
The Personal Statement makes up 25% of the admissions decision for both the Traditional and Second-Degree BSN programs. It’s a written essay where you reflect on your experiences and motivations...
Personal Statement Workshop (In Person)
April 10, 2026 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
The Personal Statement makes up 25% of the admissions decision for both the Traditional and Second-Degree BSN programs. It’s a written essay where you reflect on your experiences and motivations...
Application Preparation Session (In-Person)
April 22, 2026 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
The application for the traditional and second-degree BSN has four components: GPA, interview, student profile, and personal statement. Each is reviewed individually, but together they form the overall...