Nursing Schools Rolling Admissions

Many nursing schools and nursing programs use rolling admissions for at least some of their tracks (ADN, BSN, ABSN, RN→BSN, graduate certificates). That means schools review completed applications as they arrive and make decisions continuously until seats fill. Because programs close when capacity is reached, your best strategy is to apply early and submit a complete application.

What “Nursing Schools Rolling Admissions” Means

Rolling admissions means a school accepts and reviews applications as they are completed, not only after one hard deadline. For nursing programs, this usually looks like:

• The school posts an application window (for example: August–January). Within that window, they review applications when they are complete.

• Admissions decisions (accept, deny, waitlist) are announced continually — sometimes within weeks of submission. Because seats are limited, they may stop accepting new students once capacity is reached.

Why this matters in plain terms: if you wait until the very end of the window, the program may already be full. If you apply early and your file is complete (transcripts, test scores if required, essays, and references), you have a much better chance of getting a seat. Think of rolling admissions like a store that sells a limited number of event tickets — early buyers get the best selection.

Practical tip: Treat “rolling” as continuous but competitive. Apply as early as you can and confirm the program’s current capacity on the school’s admissions page. Many nursing schools clearly label their programs or terms as “rolling” on their admissions pages.

How Rolling Admissions Works for Nursing Programs

Here’s how most nursing programs handle rolling admissions in real-life steps — and what you must do at each stage.

1. Application window opens — The school posts a timeframe (e.g., Aug 1–Jan 15). For rolling programs, the window might remain open, but they’ll start making offers immediately. Many ABSN and RN→BSN programs publish rolling timelines.

2. You submit a complete file — This is the most important practical action. A “complete” file usually includes official transcripts, the application form, any prerequisite course grades, references, essay/personal statement, and proof of licensure if you are an RN applying to RN→BSN. Incomplete files are usually not reviewed. Practical move: gather transcripts and references before you click submit.

3. School reviews applications in order received — Many nursing schools review in the order received and make offers until capacity is filled. Some programs may also use scoring or cutoffs (GPA, prerequisite grades, TEAS/entrance exam scores) when choosing whom to admit. Because seats are finite, even a strong candidate who applies late may find the class full.

4. Decision turnaround time — Turnaround often ranges from a couple of weeks to a few months, depending on program size and staff. Some schools (particularly large public programs) publish a typical decision timeframe; private or smaller programs sometimes respond faster. Practical move: check each school’s published response time and plan follow-ups only after the stated period.

5. If accepted — confirm quickly — Because offers are rolling, schools will ask accepted students to confirm and pay deposits to hold the seat. If you delay, the seat can be offered to someone on the waitlist. Practical move: have funds and paperwork ready so you can accept immediately if you want the spot.

6. If waitlisted or denied — have backups — Treat rolling admissions like the start of active recruiting. Apply to multiple programs with rolling deadlines; monitor your status and request feedback if waitlisted. Practical move: apply to at least one program that has a later cohort start date or multiple start terms (e.g., spring and fall).

Read Also: Accelerated Nursing Programs for International Students

This practical, ordered approach keeps you in control: submit early, confirm completeness, track turnaround times, and respond fast if accepted.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Nursing Schools’ Rolling Admissions

Advantages (and how to use them in practice):

• Flexibility. You can apply many times in the year and not be forced to cram before a single deadline. Practical use: If you finish prerequisites late, rolling programs let you apply without waiting a full year.

• Faster decisions. You often get an answer sooner than waiting until a fixed decision date, which helps with planning housing, finances, and start dates. Practical use: Use faster decisions to accept the first good offer and withdraw other applications.

• Opportunity to apply after missing other deadlines. If you missed regular deadlines elsewhere, rolling programs are a second chance. Practical use: Keep a running list of rolling programs and their current capacity/term openings.

Disadvantages (and simple workarounds):

• Programs close once full. The main downside: even with rolling windows, you can miss out if seats fill. Workaround: Apply early and complete your file before the cohort fills. Call admissions to confirm seat availability before applying if capacity is low.

• Uneven competitiveness. Because applicants apply over time, early applicants may face fewer competitors — or conversely, early applicants may be of high quality, and competition can be intense. Workaround: Aim for a polished, complete application regardless of timing; highlight timely experiences like current clinical volunteering.

• Confusion about deadlines. Some programs have “priority” and “standard” rolling deadlines, or extended windows with rolling review. Workaround: Read the school’s admissions page carefully and treat “priority” deadlines as the target date for best odds.

Bottom line in practice: rolling admissions give you flexibility and speed, but you must act quickly and completely. Don’t treat “rolling” as an invitation to procrastinate — treat it as an invitation to be organized and early.

A practical, Step-by-step Application Plan for Nursing Schools with Rolling Admissions

Below is a hands-on plan you can follow. Each step includes what to do and why it matters.

Step 1 — Pick target programs and calendar (Days 1–3)

• Identify 3–6 programs that use rolling admissions and fit your goals (ADN, BSN, ABSN, RN→BSN). Check school websites for the term you want and whether review is rolling. Examples of schools that state rolling review for some programs include UMaryland, UNMC, Samuel Merritt, and UTMB — use each program’s published dates.

• Put the program open dates, priority dates, and contact info onto a single calendar or spreadsheet.

Why it matters: Focus prevents wasted time and ensures you target programs with rolling review.

Step 2 — Gather documents (Days 3–14)

• Order official transcripts early (some schools accept unofficial copies for review but require official copies later — still order now).

• Request references (give writers two weeks and a reminder).

• Complete prerequisite transcripts and grades; if you have weak grades, prepare a short explanation and evidence of improvement (new courses, certifications).

• If required: schedule TEAS or other entrance tests now; include results.

Why it matters: Rolling programs often only review complete files; missing documents delay review.

Step 3 — Complete and submit each application (Days 14–21)

• Fill out forms carefully. Upload a polished personal statement focused on why you want to be a nurse and concrete experiences. Tailor statements briefly for each program (1–2 specific lines about the program).

• Pay attention to program-specific questions (clinical experience hours, RN license number for RN→BSN).

• Double-check attachments and submit.

Why it matters: Accurate, tailored submissions look professional and reduce review delays.

Step 4 — Follow-up and tracking (Weeks 3–8 post-submission)

• Note the school’s stated decision timeline (many publish 2–6 weeks or “as received”). If you haven’t heard after that window, send a polite status inquiry referencing your application ID.

• If waitlisted, ask for concrete steps to improve your chances (submit updated grades, additional references, or clinical hours).

Why it matters: Proactive communication shows interest and can move you off the waitlist.

Step 5 — Accepting offers (Immediate)

• If you get an offer, respond quickly and meet the deposit and paperwork deadlines. Confirm start dates, orientation, health compliance (vaccines, background check), and tuition deposit rules.

Why it matters: Delay can cost your seat; accepted offers may require a nonrefundable deposit.

Step 6 — If denied, adjust and reapply (Ongoing)

• Get feedback if possible. Improve prerequisites, get more clinical hours, or apply to a later term or different program.

Read Also: Best Route to take from Nursing to Medicine

Why it matters: Rolling gives repeated opportunities — use them.

This concrete plan moves you from search to acceptance with minimal wasted time.

Real-world examples, timelines, and what to expect

Different programs run rolling review differently. Below are practical, real examples you can look up and model your timeline on.

University example — UMaryland School of Nursing

UMaryland states that the Admissions Committee reviews completed applications on a rolling basis and releases decisions throughout the cycle. They explicitly encourage applying early because space is limited. Practical implication: Submit complete files early to avoid missing seats.

Large public program example — University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC)

UNMC’s undergraduate nursing admission cycles sometimes state “applications are considered on a rolling basis until [date].” They list priority dates and then continue to consider applications until the program capacity is reached. Practical implication: meet priority dates, but know later submissions may still be considered if space remains.

Private program example — Samuel Merritt University (College of Nursing)

Samuel Merritt publishes rolling application dates and priority deadlines for different campuses and terms. They use priority and standard rolling dates — apply by priority for the best chances. Practical implication: treat priority rolling dates as your target.

Public system example — UTMB (University of Texas Medical Branch)

UTMB notes some programs are reviewed on a rolling basis; they publish term opening/closing dates and indicate that rolling applications may close when capacity is reached. Practical implication: Apply early in the open window and verify whether a program still has available seats before applying.

ABSN/accelerated programs

Many accelerated BSN programs (ABSN) list rolling admissions as the norm because they run multiple starts per year and often enroll quickly. ABSN program listings explain that rolling means earlier applicants often get offers sooner. Practical implication: If you’re changing careers and want an ABSN, apply soon after prerequisites are complete.

What to expect for decision timing

Some nursing programs will make decisions in 2–6 weeks after a complete submission; others may take longer in busy cycles. Public programs can take longer when volumes are high. Practical implication: plan for worst-case (6+ weeks) but check each school’s page for posted turnaround.

Read Also: Can I get into CRNA School with an Entry-level Master of Science in Nursing?

Nursing Schools Rolling Admissions — Common FAQs and a Final Practical Checklist

Q: Are rolling admissions the same for undergraduate and graduate nursing programs?

A: Not always. Some graduate tracks (MSN, DNP) have fixed deadlines, while their certificates or certain specialty tracks use rolling admissions. Always check the program-specific page. If a program says “applications reviewed on a rolling basis,” assume continuous review until seats fill.

Q: Do rolling programs require standardized tests (e.g., TEAS) less often?

A: No. Many rolling programs still require entrance tests or specific prerequisite grades. Rolling doesn’t mean looser academic requirements — it means flexible timing. Confirm each program’s prerequisites and testing rules before applying.

Q: If I apply early and later get a better offer, can I change my mind?

A: Policies vary. If you accept and put down a deposit, you may lose that deposit if you withdraw. Read the deposit and withdrawal policies carefully before accepting. Practical move: accept only when you’re certain, or when the program is your top choice and timing fits.

Q: Will applying to many rolling programs hurt me?

A: No. Applying to multiple programs increases your chances. Just keep track of application fees, deadlines, and required documents.

Final practical checklist — use this before you submit

• Target 3–6 rolling programs and copy their admissions page links.

• Order official transcripts now (allow 1–3 weeks shipping).

• Ask references with a clear deadline and give context for the letter.

• Complete prerequisites (grades uploaded).

• Schedule required tests (TEAS, if needed) and upload scores.

• Write a concise personal statement tailored with 1–2 lines about why the specific program fits you.

• Confirm the program’s decision turnaround time and whether priority dates exist.

• Prepare funds and documents for deposit and compliance (vaccines, background checks) so you can accept quickly.

Conclusion

Yes — many nursing schools use rolling admissions, but the rules differ by program and by term. Rolling admissions give you flexibility and often faster decisions, yet seats can and do fill early. The single most practical action you can take today: identify rolling programs you want and submit a fully complete application as early as possible. That increases your chance of admission more than almost any other strategy.