Frequently Asked Questions

Undergraduate Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing

How long is the waiting list?

There is no waiting list. There is a competitive admission process. Students who are admitted to the university, but do not immediately qualify for direct admission to the nursing major, enroll as pre-nursing majors and must complete a secondary application.

What is the application sequence?

• Apply to GVSU (may be done on-line)
• Once accepted at GVSU schedule orientation/registration
• Meet with a Student Services Coordinator
• Declare pre-nursing (B.S.N. in Nursing) as your major
• Enroll in prerequisite courses
• Meet with nursing faculty advisor to apply to the Kirkhof College of Nursing in the semester that you are completing prerequisite courses

What are the requirements for the application?

• Enrollment at Grand Valley State University
• An overall GPA of 2.8 ( a combination of all schools attended)
• A minimum grade of "C" (not "C-") in each of the prerequisite courses
• None of the prerequisite or decision courses may be repeated more than once
• Competitive grades in 6 decision courses (Biological Chemistry, Human Anatomy, Human Genetics, Human Physiology, Introductory Microbiology, and Life Span Developmental Psychology)
• Completion of all prerequisite courses in the semester of application
• Submission of completed application by the appropriate deadline, including a personal statement, work history, volunteer experience, record of leadership/service, and Verification of Course Work form

Meeting these requirements does not guarantee admission into the Kirkhof College of Nursing.

When are the deadlines?

Students who desire to begin the clinical courses in the fall or winter semester must apply by March 1. Students who desire to begin the clinical courses in the spring semester must apply by November 1. Late applications will not be considered.

When will I be notified of acceptance?

All of the applicants' transcripts are reviewed at the end of the semester. You will receive a letter early in the following semester indicating whether you have been accepted or not, and if accepted, which semester you may enter NUR 315.

How competitive is admission to the program?

It depends on the number of applications and the qualifications of the applicants, and these factors vary from semester to semester.

What if I'm not accepted into the College of Nursing?

You may apply again. There is no limit to the number of times that you can apply. You may retake a course to improve your decision course GPA, or consider other majors, or other nursing programs.

What happens if I am accepted, but I receive a "C-" in a prerequisite course?

Your acceptance is rescinded and you will need to re-apply.

What happens if I fail a nursing course?

A minimum grade of "C" (not a "C-") is required for each nursing class. If a student earns less than a "C", the course must be repeated in order to progress in the Kirkhof College of Nursing. The student is allowed to repeat the class if there is space available. If the student fails a second nursing course, he/she is dismissed from the program and not allowed to return.

Who do I contact if I have additional questions?

You can contact:

Office of Student Services at 616-331-7160 or

Linda Buck, BSN, RN, Nursing - Undergraduate Programs at 616-331-5785 or email at buckli@gvsu.edu