Frequently Asked Questions

Application

Do I have to apply to both the University of Maryland School of Nursing (UMSON) and the University of Maryland, Baltimore?

You only need to complete one application to the School of Nursing if you are applying to the following programs: BSN, MS, Post-MS (non-degree), Certificate, DNP, and CWO. PhD applicants are required to complete one application to the University of Maryland, Baltimore Graduate School. 

I don’t have the recommended 3.0 grade point average. If I apply, will my application still be reviewed?

Yes, all applications are considered. We will review all of your supporting documents before making a decision. 

I don’t see the Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) program on the application. How do I select it?

You must first select “NURS-MS” as your application type. Next, you will select “Master of Science (Nursing)” as your planned course of study. Finally, you will select “Clinical Nurse Leader” as your specialty area. 

I’ve retaken a course. How will that factor into my application?

All repeated courses will be factored into your GPA.

Can I apply to both the BSN and CNL programs to increase my chances of being accepted? 

No, we will only consider you for one program per application term. 

My status says that I’m an out-of-state resident, but I have lived in Maryland my entire life.

To be considered for in-state status, you must complete the Application for In-State Status Classification. For more information concerning residency, go to: http://umaryland.edu/orr.   

I see that you require transcripts from all schools that I’ve attended. Do I need to submit a transcript to your office if I only took a few courses at the school and they aren’t related to my degree?  

Yes, you are required to submit a transcript from every school where college credit was earned. 

Will it matter if I don’t include every school that I have attended on my application?

Yes, this could jeopardize your application status. Your application will be considered incomplete if you have not submitted every transcript. We will request the transcript on Student Information Management System (SIMS) if we discover that you have transferred credits from one school to another and did not list each school on your application.  

I am a military applicant and need early consideration for your program. Can you review my application before the deadline? 

Yes, we will consider your application if you notify our office in writing with the desired date by which you wish to receive notification. 

I’m a military applicant. Can I be considered for in-state classification?

Military applications can be considered for in-state classification. Please refer to the Records and Registration website at: http://umaryland.edu/orr. 

Where can I check the status of my application? 

Go to: https://simsweb.umaryland.edu/pls/SIMS/bwskalog.P_DispLoginNon. Log in using the same ID and PIN that you chose when you completed your application. 

Can I e-mail any of the required documents for my application?

Yes, you can e-mail the items listed below to: admissions@son.umaryland.edu.

• Statement of goals and objectives (please ensure that your name is included in the document)
• Resume
• Nursing license
• Recommendation letters – recommendation letters must come from the person who wrote them and the recommender must include their job title, place of employment, employer’s address, and phone number

When should I send the required application documents?

All supporting documents for your application should be sent after you have completed the online application and paid the application fee.

I graduated from UMSON and now want to apply to another program at your school. Do I need to send in all of my transcripts again? 

Yes, you are required to submit transcripts every time you apply to a new program.  

I’m applying for the Traditional BSN program and am willing to take classes either at the UMSON in Baltimore or at the Universities at Shady Grove. How do I indicate that on my application?

You must select one location on your application. 

I am an international student, but I’ve lived in the U.S. for many years and have taken English courses. Do I still have to take an English proficiency test?

Yes, you are required to take the test if you do not have a U.S. high school diploma or a U.S. college degree.

I took courses outside of the U.S. Can I send you the transcript from that school? 

No, you must have a course-by-course evaluation done by one of the following companies:

• World Evaluation Services: http://wes.org
• Education Credential Evaluators: http://ece.org
• AACRAO International Education Services: http://aacrao.org/international

Prerequisites

Can I take the prerequisite courses at a community college?

Yes, we accept prerequisite courses from any regionally accredited college. 

Can I finish the required prerequisites after I start the nursing program?

No, all required prerequisites must be completed prior to your entry into UMSON. 

How many CLEP/AP tests will you allow me to transfer in?

We will accept 2 subjects (6 credits) of CLEP/AP. We will accept a score of 4 or 5 on an AP test. Due to the variation of acceptable CLEP scores, applicants with CLEP test results can contact our office to find out if their score will be accepted. We will not accept CLEP/AP results for any of the science courses (Anatomy & Physiology 1 & 2, Microbiology, or Chemistry).

Can I apply to UMSON before I finish the prerequisites?

Applicants for the BSN, RN-BSN, or RN-MS programs can apply to UMSON with up to five courses outstanding. However, at least two major science courses must be completed at the time you apply. Major science courses are Chemistry, Microbiology, Anatomy & Physiology I, and Anatomy & Physiology II. 

Applicants for the CNL program and applicants for the BSN program that already have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree must have at least two major science courses completed when they apply. 

Does it matter how long ago I completed the prerequisite? 

The only prerequisites that must be completed within the last 10 years of the application are Chemistry, Microbiology, and Anatomy & Physiology I and II. This requirement does not apply to active licensed nurses.   

Will you accept prerequisites that were completed online? 

Yes, we will accept online courses for all prerequisites except Chemistry, Microbiology, and Anatomy & Physiology I and II.   

TEAS

Which version of the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) is required?

We currently accept the TEAS 4.0 and the TEAS V.

What TEAS score do you recommend?

We recommend that you receive an overall score of 70 percent or higher. 

I took the TEAS over a year ago.  Will you still accept it? 

Yes, we will accept your TEAS score as long as it is version 4.0 or V and it is not more than five years old. 

Where can I take the TEAS? 

You can register for the TEAS through Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI) at: http://atitesting.com. You have a choice of taking the test at a community college or through PSI. Most community colleges require that you are enrolled at their school to take the TEAS on their campus. If you are not a current student at an available community college, you must register to take the TEAS through PSI. 

I have my associate’s degree in nursing and I am already a registered nurse. Do I still need to take the TEAS test to apply for the RN to BSN program or the RN to MS program? 

Yes, the TEAS is required for all applicants with an associate’s degree in nursing. 

ATI sent my TEAS score results to me. Can I send my copy of the results to your office?

No, you must request to have ATI send your TEAS results to our office. The results must come directly from ATI. 

I didn’t do very well on the TEAS. Can I retake it?

Yes, you can retake the TEAS, but you must wait until at least 60 days after you took it for the first time.

Coursework Only (CWO)

How many courses am I allowed to take through the CWO option?

You are allowed to take a maximum of two courses through the CWO option.

Do I have to take my two allowable courses during the same semester through the CWO option?

No, but you do have to enroll in two consecutive semesters to remain active in the CWO program. If you choose to take a break between semesters, you will be required to reapply to the CWO program.  

Programs

Can I complete the entire program online?

The only programs that are available completely online are: RN-BSN, Nursing Informatics, and the Teaching in Nursing and Health Professions Certificate.   

Where will I be doing my clinical hours?

We have clinical sites throughout the Baltimore – Washington D.C. area. Your clinical hours may be completed at multiple sites.

Is it possible for me to take courses without applying to a specific program? 

Yes, we offer graduate level courses through the CWO program. For more information go to: http://nursing.umaryland.edu/academic-programs/grad/masters-degree/non-degree. The CWO program is not available to applicants without a BSN degree.  

I applied for CWO.  When can I register?

You have to be accepted into the CWO program to be eligible for registration. You must first receive your acceptance letter, pay your deposit, and get your courses approved by your advisor before you register.