FAQs

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

PhD applicants are required to complete one application to the University of Maryland, Baltimore Graduate School. Otherwise, you only need to complete one application to the School of Nursing.

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’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. 

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 institution you attended, despite whether or not college credit was earned. See more information on transcript rules.

How do I submit a recommendation?

Within the Admissions Dashboard, you will generate a request to a recommender you identify.

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

Yes, this will jeopardize your application. Your application will be considered incomplete and may be canceled 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.  

Where can I check the status of my application? 

Log in to the Admissions Dashboard to check your application status.

How should I submit the required application documents?

All supporting documents for your application should be uploaded to the Admissions Dashboard.

I previously graduated from or attended UMSON. 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; however, you do not need to submit an official transcript from UMSON and do not need to pay for one to be sent. The Office of Admissions and Student Scholarships will upload a copy of your UMSON transcript to your application.

I’m applying for the entry-into-nursing 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? 

Applicants who complete coursework outside the U.S. must have official transcript(s) evaluated by a recognized international credit evaluation service. Official evaluation of all foreign (non-U.S.) coursework must be sent to the University of Maryland School of Nursing by the service. Evaluations are accepted from any NACES Member who provides:

• course by course evaluation
• both credit value and letter grade.

I took courses outside of the US as part of a study abroad program. Do I still need to get the courses evaluated?

No, as long as the courses were part of a study abroad program approved/sponsored by an accredited institution and the courses are recorded on your transcript.

Please contact the Office of Admissions and Student Scholarships if you are uncertain whether or not the courses are/ were part of a study abroad program.

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More information for applicants without a U.S. degree & international applicants.

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

Military applicants seeking a decision outside of their program of interest stated review cycle may request an early review of their application by the Admission Committee. The request for early review does not guarantee that the Admissions Committee will be able to grant an early decision. Individuals requesting an early review should:

1. Review the School of Nursing website to determine deadlines, timelines, and required application materials.
2. Submit an application and all required application materials.
3. Email the Office of Admissions to request the early review of your application packet; the Office of Admissions will not consider any requests until all required application materials have been submitted and an applicant’s online status reflects that it is complete. The email request submission must include:
   1. Applicants name
   2. Applicants ID #, @00xxxxxxx
   3. Degree and/or program the applicant has applied to and the term
   4. Date the decision is requested by; please note that we require at least 10 business days to review requests
   5. Copy of orders or a letter of explanation from your commanding officer why an early decision is necessary.

Applicants will be notified within 10 business days if the request for early review can be accommodated. If the request cannot be accommodated, the applicant will be reviewed during the normal review cycle.

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 Office of Registrar's Residency web pages.

I’m a military applicant. Can I use competency-based education and prior learning to fulfill prerequisite and degree requirements?

Military applicants may use Advanced Placement (AP), College Level Examination Program (CLEP), and International Baccalaureate (IB) scores to fulfill prerequisite requirements. Please contact the Office of Admissions to determine the required score for each of the respective subject/content areas.

UMSON does not accept competency-based education and prior learning to fulfill nursing degree requirements.

I am applying to UMSON and the Nurse Enlisted Commissioning Program (NECP). Can I request an early decision to meet the NECP deadline? What are the requirements?

Effective fall 2022, military personnel requesting a decision outside of the normal period must meet all requirements and complete all steps listed below.

• Fall deadline: Dec. 1
  All applications will be reviewed starting Dec. 1 and all decisions will be released by December 15.
• Early decision requests must come with a completed Form 48 attached to the NECP Early Decision request form request (courses on Form 48 should be listed in the same order as the Prerequisite Course List)
• Complete the required NECP Early Decision Request Form: https://umaryland.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_b4qF4y0ikGfK1ca

Applicants who are applying to the UMSON and the NECP must:

• Meet UMSON requirements regardless of NECP requirements and or deadlines/timeframes
• Early decision requests must come with orders/reason an early decision is necessary and completed Form 48 if applying for NECP all in one email (courses on Form 48 should be listed in the same order as the Prerequisite Course List).
• Must complete full UMSON application by the NECP deadline or earlier
• If admitted provisionally you will not get a letter stating you met all requirements until we receive proof via official transcript
• Those who receive an early decision must comply with the 14 day confirmation deadline
• Failure to submit all documents and not list all schools attended will result in your request for an early decision being denied
• The reviewing committee will not consider incomplete files or late requests
• A deferral is not granted in the case of not being accepted to the NECP

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More information for military and veteran applicants.

Can I take the prerequisite courses at a community college?

Yes, we accept prerequisite courses from any regionally or nationally accredited institution.

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. 

Can CLEP, AP, or IB scores be used to fulfill prerequisite course requirements?

Applicants may be able to use CLEP, AP, or IB scores to fulfill prerequisite courses – see the “Transfer of Credit by Examination” tab for more details.

Can I apply to UMSON before I finish the prerequisites?

Accepted students must submit proof of enrollment for any outstanding prerequisite courses. Documentation must be received by June 1 for students admitted for Fall and Sept. 1 for students admitted for Spring. Acceptable documentation includes an official transcript, unofficial transcript or a letter from the registrar’s office stating that you are enrolled for those courses. Failure to provide documentation of coursework in progress may result in the cancellation of your admission. Proof of enrollment documentation can be uploaded on your student portal. All prerequisite courses must be complete prior to enrollment at UMSON

BSN and RN-to-BSN applicants:

• must have completed a minimum of:
  • two science courses (chemistry with lab, anatomy and physiology I and II with lab, or microbiology with lab)
  • one other course (human growth and development, statistics, or nutrition)
• can have no more than four total courses in progress at the time of application.

RN-to-MS applicants can apply with a total of 2 courses in progress as long as two of the science courses are complete.

CNL applicants must have completed a minimum of:

• two science courses (chemistry with lab, anatomy and physiology I and II with lab, or microbiology with lab)
• one other course (human growth and development, statistics, or nutrition)

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 prerequisites, including chemistry, microbiology, and anatomy and physiology I and II from any regionally or nationally accredited institution. Any chemistry, microbiology, and anatomy and physiology course taken online must include a lab component; the lab component can be fulfilled online also.

What is the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS)?

TEAS is designed specifically to assess a student's preparedness entering the health science fields. It is a requirement for admission as it is an indicator for future academic success. The exam measures basic academic knowledge in reading, mathematics, science, and English and language usage. The content areas assessed on the exam are important to measure entry-level skills and abilities of entry-into-nursing BSN program applicants.

Who is required to take the TEAS?

All entry-into nursing Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) applications who do not hold a bachelor’s degree in another field are required to successfully complete this nursing entrance exam through the Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI).

How do I register for the TEAS?

1. Create an account at www.atitesting.com (you will only need to register once).
2. Follow the instructions provided for registration, payment, and test completion.

If you have difficulty navigating the ATI website, please call ATI directly for assistance at 800-667-7531 or use this form to send them an electronic message.

What is the fee for the TEAS?

ATI determines the fee and the testing location(s). The fee is paid upon registration for the test.  

When should I take the TEAS?

Students must register for and take the TEAS test prior to the BSN application deadline for the term they are applying. Your scores must be received by UMB no later than:

• September 1 to be considered for spring admission
• February 1 to be considered for fall admission.

The official TEAS transcript is required by the application deadline in order to complete your nursing application for review.

How do I submit my TEAS score?

Select University of Maryland, Baltimore when you take your test, or contact ATI to have your scores submitted to UMB. All scores must come directly from ATI. 

How many times may I take the TEAS?

UMSON will consider two attempts per 12-month period, and there is a 30-day waiting period between retakes.

In the event an applicant tests multiple times, UMSON will use the most recent TEAS test score. You are required to pay for the test each time you take it. 

How long is a score valid?

We will accept a score as long as it is not more than five years old.

What is the passing score?

A TEAS score of proficient or higher, overall and in each sub-category, which is a minimum of 58.7%.

These scores apply to the ATI Academic Preparedness Category and in all subcategories (reading, mathematics, science, and English and language usage).

A lower score does not mean you will not be admitted. However, high scores do make your application more competitive. The Adjusted Individual (Composite) Score, the National Mean Composite Score, National Percentile Rank, four content Sub-Content Scores (reading, math, science, English, and language Usage) are all considered. The admissions review is holistic and all components of your application are reviewed to determine an admission decision.

How can I prepare for the TEAS?

ATI offers a study manual and two practice assessments. We strongly encourage preparation for the exam. For more information, please visit the ATI website.

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?

No, you are not required to take the TEAS.

I hold a Bachelor’s degree in another field. Do need to take the TEAS?

No, once we receive the official transcript showing your degree is marked as received in your online portal, the TEAS will be waived for you. Please contact us at admissions.nursing@umaryland.edu to make this request.

 

What credit by examinations do you accept?

The University of Maryland School of Nursing recognizes the following proficiency examination programs for credit:

• Advanced Placement (AP)
• College-Level Examination Program (CLEP)
• International Baccalaureate Exams (IB)

How do I know if my score can be used, and how do I request a score?

Advanced Placement (AP) 

UMSON will award credit on the scores listed on the AP Transfer Equivalencies for UMSON Chart.

Request your score.

College-Level Examination Program (CLEP)

UMSON will award credit on the scores listed on the CLEP Transfer Equivalencies for UMSON Chart.

Request your score.

International Baccalaureate Exams (IB)

UMSON will award credit on the scores listed on the IB Transfer Equivalencies for UMSON Chart.

Request your score.

Can I use a score that falls below the requirement?

No. Scores that fall below the listed requirements cannot be used towards credit.

My previous school accepted a score below your requirement so I did not have to take the course. Will UMSON?

No, if you did not meet UMSON’s minimum requirements you will need to take an appropriate course to satisfy the prerequisite.

My scores are listed on my transcript, do I still need to send an official AP, CLEP, or IB transcript?

Yes. Credit will not be awarded without an official AP, CLEP, or IB transcript.

How long does it take for an AP/CLEP/IB score to be received?

It often takes more than 10 business days. If your score is archived it takes much longer. It is best to make your request early.

Where do I submit my credit by exam transcript?

Official transcripts are required if requesting to use towards UMSON prerequisites. All AP, CLEP, or IB scores should be sent to:

University of Maryland School of Nursing
655 West Lombard St., Suite 102
Baltimore, MD 21202

I requested my official score be sent to UMSON a while ago but it still hasn’t arrived and now the deadline has passed. Can my application still be reviewed? 

No, we require all transcripts by the deadline. It is recommended you request your score early to avoid this.

What programs are available online?

An up-to-date list of our online education options are listed here.

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 courses through the Coursework Only (CWO) program. 

I was accepted into the nursing program but can no longer attend. Can I defer my admission?

For Degree Students:

In exceptional circumstances, accepted applicants to a UMSON degree program may apply for a deferral of their enrollment. The exceptional circumstances that we consider for deferral petitions are beyond the control of the student, and typically consist of: military obligations, and significant health challenges impacting the student or an immediate family member which will impact their ability to start their program. Please note that we require documentation (e.g. military orders, letter from provider to indicate the nature of the health issue) to evaluate an enrollment deferral.  

We do not consider deferral requests for financial or employment reasons.  Should you be ineligible for a deferral and you cannot start in the term that you are admitted, you should contact the Office of Admissions and Student Scholarships to discuss your options.  Please note that students who are not approved for a deferral and who are not able to start in the term they are admitted to will have to reapply for a future term, and admission will not be guaranteed.

Click here to fill out the Deferral Request Form. All supporting documentation can be attached to the form.

For Coursework Only (CWO) Students: 

Click here to fill out the Deferral Request Form. All supporting documentation can be attached to the form.

How many courses am I allowed to take through the Coursework Only (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.

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 and get your courses approved by your advisor before you register.

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Learn more about the Coursework Only option.

How do I accept my offer of admission?

You have 14 calendar days to accept your admission offer by submitting a non-refundable $400 deposit to reserve your seat which can be applied to your tuition upon enrollment and submitting a confirmation form.

You can find all of the accepted student requirements by visiting the accepted students page.

What happens if I am waitlisted?

You must complete the waitlist intent form available via the Admissions Dashboard.

Is the waitlist ranked?

No, the waitlist is not ranked. Unfortunately, there is no way for our office to determine where you stand in relation to other candidates on the list. Waitlist activity ranges from year to year depending on the number of applicants and space availability.

When is the latest I could be offered admission after being placed on the waitlist?

In the past, our office has made late offers of admission up until two weeks prior to the start of classes.

Should I notify the Office of Admissions & Student Scholarships if I decide I am no longer interested in remaining on the waitlist?

Yes, please notify us via email at admissions.nursing@umaryland.edu if and when you no longer wish to be considered.

Why was I not offered admission?

We understand that not receiving an offer of admission may disappointing. UMSON’s admissions process is rigorous and decisions are based on an increasingly competitive applicant pool.

Am I considered an in-state student or an out-of-state student for purposes of tuition?

This may seem like a straightforward question, but there are many factors that impact residency status. Please review the UMB's residency information to understand the comprehensive documentation required to qualify for in-state tuition.

Do you offer on-campus housing?

Yes. Please visit the UMB Housing page for more information. 

How do I submit a residency classification?

As part of your admissions packet, you will complete a residency application and submit it either by mail, e-mail, or fax to the Office of the Registrar using the instructions supplied at the bottom of the residency application. The completed application, signed and dated, should be submitted prior to the first day of enrollment for the term and program for which you are seeking admission.