Frequently Asked Questions

We have compiled some of the most common questions we get from prospective students:

• General
• Applications and Deadlines
• International Students
• Admissions Prerequisites

If you have any additional questions, feel free to reach out to the Office of Admissions directly at 571-553-0138 or email us at [email protected] to speak with a member of our team.

General

Where are my classes located?

It depends on your program of study. Students enrolled in our Accelerated or Veteran Bachelor of Science in Nursing program take courses on the Virginia Science and Technology Campus (VSTC). Students enrolled in our RN-BSN program and all graduate programs take courses online that may require on-campus visits to our state-of-the-art simulation facilities at VSTC for skills assessment depending on their specialty area. We are also located in Foggy Bottom in Washington, D.C., where students can visit using the free VSTC shuttle to take part in special events and other GW opportunities. Learn more about our locations. 

Can I take a campus tour or meet in person?

We offer group tours on a monthly basis. You can learn more about timing and sign up here. If the available dates do not meet your needs, please inquire about a one on one tour by emailing our admissions team at [email protected].

Are you military-friendly?

Yes! We are consistently ranked among the best online graduate nursing schools for veterans by U.S. News & World Report and by Military Times, and we are certified by the Virginia Department of Veteran Affairs Training and Education Alliance. We also offer a veterans’ option for our accelerated BSN that offers credit for service and student support tailored for members of the armed forces. Learn more about GW’s military and veteran services at military.gwu.edu. 

How do I apply for scholarships?

You are automatically considered for merit scholarships offered through GW Nursing when you submit your application. To be considered for need-based scholarships through GW Nursing, we recommend submitting the admit term’s  FAFSA (FAFSA code: 001444). We also have partnership scholarships with MedStar and GW Hospital. You can express interest in these scholarships when filling out your application. We also always recommend you apply to additional scholarship opportunities offered through external organizations. 

What are your on-campus requirements? 

On-campus requirements vary by program and specialty. Students enrolled in our Bachelor of Science in Nursing program spend the duration of the program on our Virginia Science and Technology Campus (VSTC) in Ashburn, Virginia.

Most graduate programs are delivered in a distance format with online courses and some on-campus experiences for testing and training, which typically take place in our state-of-the-art simulation facilities at VSTC. For example, nurse practitioner students are required to come to campus for Campus Learning and Skills Intensive (CLASI) when enrolled in NURS 6222 and for Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs) during their second clinical course. For specific on-campus requirements for graduate programs, please visit the webpage for your respective specialty area of interest.

All nurse practitioner students are also required to complete an end of program skills assessment. During this final on-campus simulation-based learning event, students have an opportunity to showcase their assessment, diagnostic reasoning, and patient management skills.

Can I complete my degree part-time?

Students enrolled in our Accelerated or Veteran Bachelor of Science in Nursing program may only attend the program on a full-time basis due to its accelerated format. 

Students enrolled in our RN to BSN programs may only enroll on a part-time basis. 

Students enrolled in a graduate program have the ability to enroll in most tracks on a part-time basis. To review your program of study options, visit the MSN, DNP or certificate webpage in the specialty area of your choice. PhD applicants should contact the program director directly. 
 

Do you provide clinical placements for nurse practitioner students?

Our clinical placement model provides students with faculty and staff support to ensure clinical sites align with clinical course objectives and nurse practitioner (NP) competencies. Our approach includes a clinical placement team dedicated to processing legal documentation required to clear students for clinical placement. Although we offer as much support as possible to students who are unable to locate a preceptor, our process is driven by student submission of a request for placement. We are dedicated to ensuring adequate and robust clinical experiences, however, GW Nursing is not required to locate clinical sites and preceptors for our NP students. 

What are your technology requirements?

Admitted students are expected to own and have ready access to a laptop or tablet with basic productivity software for classroom use. View laptop policy for additional information.

Does GW offer housing for students?

While the Virginia Science and Technology Campus (VSTC) does not provide student housing, we partner with National Corporate Housing to help students find suitable places to live through the VSTC Student Housing Portal. This platform offers both short and long-term, fully furnished apartment options, with utilities like water, trash, Wi-Fi, and electricity included in the pricing. 

If you prefer to search for housing on your own, sites like Apartments.com are a great starting point. Nearby areas such as Herndon, Sterling, Leesburg, and Reston also offer various rental options at different price points, which may be worth exploring. 

Many students connect with potential roommates through their cohort’s GroupMe chat, so be sure to watch for an email invitation from admissions. Additionally, you can join the student-run GW BSN Facebook group to inquire about available housing.

Do you offer a traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing program?

No. Our students come from all walks of life, and your prior experiences allow us to offer an accelerated path to a new career in nursing if you already have 60 college credits or a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field. If you are a veteran of the armed forces, you may qualify for additional academic credit for your service. If you’re looking to switch to a career in the health professions, consider earning your accelerated bachelor of science in nursing (B.S.N.) degree today! RN-prepared applicants should consider applying to our RN-BSN/MSN pathway.

Are those with a direct-entry MSN and/or Clinical Nurse Leader degree eligible to apply to your programs?

Applicants with a direct-entry MSN and/or Clinical Nurse Leader degree must first complete the advanced 3 Ps (advanced physiology & pathophysiology, advanced pharmacology, and advanced health assessment) before becoming eligible to begin our Post-Master’s Certificates. For other degree inquiries, please contact our admission office at  [email protected].

Applications and Decisions

Are there any state restrictions for applicants?

We are currently unable to accept applicants OR offer clinical assignments for online programs for individuals who reside in Alabama, Louisiana or New York. View our state authorizations. 

Prospective students from these states are welcome to apply to our Bachelor of Science in Nursing program located on our Virginia Science and Technology Campus. 

Do you require any nursing entrance exam requirements?

No. We do not require any nursing entrance exam scores, such as TEAS or HESI 2A, for admission.

Can I apply if my GPA is under a 3.0? 

Yes. Our university standard is 3.0 on 4.0 scale, but we review all submitted applications.

How is my GPA calculated? 

For the Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs we calculate an overall GPA, as well as a prerequisite GPA. Your overall cumulative GPA is calculated using any post-secondary grades you received, whereas your prerequisite GPA is the combined GPA of the “Core Four” prerequisites: Anatomy and Physiology 1 and 2, Microbiology, and Statistics, regardless of institution.

For the graduate programs, we will look at the cumulative GPA of all of your nursing degrees.

What transcripts do I submit?

We require all official transcripts from any school you have earned college credit from. You may upload unofficial copies within the GW application system. If admitted without the official transcripts, your admission will be conditional upon receipt of the official documents. If you do not hold a bachelor's degree, we also require proof of high school graduation through a completed high school transcript or a high school diploma. 

Can my unofficial transcripts be reviewed before I submit my application?

Yes. Our admissions team can provide a prerequisite review. If you are interested in having your transcript unofficially reviewed, please email digital copies of your unofficial transcripts to [email protected].

If I'm a GW graduate or took prerequisite courses with GW Nursing, do I still need to send official transcripts? 

No. GW alumni only need to upload unofficial copies from Banweb or from the registrar.

Who should I ask for references?

Most programs require 2 letters of recommendation while the Ph.D. program requires three. We highly encourage at least one recommendation from an academic source, such as a current or former professor. A recommendation from a current or former supervisor who can comment on your professional background is also a good option.

How are my references notified?

Within the application, you will be asked to enter the names and email addresses of your required references. Once saved, they will be emailed immediately with instructions on how to upload their letters. If they do not receive an email, ask them to check their spam folder. If your recommenders are having issues uploading their letters, they can also email their letters to [email protected] in a PDF Format. 

Do I need to have my letters of recommendation and transcripts submitted by the deadline in order to be reviewed? 

Yes. If, for some reason, you cannot meet this deadline, please email us at [email protected] for further assistance.

Can I apply for your programs through NursingCAS?

No. All applications must be submitted through the GW Application System. All supplemental documentation should be uploaded directly to the application online or emailed to [email protected].

What are your admission deadlines?

Applications should be submitted as early as possible by the program deadline. If you feel you need extra time or have extenuating circumstances, email [email protected] for a possible extension. For a full list of upcoming deadlines, visit our deadlines webpage.

What is the difference between the priority and final deadlines?

Applicants who apply by the priority deadline can receive their decision earlier than most, allowing more time to make an informed decision on which program to attend. There are also typically more scholarships available to applicants who apply by the priority deadline. Applicants to the final deadline are considered equally with priority applicants and are considered for scholarships, but receive their decisions later in the cycle.

How long does it take to receive a decision?

Decisions are typically released to applicants within a four- to six-week timeframe of their application being sent to the admission committee. All decisions are released by email with instructions on how to view the decision letter once it becomes available.

International Students

Does GW Nursing accept international students?

At this time, the only program available to students needing an F-1 visa (student) is our Bachelor of Science in Nursing program taught in person in Ashburn, Virginia. International students who have permanent residence or are currently on a visa that allows them to study (and therefore would not require a visa from GWU) in addition to holding a valid U.S. RN license, are eligible for any graduate program.

How far in advance should an international student apply to the School of Nursing? 

All international applicants to on-campus programs should plan to apply at least six months in advance of the posted application deadlines in order to assure that a visa can be issued.

How will I obtain the appropriate forms for my visa?

A GW representative will contact you via email with all necessary paperwork and requirements after your admission to the program. You do not need to upload these documents to the application.

What if I have more questions regarding acquiring a visa or financial certification? 

The International Services Office offers more detailed information on acquiring a visa, or you can call 202-994-4477 or email [email protected].

Is it okay if my transcript isn't in English?

International applicants must submit a Foreign Transaction Transcript Evaluation for all foreign coursework. These evaluations must be completed by one of GW's approved evaluation organizations.

Do I have to submit an English Language Test and, if so, which test would you prefer?

If English is not your native language or you are not a citizen of a country in which English is an official language, you must submit official test scores from either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the academic International English Language Testing System (IELTS). If you have completed a degree from a US institution, this requirement will be waived.

What are your minimum required TOEFL and IELTS scores?

If English is not your native language or you are not a citizen of a country in which English is an official language, you must submit official test scores from either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the academic International English Language Testing System (IELTS).

The minimum required score for the TOEFL is:

• Internet-based test: 100 or higher
• Paper test: 600 or higher

 

The minimum required score for the IELTS is:

• An overall band score of 7.0
• Individual band scores of 6.0 or higher

Admissions Prerequisites

Do all of my prerequisites need to be completed before I apply?

No. You can have prerequisite courses still in progress at the time of your application submission. However, having more prerequisites complete will increase the competitiveness of your application during the admissions committee’s review. All prerequisites must be completed before beginning the program.

Can I take prerequisite classes online?

We accept prerequisite courses that have been taken in person or online. To be accepted, courses must be completed at a regionally accredited institution, and you must have received a C or better in the course. You may also take your health prerequisites at GW Nursing or through Portage Learning. 

Can I transfer prerequisites from GW Nursing to other Schools?

Our prerequisites satisfy our Bachelor of Science in Nursing prerequisite requirements, but other schools may have different requirements. If you are taking our prerequisites for another school, we encourage you to contact one of their officials to determine if the course(s) meet their requirements there prior to your enrollment.

Can online or community college courses fulfill prerequisite requirements?

Yes, as long as the class is taken from a regionally accredited institution and you receive a C or better.

What counts toward satisfying your ethics requirement? 

Any three-credit course that explores ethical reasoning and thought can count toward the ethics prerequisite requirement. Ethics courses do not have to be specific to nursing or health care. Courses taught in religious studies and philosophy departments may also be accepted. If you are unsure if a course you have taken or plan to take may count, feel free to email [email protected] with the course description. You may also opt to take your ethics prerequisite online with GW Nursing.