collageIn 2014, the San Diego State University School of Nursing initiated a new admissions process and curriculum for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. As such, the primary route for admission to the BSN program is via direct entry from high school. First-Time Freshmen can complete the BSN degree in four academic years and sit for the state licensure examination for registered nursing (RN) upon graduation. Admission to the Nursing program via direct entry is highly competitive given the impacted nature of the major.
Prospective First-Time Freshmen must apply to San Diego State University via Cal State Apply and select “Nursing (BS)” as their intended major at the time of application. If offered admission to SDSU, freshmen are admitted directly into the BSN program and will complete prerequisite courses during the first year of study. Nursing major courses typically begin sophomore year.
IMPORTANT! Students admitted to SDSU as undeclared, or as a major other than Nursing, will not be able to change their major to Nursing during their tenure at SDSU.
- Snapshot of the BSN Program for First-Time Freshmen (pdf)
About SDSU
San Diego State University was founded in 1897 as the San Diego Normal School, which focused on training elementary school teachers. The school relocated to its current location on Montezuma Mesa in 1931. Today there are more than 35,000 students studying at SDSU. The Fall 2021 student to faculty ratio is twenty-five to one.
SDSU offers over two hundred degree programs. There are close to 90 majors and 80 minors available to undergraduates. There are over three hundred student organizations on campus, and over three thousand SDSU students study abroad each year.
The main campus is just a short distance from downtown San Diego, sandy beaches, and mountain adventure. The Imperial Valley campus offers ten options to undergraduates as well as a nationally-acclaimed teacher education program. SDSU also has a campus in the Republic of Georgia that offers internationally accredited Bachelor of Science programs.
Students coming from high schools outside of the university’s local admission area will be required to live on campus for two years. Students who live on campus tend to do better in school. Research shows that their GPAs are over ten percent higher than those of students living off campus, and students living in residential learning communities are twice as likely to graduate in four years..
Is it Hard to Get into SDSU?
San Diego State University is a competitive school, but not as crazy competitive as schools like Stanford and MIT. Close to forty percent of applicants are admitted each year.
Because SDSU is expanding – they recently broke ground on another campus – they’ve been able to increase enrollment at a similar rate to the steady increase in yearly applications, keeping their admittance rate steady while admittance rates at other schools continue to decline.
67,660 first-time freshman applied in 2021 and 25,646 were admitted. That’s an admittance rate of 38%. Applications rose to 76,821 in 2022 and 30,231 – 39% of applicants – were admitted. 5,269 freshmen enrolled in 2021, and 6,514 enrolled in 2022.
Students who aren’t accepted to SDSU will be redirected to an alternate CSU campus.
GPA and Test Scores
The average GPA for students who enroll at SDSU is 3.82 on a 4.0 scale. In 2021, 24% of SDSU freshmen had a 4.0 highschool GPA. Nearly all of them had a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Students coming from out of state must have a GPA of at least 3.0 in order to be eligible. The minimum GPA for California students is 2.5.
Over ninety percent of students who enroll in SDSU were in the top fifty percent of their graduating class. Roughly a quarter of them were in the top ten percent.
Students who wish to study nursing at SDSU must maintain a GPA above 3.0. They’re also required to earn a B or better in specific classes – we’ll cover that in more detail further on. The incoming average GPA for first-time freshman admitted to the School of Nursing has been over 4.0 (on a 5.0 scale) for many years. Admitted students in 2020 had an average GPA of 4.21.
Test scores are not required by Cal Apply. You can submit SAT and ACT scores, but they won’t be used to determine who is admitted. If you are accepted, SDSU may use official test scores to determine placement into math and English courses.
Only 13% of freshman students enrolled in Fall 2021 submitted SAT scores. Their middle fifty percent range was 1130 to 1320. Only 6% submitted ACT scores, and their middle fifty percent range was 22-29.
What is SDSU Looking For?
An excellent academic record is key to getting into SDSU, but a high GPA on its own won’t be enough. SDSU will also consider your character, your extracurricular pursuits, and your overall involvement in the world around you. Your extracurricular activities should demonstrate responsibility, compassion, and your ability to work collaboratively with others.
SDSU favors “students who have overcome life obstacles, participated in college preparatory programs, and attend high schools within SDSU’s local admission area.”
Students who attend high school or community college in SDSU’s local admissions area are given priority consideration during the admission process. Community colleges in this area include Cuyamaca, Grossmont, Imperial Valley, San Diego City, San Diego Mesa, San Diego Miramar, and Southwestern.
Standards for Direct Entry Admission
Admission to the School of Nursing’s BSN program is highly selective. Students are admitted to the School of Nursing according to rank and the number of positions available. Additional information about ranking and the admissions process for freshman can be accessed on the Office of Admissions website.
Minimum Admission Requirements
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 in A – G coursework
- Minimum grade of B in Intermediate Algebra, Biology, and Chemistry with lab courses. If AP or IB level courses were taken in these areas, applicants must have earned a minimum grade of B.
- Preference is given to applicants who have taken and earned strong grades in science and mathematics courses.
- Incoming Freshman Class Academic Profile (pdf)
Application Process and Deadline for Direct Entry Admission
| CAL STATE APPLY APPLICATION DUE | |
|---|---|
| Fall 2022 Admission | October 1 – November 30, 2021 |
Freshmen applicants must apply to San Diego State University via Cal State Apply as a “Nursing (BS)” major:
Submit Cal State Apply Application
SDSU uses the Cal State Apply application through the Cal State Apply website. A nonrefundable filing fee must be paid at the time of application. If you cannot apply online, contact the Office of Admissions to make special arrangements to apply electronically with campus assistance. Additional application instructions can be accessed on the Office of Admissions website for Freshmen.
Questions?
All admissions related questions (e.g., application dates and deadlines, admissions criteria including minimum grade requirements and college entrance exam scores, AP/IB credits, transcript information, ranking methodology) should be directed to the SDSU Prospective Student Center at admissions@sdsu.edu.
Questions specific to the Nursing program can be directed to the School of Nursing Program Advisor at pstrachw@sdsu.edu
san diego state university nursing requirements
Transfer Students from Universities and Colleges External to SDSU
Students attending a regionally accredited college or university external to San Diego State University (SDSU) in pursuit of obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) are Transfer Students. Additionally, graduates of regionally accredited colleges and universities in the United States, and alumni of SDSU who are seeking a second bachelor’s degree in Nursing, are also considered Transfer Students.
Admission to the pre-licensed BSN program is highly competitive due to the high volume of applications received and the limited number of seats available. Transfer applicants must meet admissions criteria for both the University and the School of Nursing in order to be eligible for admission consideration to the School of Nursing. This program is not an Accelerated BSN program. Due to the sequencing of clinical courses, the duration of the program is 6 semesters (3 academic years)
Admission Standards for Transfer Students
Admission to the School of Nursing is for fall semester only. There is no spring admission cycle.
Transfer Students Must Meet SDSU Admission Criteria
SDSU admissions requirements, can be found on the Office of Admissions website. If you have specific questions relating to University admissions after reviewing the website, you may contact the Prospective Student Center by phone, at (619) 594-6336, or via e-mail, at admissions@sdsu.edu. The Prospective Student Center will be able assist you with all inquiries related to University admissions and General Education requirements. The SDSU Transfer Admission Planner (TAP) website can be utilized to determine if your coursework is transferable to SDSU.
Transfer Students Must Meet School of Nursing Admission Criteria
Meeting the eligibility requirements for the BSN program does not guarantee admission. Transfer applicants are selected by rank using the SON Admissions Points System (pdf). Prospective transfer students must complete all 8 prerequisite courses (preparation for the major) at a community college or four-year institution prior to being admitted to the University. Prerequisite coursework cannot be in progress during Spring 2022 if applying for Fall 2022 admission.
Minimum Admission Requirements
- Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) Score: Minimum overall score requirement is 80%. Please refer to the Admissions Criteria 80-point ranking system for further details and policies regarding attempts and scoring.
- SDSU Testing Services administers the TEAS six days per week. Registration information can be accessed on the Testing Services website.
- TEAS content information, study guides, etc. can be found on the ATI Testing website.
- Cumulative GPA: Minimum of 3.2
- Prerequisites:
- BIOL 261 – Human Physiology with Lab, 4 semester units (Minimum grade of B-)
- BIOL 212 – Human Anatomy with Lab, 4 semester units (Minimum grade of B-)
- BIOL 211/211L – Microbiology with Lab, 4 semester units (Minimum grade of B-)
- Chemistry (General, Organic, Inorganic, or Integrated with Lab) (Minimum grade of C)
- COMM 103/CCS111A/AFRAS 140 – Oral Communication (or any CSU GE Area A1) (Minimum grade of C)
- RWS 100/101 – Written Communication (or any CSU GE Area A2) (Minimum grade of C)
- RWS 200 – Critical Thinking (or any CSU GE Area A3) (Minimum grade of C)
- Statistics – STAT 119/STAT 250/PSY 280/SOC 201 (Minimum grade of C) Only one Statistics course is required for admission.
The SDSU School of Nursing does not implement a recency policy for science prerequisite courses (i.e., coursework does not have to be recently completed within a specific timeframe).
All 8 Nursing prerequisite courses must be completed by the end of Fall 2021 if applying for Fall 2022 admission. Nursing prerequisite courses may not be in progress in Spring 2022 if applying for Fall 2022 admission. Exceptions will not be granted under any circumstances.
Additional Requirements for the Nursing Degree and RN License
Students are required to complete Introductory Psychology (an AP Score of 3 or higher will suffice) and Developmental Psychology to satisfy the Nursing degree requirements and RN license requirements upon graduation. These courses are not prerequisites for admission and may be in progress during Spring 2022 or taken upon admission to SDSU.
Application Process for Transfer Students
Applicants will be required to submit an application to the University via Cal State Apply (between October 1 and November 30, 2021) and complete SDSU’s Supplemental Application in January 2022. The School of Nursing no longer has a separate application process. See SDSU’s Transfer Admissions website for additional information.
Important Application Dates and Deadlines
| Application Requirements | How to Meet Requirements | Timeline for Fall Admission |
| Submit Application to SDSU | Apply via Cal State Apply. Select “Nursing (BS)” as intended major. If you apply and are admitted under a different major, you will not be able to switch your major to Nursing during your tenure at SDSU. | October 1 – November 30, 2021 |
| Submit Supplemental Application for the Nursing Major | In early January, the Office of Admissions will provide eligible applicants a link to the Supplemental Application which will be accessible via your WebPortal account. | Deadline: January 24, 2022 |
| Nursing Prerequisite Courses | All 8 Nursing prerequisite courses (including repeated coursework) must be completed by the end of Fall 2020 semester. Applicants will be required to self-report their grades on the Supplemental Application. Submission of official transcript(s) is not due at this time. | Deadline: January 24, 2022 |
| Test of Essential Academic Skills | A minimum score of 80% is required. Applicants are required to self-report TEAS score on the Supplemental Application.If offered admission, applicant will be required to submit proof (photocopy or official ATI transcript) of their score directly to the School of Nursing via email, at pstrachw@sdsu.edu or via mail at the following address: SDSU School of Nursing, 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA, 92182-4158, Attn: Undergraduate Program Coordinator. | Deadline #1: Self-report TEAS score due January 24, 2022Deadline #2: If offered admission, submit documentation of TEAS score directly to the School of Nursing by May 1, 2022 |
| Letter of Verification for Paid Work Experience and Health Care Certification (Optional, Not Required for Admission) | An additional 5 points will be awarded to applicants who possess a health care certification/license and have been paid to work a minimum of 100 hours. Applicants will self-report they have obtained certification and have worked a minimum 100 hours on the Supplemental Application.If offered admission, applicant will be required to submit a letter of verification on agency letterhead for paid work experience from employer and photocopy of certification/license directly to the School of Nursing via email, at pstrachw@sdsu.edu or via mail at the following address: SDSU School of Nursing, 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA, 92182-4158, Attn: Undergraduate Program Coordinator. | Deadline #1: Self-report possession of certification and 100 hours of paid work experience on the Supplemental Application due January 24, 2022 Deadline #2: Submit letter of verification of paid work experience and certification to the School of Nursing by May 1, 2022 |
| Official Transcripts from ALL Colleges and Universities attended | Submission of official transcripts is only required if offered admission. Please DO NOT send in transcripts before admission notifications are sent out. Official transcripts are required to be sent directly to the Office of Admissions. https://admissions.sdsu.edu/about_sdsu/transcripts | Deadline: June 30, 2022 |
Transfer Students may apply for Fall admission only. If you have additional questions regarding the Cal State Apply application and/or the Supplemental Application, please contact the Office of Admissions via e-mail at admissions@sdsu.edu or by phone at 619-594-6336.
Questions specific to the Nursing program can be directed to the School of Nursing Program Advisor at pstrachw@sdsu.edu.
SDSU Nursing Rankings
collage