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Direct Entry Option for Incoming Freshman

For High Achieving High School Applicants

The Gail and Richard Lumpkin School of Nursing at EIU accepts a limited number of direct admit students each year. Admission to the program is highly competitive and designed for incoming freshman students that demonstrate high academic achievement and a commitment to nursing as their future profession. This option allows students to bypass the traditional application process and guarantees a spot in the major, as long as students make scheduled academic progress and meet department specific criteria. 

Admission Requirements

To be considered for direct admission, students must meet the following requirements:

• Be admitted to EIU with pre-nursing declared as major 
• Earn a minimum cumulative high school GPA of 3.75
  • Coursework must include:
    • 3+ years of mathematics (including algebra)
    • 3+ years of science courses (including Biology and Chemistry)

Application Process

Applications are accepted between October 1st and December 1st. Decisions will be made no later than January 31st.

To submit an application, complete an online application at: /schoolofnursing/machform/view.php?id=31222

The application includes an essay and a link to submit a letter of recommendation.

Please note:

• Meeting all requirements does not guarantee selection for direct admission into the program.
• Students not selected for direct admission are still eligible for admission to the traditional prelicensure BSN program via the traditional admission pathway.
• All offers of admission are conditional, pending receipt of final high school transcript to ensure that grades are comparable to those on which the offer of admission was based.

Progression into the Nursing Major

Each student admitted via the direct entry option is guaranteed a space in the major if the student makes scheduled academic progress and meets the criteria as defined below. 

• Successfully complete pre-nursing coursework on the recommended schedule outlined in the 8-semester plan of study. 
• Earn a cumulative pre-requisite GPA of 3.2.
• GPA of 3.00 in 5 courses: BIO 1004G Practical Microbiology, BIO 2210 Anatomy and Physiology I, CHM 1040G World of Chemistry, MAT 1160G Mathematics: A Human Endeavor, and NUR 1511 Pathways: Health and Human Services.
• All pre-requisite courses completed with a grade of “C” or better.
• Meet health and safety compliance requirements required by the School of Nursing and affiliating clinical agencies. 

 Students that do not meet the criteria for progression will forfeit their direct admission seat but are still eligible to apply through the traditional pathway.