Frequently Asked Questions - Transfer Students in the BSN Curriculum
Internal Transfers
Course Related -
What classes should I be taking now?
If you can arrange to get into BIO 206 or 207, that would free you from taking those after you transfer. There are usually not any other nursing courses that have space available for non-nursing majors.
How can I get into BIOL 206 or 207?
You can register for these courses through the UVa course registration process. If you do not get in, you will need to contact the course professor.
Should I take the second writing requirement before I transfer?
The earlier you take your second writing requirement, the more options you will have of what that course might be. Once clinicals start, it is harder to find courses that fit your schedule.
How long will it take to complete the nursing program once I transfer in?
It takes 3 years for transfer students to complete our program, regardless of the number of credit hours that are transferred in. Our course sequence prevents us from consolidating the program to fewer than 6 semesters and we do not offer any required nursing courses in the summer term.
Is there any way to complete the program in 2 years?
No. Our program takes 3 years for transfer students to complete.
Are there any courses I could take in the summer to speed up my progress?
We do not offer any required nursing courses in the summer. We occasionally offer electives courses in the summer. If you decide to take summer courses prior to beginning the program here, we would suggest you take electives and or general education courses to lighten your load at UVa. Keep in mind though, that each semester you will still have to have 12 credits to be considered a full-time student.
Application Process -
Can I transfer in mid-year?
The U.Va. SON does not accept mid-year transfers.
When will I receive a decision about my application?
Applications are due March 1 and decisions are usually returned to internal transfers applicants by March 15.
Where do I get an application?
Applications are available on this website or in the Office of Admissions and Student Services in McLeod Hall.
Do I need to meet with someone at the nursing school? Does the nursing school interview applicants?
U.Va. does not interview any undergraduate degree applicants. If you would like to visit the School of Nursing, we offer tours of the school most days of the week and sponsor 4 – 5 open houses for prospective students yearly. For more information, call (434) 924-0141.
What kind of experience are you looking for prior to applying to the SON?
Strong academic experience and some kind of exposure or experience in health care or nursing: volunteering, shadowing, internships, and/or work experience. Your experience may fall within a wide continuum of exposure to the field.
How many applications do you usually have each year for transfer students?
We usually receive approximately 40 applications from internal transfers.
What is the average GPA for transfer students?
When we review academic records we are looking to see that you have taken challenging courses and done very well in them.
External Transfers
Course Related -
What pre-reqs do I have to take before transferring?
What classes should I be taking now at my present school to prepare me for U.Va.?
There are not any pre-requisite courses that transfer students must complete before applying to or enrolling in the U.Va. School of Nursing. It is helpful if you are taking courses that will transfer in and meet our general education requirements. All other nursing requirements can be taken care of after you enroll.
Should I take anatomy and physiology at my present college or wait and take it at U.Va.?
It does not matter whether you take it at your present institution or wait and take it at U.Va. If you are taking a 2 semester A&P course though, it is recommended that you take both semesters at the same college or university, assuring that you have learned all the necessary A&P concepts.
Which of the courses I have taken will transfer to U.Va.?
Most courses that fit our general education guidelines will probably transfer to U.Va. as long as they have been completed with a grade of C or better and were taken at an accredited college or university. The general rule is if U.Va. offers a similar course, there is a greater chance the credit will transfer. If you have questions about transfer of credit, please contact the Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Student Services, or refer to this website if you are transferring credit from another college/university in Virginia.
What kind of advanced placement credit do you accept?
U.Va. only accepts AP examinations for advanced placement in courses.
Should I take the second writing requirement before I transfer?
No. You are required to complete the second writing requirement by taking a course at U.Va.
How long will it take to complete the nursing program once I transfer in?
It takes 3 years for transfer students to complete our program, regardless of the number of credit hours that are transferred in. Our course sequence prevents us from consolidating the program to fewer than 6 semesters and we do not offer any required nursing courses in the summer term.
Is there anyway to complete the program in 2 years?
No. Our program takes 3 years for transfer students to complete.
Are there any courses I could take in the summer to speed up my progress?
We do not offer any required nursing courses in the summer. We occasionally offer electives courses in the summer. If you decide to take summer courses prior to beginning the program here, we would suggest you take electives and or general education courses to lighten your load at U.Va. Keep in mind though, that each semester you will still have to have 12 credits to be considered a full-time student.
Application Process -
Can I transfer in mid-year?
The U.Va. SON does not accept mid-year transfers.
When will I receive a decision about my application?
Decisions for transfer applications are usually completed by the last week in April. Letters are in the mail May 1.
Do you look at my high school record?
Yes, we do.
Are transfer applications taken on a rolling admissions basis?
No. There is one application deadline, March 1, and one decision deadline, late April.
Do I need to meet with someone at the nursing school? Does the nursing school interview applicants?
U.Va. does not interview any undergraduate degree applicants. If you would like to visit the SON, we offer information sessions most days of the week and sponsor 4 to 5 information sessions for prospective students each year. For more information, call (434) 924-0141.
What kind of experience are you looking for prior to applying to the SON?
Strong academic experience and some kind of exposure or experience in health care or nursing: volunteering, shadowing, internships, and/or work experience. Your experience may fall within a wide continuum of exposure to the field.
When can I visit the School of Nursing?
We offer tours of the Nursing School most days in the academic year (please phone ahead). We schedule information sessions approximately 4 to 5 times a year, and one of the Assistant Deans host chats in the Admissions Chatroom 2x a week.
How many applications do you usually receive each year for transfer students?
The past two years we have received more than 100 applications each year.
What is the average GPA for transfer students?
Because grading scales can vary from school to school, an average GPA is hard to compute. When we review academic records we are looking to see that you have taken challenging courses and done very well in them.
Where do I get an application?
Applications are available from the U.Va. Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Transfer applicants complete Part 1, the basic application, and Part T, the transfer supplement.
What standardized test scores need to be submitted?
Transfer applicants to U.Va. are required to submit either a SAT or ACT score. Transfer applicants do NOT need to submit SAT II scores. If you are unable to take the SAT I or ACT by the admission application deadline, please submit a written request with your application to the Committee on Admission that the requirement be waived. This request should be mailed or emailed directly to the U.Va. Office of Undergraduate Admissions.
What kind of financial aid do you offer?
All financial aid for undergraduate students at U.Va. is administered through the U.Va. financial aid office. To apply, you need to complete the federal FAFSA form, a U.Va. financial aid form, and a SON financial aid form. All aid is need-based but all need is filled.
For additional information on admission to and programs of study at the UVa School of Nursing, contact the Office of Admissions and Student Services at
nur-osa@virginia.edu or by telephone at (434) 924-0141 / 1-888-283-8703.