Accelerated BSN Application
How do I apply? When is the application open? How frequently are students admitted into the Accelerated BSN pathway?
Prospective applicants must complete an undergraduate University Application through Cal State Apply between August 1 - November 30. Students are admitted into this pathway in the fall semester only. We admit 40 students each fall semester.
Are undocumented students, or DACA students eligible for admission?
Any individual is welcome to apply to CSUF, and admission is open to undocumented students. In order to become a licensed Registered Nurse (RN) in the state of California, a BSN graduate must have either a social security number (SSN) or an individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN). Additionally, undocumented students who meet AB540 can apply for financial aid through the California Dream Application, but students must apply by the annual March 2 deadline. It is important to note that health insurance is required during the duration of this program. There are health insurance options for undocumented students. Please visit the CSUF Titan Dreamers Resource Center for more information on the support and services that CSUF offers Titan Dreamers.
Am I eligible to apply to the Accelerated BSN pathway with a foreign degree?
Yes. An applicant may apply with a foreign degree; however, the foreign degree must be equivalent to United States college-level coursework. To verify if a foreign degree is equivalent, an applicant must have the official transcripts evaluated by a foreign evaluation agency.
Do I need to complete my degree at a regionally accredited institution?
Yes. An applicant must complete their degree at a regionally accredited institution. Regionally accreditation is granted to the university - not the specific program/major. To verify the accreditation of a degree, please visit the institution’s website and search for the institution’s accreditation page. Regionally accrediting organizations include: MSCHE, NECHE, HLC, SACS and WASC. The University cannot accept coursework or a degree completed at a nationally accredited institution.
Do I need to submit my official transcripts to the university and the School of Nursing?
You only need to send ONE set of official transcripts to the CSUF Office of Admissions. All applicants must have one set of
official transcripts
from every college-level institution you have attended sent to the CSUF Office of Admissions, either electronically or by mail. If you have earned AP/IB credit, you must also send your official score report. CSUF currently accepts official electronic college transcripts, or, you may have your official transcripts mailed to the address below.
California State University, Fullerton
Office of Admissions
P.O. Box 6900
Fullerton, CA 92834
How many applicants usually apply?
Generally, the School of Nursing receives around 600-800 total applications, with about 200 of those being qualified applicants to the Accelerated BSN pathway.
Am I required to take the HESI or TEAS exam prior to applying to the Accelerated BSN pathway?
No. The School of Nursing does not require and will not accept entrance exams, like the HESI or TEAS, for admission into the Accelerated BSN pathway.
Are letters of recommendation required for the Accelerated BSN pathway?
No. The School of Nursing does not require and will not accept letters of recommendation for admission into the Accelerated BSN pathway.
How are students chosen for the Accelerated BSN pathway?
Applicants will be reviewed for various application components, as listed on our Selection Process page.
If I am chosen for the Accelerated BSN pathway, but am unable to attend in the fall, can I defer my admission?
No. If a student is accepted into this pathway, they must enroll into the required coursework the first semester. Unfortunately, students are not able to defer admission. If a student is unable to start the pathway, they will need to reapply to the pathway for the following year.
Is there a waitlist for the Accelerated BSN pathway?
No, this pathway does not have a waitlist. If an applicant is not accepted into this pathway, they would need to reapply the following year.
What is the Casper Situational Judgment Test?
All applicants are required to complete the Casper Situational Judgment Test (SJT) as part of their application for admission.
Casper is an online, open-response situational judgment test that takes 90-110 minutes to complete. Casper measures different personal and professional skills that are important for student nurses. Casper, along with our other admission requirements, help us evaluate each applicant holistically. Casper is administered by Acuity Insights.
Can I still apply if I do not meet the minimum GPA?
Due to impaction, only those who meet the minimum grade point average (GPA) as listed in the admission requirements, will be considered for admission.
Do I need to have my bachelor's degree prior to applying to the Accelerated pathway?
Yes. We can only consider applicants who have finished their classes for their degree at the end the Fall semester of the application period, with their degree posting in December or January of the application period.
