MSN Application Requirements 

NURSING@SIMMONS

At Simmons, we take a holistic approach to reviewing applications. We consider your personal, professional, and academic experiences as a whole in order to evaluate your preparedness and potential for success in the program.

MSN Application Deadlines

November 2023

Priority Application Deadline
August 25, 2023

Final Application Deadline
September 20, 2023

Classes Begin
November 2023

In order to be considered for admission to the Nursing@Simmons MSN program, you must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and have:

  • A BSN or bachelor’s with a major in Nursing degree from a regionally accredited* U.S. college or university with a preferred GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
  • Current unencumbered and unrestricted U.S Registered Nurse (RN) license
  • Successfully completed (with a grade of 83 or better) a three-credit course in statistics. If you do not meet this requirement, please contact an Admission Counselor to discuss other options for fulfilling this requirement.
  • Current résumé
  • Two short answer statements, one two-page essay, and an optional essay
  • Transcript(s) of your academic record
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score, if your native language is not English. The School of Nursing TOEFL code is 3761. The TOEFL is waived for applicants who have graduated at the bachelor’s or master’s level from a regionally accredited U.S. Institution or post secondary institution abroad that is recognized by the Ministry of Education in the host country in English-speaking countries only.

The General Test of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required, but if you feel GRE scores will strengthen your application, please contact an Admission Counselor at 1-855-461-7466.

*In rare circumstances, a student who earned a bachelor’s degree from a university with national accreditation may be permitted to complete their application for review if approved by nursing administration.

Résumé

Your résumé should include:

  • Educational background including institutions, degree(s) awarded, degree(s) in progress, dates of degree(s) awarded, and/or anticipated date of receiving degree(s)
  • Relevant employment history, including:
    • Job title (including unit), job description, and relevant duties performed
    • Employment dates of each position
  • Community service or volunteer experience
  • Any awards, publications, presentations, and memberships
  • Evidence of leadership and career progression

Written Responses

Answer the following two short answer prompts (250 words or less per prompt). 

  • What professional and/or personal life experiences do you bring to the profession and the communities you will serve?
  • Time management statement: Describe your plan for academic success, detailing how you will carve out sufficient time to dedicate to your graduate education. (Full-time study requires a commitment of at least 40 hours per week while part-time programs of study require at least 30 hours per week on average. During the clinical portion of the program, students will be in the clinical setting for an average of 24 hours per week.)

Essay Prompt (2 page essay, double spaced)

  • What are your reasons for pursuing an advanced degree to become a family nurse practitioner? How will Simmons University help you accomplish your goals? The Simmons School of Nursing Core Values are listed below. Which of these values do you most identify with and why? How will this value guide your practice as a nurse practitioner?

Simmons School of Nursing Core Values

  • Respect
  • Social justice and inclusion
  • Integrity and accountability
  • Collaboration and teamwork
  • Care and compassion
  • Professional development
  • Excellence

Optional Statement (250-500 words)

If your academic record does not accurately reflect your abilities, in a separate essay, please explain any low grades and how you intend to be successful in future coursework. Also, clarify any gaps in your education. The optional statement can be uploaded directly into the “Essays & Uploads” section of the application.

Transcripts

Sealed, official academic transcripts must be received by mail from all postsecondary institutions you have attended, including community colleges, even if a degree was not obtained.

Many schools issue transcripts electronically, either through their own web services or through vendors. If this option is available through the institutions you attended, please specify that your transcript(s) be sent to Application Services or select Simmons University – Nursing@Simmons if listed as an option through the vendor. This will expedite the delivery of your transcript(s) and the completion of your application.

All coursework from non-U.S. institutions must be evaluated by World Education Services, International Education Research Foundation, Education Credential Evaluation, or AACRAO International Education Services. Please allot additional time in the application process to have your transcripts evaluated by these organizations.

Please have official transcripts and other official application materials mailed to:

Simmons University
Application Processing Center
Nursing@Simmons
PO Box 30096 [015-002]
College Station, TX 77842

Please note: To be considered an official transcript, the transcript must be sent directly from your institution(s) or through an electronic transcript vendor retained by that institution. Transcripts submitted by enrolled or prospective students are considered unofficial documents, even if they are in a sealed envelope provided to you by the issuing university.

Letters of Recommendation

Three letters of recommendation are required, and all must be written within one year of the date of submission. Letters must be submitted by:

  1. A current clinical supervisor or nurse manager who has direct knowledge of your skills in the clinical setting and how those skills will translate into the Family Nurse Practitioner role.
  2. A professor, faculty member, or academic advisor who can provide a meaningful assessment of your academic record. If you have been out of school for five years or more, a nurse educator or clinical instructor can provide the academic recommendation.
  3. A practicing clinical nursing professional, or APRN, who has served as a mentor and can address your abilities as a nurse and your potential to become a Family Nurse Practitioner. 

NOTE: Nursing@Simmons is in the process of receiving approval from some states. An Admission Counselor can help you determine the program’s status in your state.

For detailed information about program requirements, accreditation, student support services, and the interactive virtual campus, refer to the Nursing@Simmons MSN information sheet

Request more information to learn more about our program or speak with an Admission Counselor at 1-855-461-7466.