Frequently Asked Questions     QUESTION ANSWER Who is eligible to apply to the Accelerated programs?   The accelerated program is geared for applicants that have earned a Bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field and/or an RN license via an AD or diploma program. What are the requirements for the Accelerated programs?   A GPA  of 3.0 or higher is preferred. Applicants interested in the BSN/MSN program are required to complete the GRE exam. A minimum score of 500 in each category is recommended.  Interviews are also required. Please note exposure, via volunteer or work, relevant to the health care field is also highly regarded.  The University of Pennsylvania requires original transcripts from all institutions attended.  How do I arrange an interview? Individuals interested in an interview are asked to send in a copy of their resume and transcripts via fax to the school of nursing attention:  Accelerated Programs at 215.573.8439.  MSN interviews will be scheduled by the program director after the individual has applied to the program.  When is the application deadline to apply for the accelerated program?   Application Deadline for Regular Decision is October 15th. When will I be notified regarding my admissions decision? Applicants will be notified in early February regarding the admissions decision. Can I apply to the program while currently enrolled in a non-nursing bachelor's degree or an RN Associates or Diploma program? If you are currently enrolled in a Bachelor's degree, you may apply for admissions, however your decision will be contingent upon successful completion of your Bachelor's degree.  When can I start the accelerated BSN Second degree or BSN/MSN program? The accelerated program has two start dates options: Option I: Summer Clinical Sequence begins in Mid-June; Option II: Fall Clinical Sequence begins in early-September.  There is no winter/spring start date. What are the prerequisite courses required for Option I: Summer Clinical Sequence? To begin the Option I sequence, ALL prerequisite courses must be completed by May 31, 2009. The prerequisite courses are listed on the Accelerated Programs Prerequisites information sheet at www.nursing.upenn.edu What are the prerequisite courses required for Option II: Fall Clinical Sequence? To begin the Option II sequence, The Chemistry, Biology and Microbiology prerequisite courses must be completed by August 31, 2009. Descriptions of the prerequisite courses is available on the Accelerated Programs Prerequisites information sheet at www.nursing.upenn.edu Can I apply to the program while completing the prerequisite courses at a college or university?   Yes, you may apply to the program while completing prerequisite courses, however the courses must be completed by the above dates to begin the program. How long is the BSN portion of the accelerated program for Option I: Summer Clinical Sequence? The length of the BSN program in Option I: Summer Clinical Sequence is 11/2 years. The BSN program begins June 2009 and ends December 2010. How long is the BSN portion of the accelerated program for Option II: Fall Clinical Sequence? The length of the BSN program in Option II: Fall Clinical Sequence is 27 months. The BSN program begins September 2009 and ends December 2011. How long will the MSN portion of the accelerated program take? The length of the MSN program is dependant upon the MSN specialty and any RN work requirement needed.  An individualized plan of study will be created to determine the length of the BSN and MSN for each individual applicant.   When can I visit campus or attend an event? The University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing hosts a number of on-campus events and on-line chats throughout the year.  Visit our website at: www.nursing.upenn.edu/admissions/events .