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CSUSM ABSN Admissions Guide

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Applying to the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) Program at CSUSM 

Welcome to the official admissions guide for the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program at California State University San Marcos (CSUSM). This comprehensive guide will walk you through the application process, ensuring that you are well-prepared to apply to this highly competitive program. 

We understand that applying to this program can be daunting. However, by following this step-by-step guide, you will be well prepared to navigate the admissions process successfully. We wish you the best of luck in your application and look forward to welcoming you to the CSUSM ABSN program. 

Eligibility Requirements 

Before starting your application, make sure you meet the following eligibility requirements: 

• Successful completion of the pre-nursing core courses 

• Completion of the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) exam with a minimum score of 71% 

Important Notice 

Due to the overwhelming number of students interested in this program, we are unable to review or confirm if one or more of the courses you have or plan to take will satisfy any of the pre-nursing core requirements.  Applicants are encouraged to utilize ,    or our ABSN Pre-Nursing Core Requirements webpage to help identify potential course equivalencies.   

Step-by-Step Admissions Process 

Step 1: Review FAQs and Attend an Information Session 

We highly recommend that you attend one of our information sessions. These sessions provide valuable insights into the ABSN program, including curriculum details, clinical experiences, and application tips. 

Most of the questions you have regarding your application, admission to the program, and what to expect if admitted can be found on our FAQ website.  Please visit the website for more information. 

Step 2: Review Course Equivalencies 

Ensure that you have successfully completed all of the pre-nursing core courses.  If you are unsure if you have taken or will take a course which will satisfy any of pre-nursing core requirements, please visit the ,  or ABSN Pre-Nursing Core Requirement websites for guidance.  These websites are excellent resources which will help clarify if your completed courses may meet the pre-nursing core requirements at CSUSM. 

Step 3: Submit Your Application 

Once you have confirmed your eligibility and completed the necessary prerequisites, you can proceed to submit your application in CSU Apply. Ensure that official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions you have attended (regardless of grades earned) and standardized test scores (AP Test Scores and TEAS Exam Version 7) are submitted.  Your application will not be reviewed until your application, official transcripts, TEAS scores, and standardized test scores (if applicable) are submitted. 

Please note letters of recommendation are not required nor considered for admission.  

If you submitted official transcripts or standardized test scores to the University prior to submitting your application you MUST email el@csusm.edu.  Your email must detail your first and last name, campus student ID as well as the specific documents sent to the University prior to submitting your application.  Failure to provide this information will delay the processing of your application.   

Step 4: Monitor Your Email 

After submitting your application, regularly check your email for updates and any additional information regarding your application status. Admissions decisions will be communicated via email. 

Step 5: Await Admissions Decision 

Admissions decisions will be provided approximately 12 weeks after the application deadline.  Below you will find the anticipated date range decisions will be provided.  Kindly note that the review process is thorough, and this timeframe allows our admissions team to carefully evaluate each application. 

 *Admissions notifications will be sent every two weeks after the dates detailed above until the cohort is filled.   

Additional Tips 

• Start your application process early to avoid last-minute complications.
• Ensure that all your documents are accurate and complete.
• Utilize the resources and guidance provided on the FAQ website and/or during the information sessions.
• Stay informed about any changes or updates to the admissions process by regularly visiting our website and checking your email. 

Evaluation 

Once we have received all of your official transcripts, TEAS scores, and standardized test scores such as AP or IB scores (if applicable), we will review your application to determine if you meet the admission requirements.  

If you have met all admission requirements you will be assigned a points score based on our points criteria. For more information about how your total points relate to admission, please review our admissions statistics. 

Admission 

Once the deadline for the term you have applied to has passed, we will review our points rankings and send admission offers to the top 60 students. Students are given a deadline by which to accept or decline their offer of admission. 

If there are remaining spots after the first round of admission we will continue to backfill available spots from the top students on our points rankings.  Subsequent rounds of admission will occur every two weeks until the cohort is filled.   

If you meet the admission requirements and are competitive but are not offered admission for the term you originally applied to, you will not be denied. Eligible applicants will remain on our rankings and in consideration for 1 year. For example, eligible fall applicants  who are not offered admission will be kept in consideration for the spring and summer admissions cycles as well.   

 Eligible applicants who are not admitted after their one-year consideration cycle must reapply.