Nursing Scholars Program

The Nursing Scholars Program at Augusta University is designed for exceptional high school seniors with outstanding academic achievement who are committed to a career in professional nursing. Through an enriched pre-nursing and nursing curriculum, Nursing Scholars engage in additional coursework and learning experiences that deepen their understanding and application of core leadership skills. These opportunities prepare students to excel academically, think critically, and lead effectively in complex healthcare environments.

The program fosters academic excellence, active learning, and development of leadership capabilities among a select group of students, supporting their continued growth and success throughout their matriculation in the Augusta-based BSN program. By broadening the scope of enrichment opportunities, Nursing Scholars develop both individually and collectively, cultivating collegial leadership abilities to serve successfully in interdisciplinary and multicultural healthcare teams.

 

Eligibility Criteria

Students must be in their senior year of high school and applying to AU as an incoming first-time freshman applicant. Out-of-state students are eligible to apply. However, transfer students are not eligible to apply.

The primary undergraduate admissions application must be submitted by the Early Action Deadline.

Minimum:

• High school unweighted GPA of 3.5 or better
  • GPA is recalculated by the Office of Academic Admissions following the University System of Georgia's Freshman Admission Requirements and Required High School Curriculum. This recalculation uses an unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale.
• SAT > 480 Evidence-based Reading/Writing and > 440 Math - OR - ACT > English or Reading 17 and Math 17

 

Application Process

Step 1: Admissions Application

The primary undergraduate admissions application must first be completed, which become available in August of your senior year. The Undergraduate application is completed via CommonApp. It is recommended that students select Pre-Nursing as their intended major as there is not a way to indicate Nursing Scholars Program in CommonApp. Note: To be eligible for the Nursing Scholars Program, the primary undergraduate admissions application must be submitted by the Early Action Deadline.

Step 2: Transcripts

All high school and college transcripts should be sent electronically using an official service such as GAFutures, Parchment, National Clearinghouse, etc.

Transcripts can also be mailed to:

Augusta University
Office of Academic Admissions
1120 15th Street, Benet
Augusta, GA 30912

Step 3: Standardized Test Scores

Official score reports are those sent directly to Augusta University from the testing agency. Scores should be received prior to the appropriate application deadline. The following are the Institutional Codes for Augusta University:

SAT/AP/CLEP:  5406
ACT: 0836

Step 4: Previously Earned Credit

If you’ve taken Dual Enrollment classes, have your college send official transcripts to AU. We will award as much credit as possible, based on our transfer equivalency guide.

Submit any official AP or IB exam scores. Learn more about credit by exam.

Step 5: Program Supplemental Application

Students who meet the minimum eligibility requirements will be invited to complete a supplemental application, including a 300–500-word essay/personal statement detailing your interest in pursuing a professional nursing career. Access to the program’s supplemental application is accessible only through the student’s AU admission’s portal.

Step 6: Letter of Recommendation

Students must submit one (1) letter of recommendation or support from a science or math teacher to accompany their supplemental application. The recommender will be asked to provide insight into your academic abilities, integrity, ethical behavior, motivation, and attitude. Recommender may not be a relative.  The letter of recommendation must be submitted directly to the Office of Admissions via the student’s AU admission’s portal by utilizing the recommender request feature of the supplemental application.

Recommendation letters submitted as part of the student’s general admissions application will not be considered during the review process for the Professional Scholars Program.

Ongoing Requirements

Once selected and confirmed as an Augusta University Nursing Scholar, students will be asked to consent and adhere to a Nursing Scholars Course Progression Agreement. This agreement outlines the following details which must be continually met to continue in the Nursing Scholar Program:

• Achieve an overall Math/Science GPA of 3.0 or better in pre-nursing courses
• Maintain an overall GPA of 3.5 or better each semester , including once in the Nursing curriculum
• Accepted Scholars will be required to obtain a TEAS exam score of 75 or better by the end of December during their sophomore year (as is required of all other BSN program applicants)
• Successful completion and progression of courses to earn the Certificate in Leadership
• Continue scheduled advisement sessions with a designated advisor in the Academic Advisement Center on the Summerville campus
• Meet with the designated College of Nursing – Nursing Scholars Program faculty advisor at scheduled times
• Meet and maintain the College of Nursing Academic Conduct, Professional Behaviors and Values, and Social Media policies