Tips to Consider When Applying to Nursing School Applying for nursing school can seem intimidating, but it is going to be an important milestone in your life. There is a high demand for this field as well as high expectations. And although there might be stressful times ahead, it is important to make sure that you facilitate all of your responsibilities in a way that will not overwhelm you. There are a few ways to prepare for applying to the schools of your choice, including searching for the right school, knowing everything there is to know, early application, managing your time, and checking to see if your financial aid is in order. Below are tips to consider while applying and enrolling in nursing school. 1. Apply Early a. When you have selected three to five nursing schools that meet your needs, applying early is crucial. There are only so many seats open, and in this case, the early bird gets the worm. Don't hesitate to contact the school to see if there is early enrollment, or open enrollment for the classes you want. It will not only make a good impression, but it will also prepare you if classses are full. 2. Financial Aid a. Even if you think you cannot afford a nursing education, there are alternative options. There are tons of grants, scholarships, and loan programs that are available to students at any level. b. Contact the school you desire to attend, and see if they have any payment plans to offer, or any loans to suggest. It never hurts to call. 3. Nursing School Search a. There are over 750 nursing school in the U.S. They can be in the big city or local, religious or secular, and public or private. With so many options, it will be hard to find a school that will not fit your needs, so don't get discouraged if you don't meet the qualifications of certain schools.