Get a Head Start on Your Nursing Education
U-EXCEL offers an early admit track for eligible high school seniors.
The U-EXCEL: Excellence in Nursing is a dynamic new pathway that replaces NEAP, launching a refreshed direct entry pathway designed for high-achieving high school seniors with a GPA of 3.5 or higher. This streamlined track connects students to a direct route to earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at the University of Utah, bypassing the uncertainty of competitive application processes and allowing them to start their nursing journey within two years.
We’re excited to offer enhanced opportunities to connect with resources like the Bennion Center, Honor’s College, and Undergraduate Research programs (UROP, SPUR). U-EXCEL students will benefit from tailored guidance with our Early Admission Advisors, enabling flexibility to pursue minors, double majors, or study abroad.
Embracing collaboration, U-EXCEL unites driven students with shared excellence and camaraderie. Cohort members will complete prerequisites and experiences together, forming strong connections with nurse leaders, researchers, and policymakers, paving the way for a bright future in nursing.
Vision Statement
Forging exceptional novice scholars, U-EXCEL charts a path to nursing leadership. We envision a future where curiosity and commitment converge, fueling the journey from first-year students to accomplished registered nurses and beyond. Nurturing inclusivity, we empower minds to embrace challenges, drive innovation, and enact change. We inspire nursing pioneers through rigorous education, reshaping healthcare with empathy, expertise, and equity.
We Want U
We proactively seek out prospective nursing students who have excelled academically in high school, achieving honors status with a GPA of 3.5 or higher. We aim to nurture a community of nursing professionals with exceptional leadership and team-building solid attributes, enriching their cohort's collective experience and impact.
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Only current high school students are eligible to apply for U-EXCEL
U-EXCEL requires participation in one of the following academic-based programs: Honors College; Bennion Community Engagement Certificate Program; Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP); Summer Program for Undergraduate Research (SPUR):
GPA requirement to maintain U-EXCEL status: 3.2
Preference given to in-state students (out-of state students still encouraged and accepted)
More hands on advising, student support, and mentoring
30 students accepted annually (to start in the fall)
Grade requirements are evaluated annually instead of each semester
Taking a withdrawal (“W”) from a course counts towards a retake of a prerequisite.
A required advisor appointment every semester to address progress within the pathway.
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NURS 2400: Exploring Nursing is a required course
Direct admit granted to our Prelicensure program (upon completion of University General Education requirements and Nursing pre-reqs)
Strong connection to College of Nursing faculty and staff
Cohort model that allows for community building among peers
Contact Us
Allison Spolsdoff, DNP, MS, RN
U-EXCEL Specialty Track Director
allison.spolsdoff@nurs.utah.edu
Office of Student Services
advising@nurs.utah.edu.
(801) 587-3194