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.
- Start your nursing journey right out of high school.
- U-EXCEL offers a direct entry pathway for high-achieving high school seniors (GPA 3.5+), eliminating the uncertainty of a competitive application process.
- Students begin prerequisites and nursing support courses as first-year students and are guaranteed a spot in the College of Nursing’s BSN program within two years.
- Customize your undergraduate experience.
- U-EXCEL students have the flexibility to pursue minors, double majors, and study abroad opportunities—without delaying graduation.
- You’ll receive tailored support from Early Admission Advisors, plus access to enriching programs like the Honors College, Bennion Center, UROP, and SPUR.
- Guided every step of the way.
- From day one, you’ll work with dedicated advisors who help you navigate your academic and career goals.
- You’ll join a cohort of motivated peers and build strong foundations in leadership, research, and compassionate care—ready to make an impact from your very first clinical rotation.
- Invest in your future with peace of mind.
- U-EXCEL students follow the standard undergraduate tuition model at the University of Utah, with access to merit-based scholarships, financial aid, and unique funding opportunities through research and service engagement.
Program of Study
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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
Application Deadline
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