Who is Eligible for U-EXCEL?

High school senior who have demonstrated academic excellence. 

Competitive applicants will need to have:

  • cumulative, unweighted GPA (calculated on grades earned in all coursework) equal to or greater than 3.5 from high school
  • The most competitive candidates will have had some volunteer or employment experience in a healthcare setting, leadership opportunities, community service and/or research experience. Please note that meeting the minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee that an applicant will be accepted to U-EXCEL. An offer of acceptance into U-EXCEL is contingent on admission to the University of Utah.

Maintaining Eligibility

Nursing students enrolled in U-EXCEL are expected to do the following in order to maintain eligibility:

*Participation in these programs is determined through application and admission. While academic advisors will guide students through this, students are responsible for applying and completing requirements for any of the programs.

  1. Overall GPA: Minimum 3.2 cumulative grade point average (GPA) on a scale of 4.0, evaluated annually.
  2. Mandatory Prerequisite GPA: Minimum 3.2 prerequisite cumulative grade point average (GPA) on a scale of 4.0, for the following 5 prerequisites: Biology, Anatomy, Physiology, Chemistry and Statistics. They are evaluated annually. 
  3. All required prerequisites GPA: Must be also 3.2 on a scale of 4.0. This GPA is for all the 9 prerequisites required to be completed during the U-Excel Pathway. The 5 mentioned above plus: Nutrition, Human Growth and Development, Microbiology and/or Pathophysiology. They are evaluated annually. 
  • Students in U-EXCEL must meet all on-track pre-nursing requirements.
  • Students in U-EXCEL must adhere to the University of Utah and the College of Nursing's standards of academic and personal integrity.
  • Before beginning the clinical nursing coursework, a physical examination, documentation of current immunization (including hepatitis B vaccine series and second MMR booster), TB test and proof of cardiopulmonary resuscitation/basic life support (CPR/BLS) certification are required. Passing a criminal background check and drug screen is also required.

Students who have suffered significant academic setbacks in their U-EXCEL coursework, such that their academic performance does not fulfill the requirements of the program, may be put on academic probation and/or dismissed from U-EXCEL. Dismissal from U-EXCEL does not affect the student's standing at the University.

Students who decide (for whatever reason) not to continue with U-EXCEL, but rather to apply via the regular admissions process, will not be penalized. While the assurances of the program would no longer apply, the College of Nursing would be happy to consider regular applications from candidates in this situation. Candidates who decide to apply via the regular application process will need to consult with a nursing advisor for information and advice regarding the timetable and requirements of the regular admissions process.

Contact Us

Allison Spolsdoff, DNP, MS, RN
U-Excel Specialty Track Director
allison.spolsdoff@nurs.utah.edu 

Office of Student Affairs
advising@nurs.utah.edu.
(801) 587-3194

Application Deadline

Fall Semester
Opens: November 1
Closes: February 1, 5:00PM MST

Apply

Resources