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YOUR NURSING ROADMAP — JULY 27, 2026
Every California ADN program scores applicants a little differently, but two categories usually decide the most points.
APPLICATION STRATEGY
The Two Biggest Opportunities to Earn Points on Your Nursing Application
One of the most common questions we get is, "What should I focus on to make my application stronger?"
While every California ADN program has its own point system, your science prerequisite GPA and TEAS score are usually the two biggest opportunities to earn points.
The exact number of points varies by program, but these two categories often have the biggest impact on your application.
Science Prerequisite GPA
For many California ADN programs, your science prerequisite GPA is calculated using your grades in:
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Microbiology
That GPA is then converted into application points. In general, the higher your science GPA, the more points you earn. Some programs also require a minimum science GPA just to be eligible to apply.
TEAS Score
Your TEAS score is another category that often carries significant weight.
Many nursing programs convert your TEAS score into application points, and higher scores usually earn more points. Most programs also require a minimum TEAS score before they'll consider your application.
This doesn't mean other parts of your application aren't important. Healthcare experience, volunteer work, prior degrees, and other criteria may also earn points depending on the program.
But if you're deciding where to spend your time improving your application, your science prerequisite GPA and TEAS score are usually the best place to start.
Before applying, review how each nursing program awards points. Understanding where the most points come from can help you focus your effort where it matters most.
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