<p>A 2 plus 2 program typically means that a student is admitted as a freshman as a non-nursing major (such as biology). The student then applies for admittance to the nursing major after completing a number of prerequisites during their first 2 years of college. Some programs may allow applications after one year.</p>
<p>Many 2 plus 2 programs are very competitive. At some colleges, a fraction of the applicants are admitted after 2 years, and the others need to transfer or find another major, or attend a nursing program after getting their bachelors. </p>
<p>There also are a few programs that only offer the last 2 years of nursing education, such as Thomas Jefferson U. in Philadelphia, and that are 100% transfers from other colleges.</p>
<p>Many students prefer the certainty that comes with a direct admit program, that admits a student into a nursing major directly from high school. Direct admit programs are common in the northeast US but not common in the southeast US. Direct admit programs reduce stress, because a student typically needs to maintain a moderate GPA, but doesn’t need to strive for a superhuman GPA (which is the case to get into some 2-2 programs). You also can feel more comfortable choosing a college that is a good fit for you, and maintain friendships for 4 straight years.</p>
<p>Many colleges also accept transfer applications into their 2-2 programs, which makes admissions even more competitive.</p>
<p>Of course, any student needs to keep up their grades in order to stay in a nursing program. </p>
<p>All nursing programs are competitive for entry, including most community college programs. It is important to apply to multiple programs, and to apply as early as possible. Many nursing programs fill up early, and many stop accepting applications by November. A nursing application is often strengthened by completing AP or advanced biology in high school and by completing some paid or volunteer work in a health care setting. </p>