How to Apply

High School Seniors

High School Seniors

Are you a high school senior interested in attending PLNU? Then you're in the right place! We're here to walk you through the simple application process, answer any questions you may have, and get you one step closer to starting your PLNU experience.

To be considered for admission into PLNU, you must have a complete application, including high school transcripts, SAT or ACT scores (optional for Fall 2024 applicants), and two letters of recommendation. You also have the option of conducting an interview with your admissions counselor.

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You can apply via the PLNU application or the CommonApp — we have no preference! However, please choose just one. Submitting both applications only harms your chances of admission.

Early Action
Deadline: November 15
Notification is mailed mid-December.

General Admission
Deadline: February 15
Notification is mailed mid- to late-March.

Attention Nursing Applicants: Please note that due to PLNU's capped enrollment and the competitive nature of the Nursing program, we require high school seniors interested in nursing to apply Early Action. Please work with your PLNU admissions counselor to ensure your application is 100% complete by 11/15. Early Action is non-binding. Students who do not apply Early Action may have a chance to apply for the nursing waitlist, depending on Early Action applicant numbers.

If you have questions, please contact your admissions counselor.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the essay prompts?

1. Community Living Agreement
Point Loma Nazarene University's Community Living Agreement is designed to create a community in which the university provides an atmosphere of academic excellence and spiritual growth while students commit themselves to a certain lifestyle. In 150 to 250 words, please reflect on the values and challenges of entering into this agreement as a college student. Please click here to read the agreement carefully before you answer.

2. Admissions Essay
Discuss an accomplishment or event, formal or informal, that marked your transition from childhood to adulthood within your culture, community or family.

3. Nursing applicants have a third essay question to respond to which changes from year to year. It’s not a question about the actual nursing profession. Instead, it’s a question designed to shed light on your character and thought processes. This essay is reviewed by admissions and the School of Nursing.

How will PLNU calculate my GPA?

We want to ensure that applicant transcripts are evaluated on a level playing field. PLNU uses a cumulative, weighted GPA for admissions and for awarding merit scholarships. By "cumulative", we mean all courses (academic and non-academic), throughout all eight semesters of high school are included. By "weighted", we mean that courses listed on transcripts as Honors, AP, or IB HL courses are calculated on a 5.0 scale, rather than the unweighted 4.0 scale.

Is an interview mandatory?

Interviews are not required, but are strongly recommended. Call (619) 849-2273 or refer to our Visit page to schedule an interview.

Can I get college credit for taking AP tests?

Yes, our transfer credit information page includes an AP guide, which outlines what scores are accepted from incoming students. Also listed on this site are our transfer agreements with local community colleges and our General Education Transfer Guide — these can help you determine which community college classes will transfer to PLNU.

What if I've taken college credits while I've been in high school?

College credits earned while in high school can transfer to PLNU. If you are admitted to PLNU and choose to attend, you need to send your official college or university transcripts before July 1 of the year you're planning to attend. From there, your courses will be evaluated so PLNU credit can be assigned. Almost any introductory or Foundational Explorations (FE) class can be applied for credit at PLNU.

What if I'm planning on doing ROTC?

PLNU serves as a cross-town affiliate for ROTC programs with the Navy, Marines, Army, and Air Force. If you are planning on doing ROTC and are currently a high school senior, the process for applying to PLNU is exactly the same as for non-ROTC students. Simply follow the application instructions above to apply to PLNU. To learn more about applying to a ROTC program, see the listings below:

Navy/Marines
Consortium with local San Diego universities
Official Website
Local Website

Army
Cross-town affiliate with San Diego State University
Official Website
Local Website

Air Force
Cross-town affiliate with San Diego State University
Official Website
Local Website

For more information, call (619) 849-2273.

Does PLNU require an SAT/ACT score?

PLNU does not require an SAT or ACT score for admission. Some merit aid at PLNU does still require a test score to be awarded.  Please visit pointloma.edu/scholarships for more info!

Transfer Students

Transfer Students

You graduated from high school, earned college credits from another institution, and are now interested in applying to PLNU. How will your previous courses transfer? How many units do you need to have completed before you apply? We know it can be difficult transferring to a new school, but we’re here to help. We’ll guide you through the application process and be there every step of the way to answer your questions.

To be considered for admission into PLNU, you must have a complete application, including all college/university transcripts, high school transcripts and SAT or ACT scores (optional for Fall 2024 applicants who have completed 35 units or fewer), and two letters of recommendation.

PLNU does not have specific courses that must be completed prior to transferring, except for nursing (see requirements below). You can apply to PLNU with any number of units or credits, but if you have completed fewer than 36 transferable units at the time you apply, we require you to submit your final high school transcripts and SAT or ACT scores in addition to your college transcripts to complete your file. Please refer to our Transferring Credit page for more information about admissions and transfer conditions that must be met.

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Early Action Deadline (Applies to Fall Semester Only)
Deadline: November 15
Notification is mailed mid-December.

General Admission
Fall General Admission Deadline: February 15
Notification is mailed mid- to late-March.

Spring Deadline: October 1
Spring notification: rolling

If you have questions, please contact your admissions counselor.

Visit the Transfer Student Hub

Head to our Transfer to PLNU hub and get connected to your personal transfer counselor, discover transfer-specific scholarship opportunities, learn about life at Loma, and more!

Explore More

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I'm interested in the Nursing program?

What are the prerequisite courses needed to apply as a transfer to PLNU’s School of Nursing?

  • Inorganic and organic biological chemistry -or- organic chemistry (4 or 5 semester units – with labs)
  • Human anatomy and physiology (8 semester units – with labs)
  • General psychology or personal identity (3 or 4 semester units)
  • College-level algebra (determined by PLNU math placement test)
  • Microbiology (4 semester units with lab)

*Due to clinical space, please contact your admissions counselor to see if PLNU is currently accepting transfer nursing students. 

I don’t see Nursing as a major option on the application...what does that mean?

From time to time, PLNU’s Nursing program completely fills up with continuing PLNU students. Rather than collect application fees from hopeful transfers who have no shot at getting into the program, we remove “Nursing” as an option on our application entirely, to prevent any students from wasting their time and money.

I’d like to apply to PLNU as a non-Nursing major and then change into Nursing once admitted. Is that ok?

Unfortunately no. In order to be in the Nursing program at PLNU, transfer students have to apply as Nursing majors, and be admitted as Nursing majors. There is no option for a student to apply to PLNU as any non–Nursing major and ever join the Nursing program. 

I’d like to enroll at PLNU as a non-Nursing major and then change into Nursing once I’m there. Is that ok?

No PLNU student in any non-Nursing major is ever able to change into the Nursing program, no matter the circumstance. Nursing is a locked major–students must be admitted as a Nursing major to ever be a part of the program.

I’ve taken some of the Nursing prerequisite courses, but want to finish the rest at PLNU – can I do that?

No. To be considered a viable PLNU transfer Nursing candidate, you must have completed all prerequisites before applying to the School of Nursing. This also means you can’t be in the semester-of-completion of any prerequisite course when applying to PLNU. Each course has to be completed.  

I have taken college classes after graduating high school, but I haven’t taken any Nursing prerequisites. Can I apply as a transfer into the Pre-Nursing program to complete prerequisites at PLNU?

Unfortunately no. If you’ve taken ANY college units after graduating from high school, you’re considered a transfer applicant to PLNU. All transfer applicants must have completed all Nursing prerequisite courses before applying to PLNU.

I applied to PLNU as a transfer Nursing major – now what?

If PLNU is accepting Nursing transfers, once you’ve completed your PLNU Admissions application, you also need to apply to the School of Nursing. The School of Nursing application process is different than the admissions process, and has different deadlines. Please visit their site for additional information

What are the essay prompts?

1. Community Living Agreement
Point Loma Nazarene University's Community Living Agreement is designed to create a community in which the university provides an atmosphere of academic excellence and spiritual growth while students commit themselves to a certain lifestyle. In 150 to 250 words, please reflect on the values and challenges of entering into this agreement as a college student. Please click here to read the agreement carefully before you answer.

2. Admissions Essay
Discuss an accomplishment or event, formal or informal, that marked your transition from childhood to adulthood within your culture, community or family.

How do I choose classes that will transfer?

See our transfer agreements for a list of colleges and universities with which we have direct agreements. Click on the college for a list of foundational explorations (FE) classes that will transfer to PLNU. These do not have to be completed before transferring to PLNU.

If your school is not listed, please refer to our General Education Transfer Guide to help you select courses that are most likely to transfer to PLNU.

These two sources, as well as information about AP credit, can be found at our Transferring Credit page.

How do I know which classes will transfer?

PLNU offers official transcript evaluations to students who have started an application. If you've already started your application, contact your admissions counselor to request an evaluation.

What if I'm a veteran or active duty military applicant?

If you’re a veteran or still serving in the military, our admissions counselors will help you with everything from submitting transcripts and academic planning to VA benefits and other financial aid. We’ll even have your transcripts evaluated before you apply for admission to see which of your military credits can be transferred.

All undergraduate programs can be completed in 36 months or less to accommodate terms of eligibility for your military benefits. Because our undergraduate degrees will not require you to use your maximum benefits, you can use any remaining eligibility toward one of our graduate degree programs.

If you are a recipient of VA educational benefits, such as the Post 9/11 GI Bill® or the Yellow Ribbon Program, we’ll help make sure all assistance is applied accurately and efficiently. Learn more about VA educational benefits.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website.

Does PLNU accept the ADT?

Many California community colleges participate in the ADT program (Associates Degree for Transfer) that guarantees students who graduate with their ADT a space at some four year institutions. PLNU participates in the ADT program in these specific majors: Art History, Child and Adolescent Development, Literature, Criminal Justice, History, Journalism, Mathematics, Music, Philosophy, Physics, Political Science, Social Work, Sociology. If you're applying as a transfer to PLNU in one of these majors, you'll be asked to submit a copy of your completed ADT at the time of application.    

Does PLNU require an SAT/ACT score?

PLNU does not require an SAT or ACT score for admission. Some merit aid at PLNU does still require a test score to be awarded. Please visit www.pointloma.edu/scholarships for more info!

Student talking to counselor

A Comprehensive Guide to Transferring Colleges

There are many things to think about when navigating the college transfer process as a student. Follow this transfer guide to help maximize your experience!

International Applicants

International Applicants

Welcome to PLNU! We’re excited you’re considering making our campus your home for the next few years. Each year, students from more than 20 different countries attend PLNU, and we hope you’ll be one of them!

We know transferring to a new school and country can be a big transition, and we’re committed to making it as smooth as possible. As an international student, you can either apply as a high school senior or a transfer student. Not sure where to begin? Don’t worry — we’re here to answer your questions and walk you through the application process step-by-step. 

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Talk to your International Student Counselor

Request More Info

To be considered for admission into PLNU, you must have a complete application, including high school and/or college transcripts, English proficiency scores (see below for accepted exams), two essays, and two letters of recommendation. You also have the option of conducting an interview with the international admissions counselor, which is highly recommended.

Please make sure to regularly review application due dates and our application checklist to stay on top of your application status.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I have my coursework evaluated and approved to receive credit at PLNU?

For transcript evaluation, PLNU recommends using one of the following:

If you have any questions regarding what evaluation type you should choose, please contact the international admissions counselor. PLNU is not responsible for translating or evaluating foreign transcripts or coursework.

Am I eligible for scholarships as an international student?

Yes! International students are eligible for an International Merit Scholarship based on their GPA and TOEFL/IELTS scores. Students should contact their international admissions counselor to check if they qualify.

International students are also eligible for merit-based scholarships, involvement scholarships, outside scholarships (dependent upon scholarship qualifications), and endowed scholarships. For more information, see cost and financial aid.

Military Applicants

Applying as a Veteran or Active Duty Military

If you are a veteran or active duty military applicant, our admissions counselors will help you with everything from submitting transcripts and academic planning to VA benefits and other financial aid. We’ll even have your transcripts evaluated before you apply for admission to see which of your military credits can be transferred.

The most important thing to know is that your application process is the same as any other student. There are just a few steps you need to take to apply for your VA benefits.

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Admissions

  • Apply to PLNU
    Submit your PLNU online application.

  • Send Official Transcripts
    Send official transcripts from other colleges and universities to:
    Point Loma Nazarene University
    3900 Lomaland Drive
    San Diego, CA 92106

  • Order Official Military Transcripts
    Army, Coast Guard, Navy, and Marine Corps
    Air Force

If you have questions, please contact your admissions counselor.

Financial Aid Advisor

Put Your Military Benefits to Work

All undergraduate programs can be completed in 36 months or less to accommodate terms of eligibility for your military benefits. Because our undergraduate degrees will not require you to use your maximum benefits, you can use any remaining eligibility toward one of our graduate degree programs.

If you are a recipient of VA educational benefits, such as the Post 9/11 GI Bill® or the Yellow Ribbon Program, we’ll help make sure all assistance is applied accurately and efficiently.

Learn more about VA educational benefits.

What if I'm planning on doing ROTC?

PLNU serves as a cross-town affiliate for ROTC programs with the Navy, Marines, Army, and Air Force. If you are planning on doing ROTC and are currently a high school senior, the process for applying to PLNU is exactly the same as for non-ROTC students.

For military-specific questions, please email veteranservices@pointloma.edu.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website.

Nursing Applicants

Nursing Students

Are you endlessly curious about the human body and what fosters its potential for health and healing? Do you have a desire to compassionately care for others in the midst of their pain and weakness? If so, you should consider a career in nursing. Earning your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from PLNU will allow you to combine your passion for healthcare with your longing for meaningful and even sacred work.

Freshmen (students coming straight out of high school)

Starting in fall 2023, PLNU’s nursing program is a direct entry program. That means when you’re admitted as a high school applicant, you’re admitted to our four-year nursing program.

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Transfers (students who’ve taken any number of college courses after high school graduation)

PLNU IS accepting transfer nursing applications for Spring 24 - application deadline is 10/31/2023.  PLNU is NOT accepting applications into our three-year BSN or LVN to BSN Programs for the 2024-25 academic year, and PLNU does not admit pre-nursing transfer students.

PLNU is NOT accepting applications into our 3 year BSN for the 2024-2025 school year.

Early Action is required for all nursing applicants.

Deadline: November 15
Notification is mailed mid-December.
Deposit deadline for Nursing: April 10
Deposit deadline for non-nursing and deposit refund deadline: May 1

Early Action is non-binding. Students who do not apply Early Action may have a chance to apply for the nursing waitlist, depending on Early Action applicant numbers.

An April 10, deposit is required for nursing (freshman Direct Entry) candidates. If an admitted nursing student submits a deposit after April 10, they’re required to change their major and will not have the opportunity to join the nursing waitlist.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I'm a transfer interested in the Nursing program?

Currently, PLNU is not accepting transfer nursing applications. If we do in the future, here’s information that may be helpful.

What are the prerequisite courses needed to apply as a transfer to PLNU’s School of Nursing?

  • Inorganic and organic biological chemistry -or- organic chemistry (4 or 5 semester units – with labs)
  • Human anatomy and physiology (8 semester units – with labs)
  • General psychology or personal identity (3 or 4 semester units)
  • College-level algebra (determined by PLNU math placement test)
  • Microbiology (4 semester units with lab)

*Due to clinical space, please contact your admissions counselor to see if PLNU is currently accepting transfer nursing students. 

I don’t see nursing as a major option on the application. What does that mean?

From time to time, PLNU’s nursing program completely fills up with continuing PLNU students. Rather than collect application fees from hopeful transfers who have no shot at getting into the program, we remove “nursing” as an option on our application entirely to prevent any students from wasting their time and money.

I’d like to apply to PLNU as a non-nursing major and then change into nursing once admitted. Is that ok?

Unfortunately, no. In order to be in the nursing program at PLNU, transfer students have to apply and be admitted as nursing majors. There is no option for a student to apply to PLNU as any non-nursing major and subsequently join the nursing program. 

I’d like to enroll at PLNU as a non-nursing major and then change into nursing once I’m there. Is that ok?

Unfortunately, due to space limitations within the nursing program, PLNU students in any non-nursing major are unable to change majors into the nursing program, no matter the circumstance. Nursing is a locked major; students must be admitted as a nursing major to ever be a part of the program.

I’ve taken some of the nursing prerequisite courses but want to finish the rest at PLNU. Can I do that?

No. To be considered a viable PLNU transfer nursing candidate, you must have completed all prerequisites before applying to the School of Nursing. This also means you can’t be in the semester-of-completion of any prerequisite course when applying to PLNU. Each course has to be completed.  

I’ve taken college classes after graduating high school but haven’t taken any nursing prerequisites. Can I apply as a transfer into the pre-nursing program to complete prerequisites at PLNU?

Unfortunately, no. If you’ve taken ANY college units after graduating from high school, you’re considered a transfer applicant to PLNU. All transfer applicants must have completed all nursing prerequisite courses before applying to PLNU.

I applied to PLNU as a transfer nursing major. Now what?

If PLNU is accepting nursing transfers, once you’ve completed your PLNU admissions application, you also need to apply to the School of Nursing. The School of Nursing application process is different than the admissions process and has different deadlines. Please visit the SON site for additional information.

Is the freshman application process different for nursing applicants?

Slightly. Nursing applicants are asked to complete a third essay as a part of their application. The essay is not about the actual nursing profession but is instead designed to shed light on your character and thought processes. This essay is reviewed by PLNU admissions and the School of Nursing. Additionally, nursing candidates’ high school math and science grades are examined more closely, as well as candidates’ involvements and leadership experience. Please note: admissions counselors are not looking for nursing-related involvements specifically but are looking for indicators of applicants’ commitment level.

What if I want to apply as a nursing major after Early Action (November 15)?

Even before PLNU moved from a competitive nursing program to a Direct Entry program, our first-year nursing class reached capacity with our Early Action applicants almost every year. The nursing application review process is more in-depth than that of a non-nursing applicant, so in order to give our admissions counselors ample time to fully review applications, and to ensure students admitted to nursing have as much time as possible to make their decision, we do not guarantee that students who apply after Early Action will be considered for nursing. In the best case scenario for those applicants, their post-Early Action nursing application may be reviewed for a space on the nursing waitlist.

What happens if I deposit after April 10?

A deposit on or before April 10 is required to confirm your space as a PLNU nursing student. Deposits received after April 10 will be treated as a deposit to a different major, and students will receive an email asking to confirm their new major choice. Students who don’t reply with a new major choice will have their deposit refunded. There’s no option for admitted nursing students who do not deposit by April 10 to join the nursing waitlist.

I received a letter saying I wasn’t admitted to nursing but could be admitted to a different major. What does this mean?

This means, while we’re unable to consider you as a nursing student, we’d still love to see you here at PLNU! Each year, we have MANY more qualified nursing applicants than we have space to admit due to the program cap and PLNU’s capped enrollment. However, there are many students who we have no doubt will excel here and to whom we’d love to offer admission in a different major. If you received this letter, it means:

  • We’re unable to admit you to PLNU nursing.
  • You’re guaranteed admission in a different major, you just need to reach out to your admissions counselor to let them know which major you’ve chosen.

Please note: students who change their major and are subsequently admitted are no longer able to rejoin the nursing waitlist or change their major into nursing at any point thereafter.

I’m on the nursing waitlist. What does this mean?

We know a waitlist notification is never the news a candidate hopes for, but please know we select our nursing waitlist applicants very intentionally. Each student who receives a nursing waitlist letter is a student we’d love to admit and we believe would be an excellent PLNU nursing student. Students on the nursing waitlist have two options: they can remain on the waitlist for final notification after the April 10 nursing deposit deadline, or they can change their major and be re-evaluated for admission. Please note: students who change their major and are subsequently admitted are no longer able to rejoin the nursing waitlist or change their major into nursing at any point thereafter.

I have dual enrollment or AP/IB credit earned while in high school. Will it shorten my time in the nursing program?

While your coursework or credit will likely transfer to PLNU, there’s no way to shorten your nursing program or waive your prerequisite courses here. The nursing program is a four-year program, and students are required to take prerequisite courses at PLNU. If you have transfer credit for a prerequisite course, it will likely transfer as elective credit (also required to graduate).

What does the nursing curriculum look like?

The nursing program at PLNU is a four-year program. Your first year is a combination of general education courses and nursing prerequisite courses, and your final three years are made up of nursing courses, general education courses and clinical rotations. Click here for a full list of required nursing courses.

I’ve been admitted to nursing (first-year Direct Entry). Is my four-year track really guaranteed?

As long as you stay on track academically, yes! As with any major, performing less than satisfactory in any course will likely set you behind on your graduation track, but rest assured that your nursing advisors and faculty members will be very involved in your academic progress. You’ll have many touch points along the way to ensure you know if you’re veering off track and have time to adjust accordingly.