NursingCAS Instructions

• NursingCAS is a common application for nursing schools. There are four main sections to the application. The first three sections (Personal Information, Academic History and Supporting Information) are universal across all nursing programs who use NursingCAS, the fourth section (Program Materials) is UW–Madison specific.
• The application fee for NursingCAS is $60.
• The NursingCAS fee may be waived in some cases; check the NursingCAS Fee Assistance Program to see if you qualify. If you do not qualify, or if the NursingCAS Fee Assistance program is unavailable, contact the UW School of Nursing directly as additional opportunities may be available.

1. Personal Information

(Biographic Information, Contact Information, Citizenship Information, etc.)

2. Academic History

(High School Attended, Colleges Attended, Transcript Entry, Standardized Test)

• List all the colleges and universities you have attended (or are currently attending), even if you attended while still in high school
• Enter transcript details for each course in which you enrolled.
• Enter courses you will be taking after the application due date but before the program start date as planned/in-progress.
• Official transcripts need to be sent to NursingCAS and UW–Madison’s Office of Admissions and Recruitment.
  • The best way to submit your transcripts to NursingCAS is from within NursingCAS on the colleges attended tab after you add your college or university there will be an “Order” button this option will give you the necessary information you need to order.

• Standardized Test tab – You can enter scores here, but you also have the option to enter them at no additional cost in the Program Materials section. Select the “I am Not Adding Any Standardized Tests” option.

3. Supporting Information

(Achievements, Experiences, Licensure and Certifications)

• In total between the Achievements and Experiences sections, provide five or fewer Even though NursingCAS allows more, we will not review more than five, so be selective.
• These might include leadership roles, employment experiences, community/volunteer experiences, participation in the arts or athletics, and/or special awards or recognition.
• Include a detailed description of your participation or accomplishment, and why this experience was meaningful.
• Enter any licensure and certifications you have, if any.

4. Program Materials

(Home, Questions, Documents, Prerequisites)

• Home: A condensed version of the application instructions
• Questions: UW–Madison specific questions, including personal statements.
• Personal Statements: The statements are your opportunity to help us get a sense of you, learn what matters to you, and understand how you are different from other applicants. Each response is limited to 1,250 characters or approximately 250 words.
  • If you are reapplying to our nursing program, use the reapplication essay to your full advantage and note that the admission committee has access to any prior applications.
  • For personal statement tips and suggestions, please visit the home tab in NursingCAS or our FAQ document.
• Documents tab: If you chose “yes” about using AP/IB test scores in the Miscellaneous Questions section of this tab, then you will be allowed to upload your test scores on the Documents tab. A test taker copy (unofficial student score report) is sufficient for the nursing application. If you choose No this tab will be marked as complete.
• Prerequisites tab: Courses need to be entered in the Academic History portion before you will be able to identify your prerequisites in this section.