Indiana University School of Nursing sophomores Caylee Hammons and Asharia Hernandez met as direct admit students during Bridge Week, when freshmen familiarize themselves with the campus the week before classes start. That early connection helped shape their education at IU Indianapolis through built-in academic support, community, and early exposure to the nursing program.
Regular study groups, for instance, soon became a staple for the pair and helped them succeed through their first semester.
“We definitely found studying together helped,” Hammons said. “If one of us understands something better, we teach the other.”
The resources available for students on campus, such as peer mentoring and tutoring, also lent themselves to the students’ success during their first semester. As freshmen, the two were able to connect with upperclassmen for mentoring and help with classwork.
“Mentoring was a lifesaver for me in anatomy,” Hammons said.
While students traditionally apply to the nursing program in the spring of their freshman year, students who apply to the university by November 1 and have a high school GPA of 3.8 or higher are invited to apply for direct admission to the School of Nursing. Direct admit students have guaranteed placement in the program beginning their third semester if they maintain eligibility, which includes finishing prerequisites with a grade of C or higher and maintaining a prerequisite GPA of 3.5 or higher.
“Being a direct admit gives students an early advantage, connecting them with fellow incoming direct admits to build a supportive community from the start,” said academic advisor Adam Siurek. “It also provides early access to dedicated faculty, staff, and the full range of school resources, helping students grow with confidence and succeed throughout their nursing journey.”
Direct admission student Alyea Sutherland also found that the early connection to the School of Nursing helped her ease into her freshman year. One of her favorite things about the direct admission program is the tight-knit community as well as early exposure to the nursing school facilities.
“I have met so many people in the nursing program and have already learned so much from them,” she said. “I look forward to being in class with all the amazing professors and students I have met. I’ve also gotten to see my future classrooms, simulation labs, and testing rooms so I have so much to look forward to.”
After seeing how impactful student mentors can be, Hernandez applied to be a First Year Experience mentor.
“I like the idea of being able to be that resource for new students, because I was once in their place,” she said.
Both Hammons and Hernandez advise incoming students to create relationships and communities early on and build friendships.
Sutherland also encourages incoming direct admit students to take advantage of the program’s resources.
“Don't be scared to ask questions,” she advised. “Ask your mentors, advisors, and seminar teachers questions because they are always willing to talk. Also make friends in your seminar because it will become your favorite class of the week when you get to talk with your friends about how school is going.”