Senior Megan Gelb has been accepted into the University of Iowa’s highly competitive Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BNS) program. 

Iowa’s BSN program is ranked fourth in the nation and admits only 84 students each fall out of approximately 600 applicants. 

Gelb’s journey to this prestigious program was driven by a lifelong passion for nursing inspired by her personal experiences. 

”I’ve wanted to be a nurse for as long as I can remember,” said Gelb. 

 “My brother was born with a heart defect, along with cleft lip and palate, so our family has been around hospitals forever. Every time I visited, I was impressed by the nurses and looked up to them,” she shared.

Gelb first discovered the University of Iowa’s program while researching top nursing schools in the country. Initially unaware of its selectivity, she learned more about its rigorous admissions process through conversations with the faculty and students during her visit to the school.

 The application process was extensive. 

First, Gelb applied to the university’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences as a nursing major through early action in November. 

After being accepted into the university, she submitted a direct admission application that required eight essays due in early December. 

The final step was a virtual interview in mid-January, where she answered four questions alongside four other prospective students. 

Now officially admitted, Gelb is eager to embark on her journey as a nursing student. 

“I am most excited to finally begin schooling in something I’ve wanted forever to do,”  she said.

Gelb is also looking forward to moving away and having new experiences in Iowa. 

Despite her excitement, Gelb acknowledges the challenges ahead. 

“I am most nervous about the rigorous program and the difficulty of meeting new people,” she admitted. 

Currently, Gelb is completing a class to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), further preparing for the demanding field of healthcare.