Deciding to go back to school to become a nurse practitioner is the easy part – now you have to actually find a program that fits your educational needs and be accepted! The more prestigious the school, the harder it is to get accepted, but don’t let that stop you from applying to the best nursing schools in the country. You can use the following tips to ensure that you get in no matter where you apply:

Tip #1: Secure good letters of recommendation.

Certification as a nurse practitioner requires at least a master’s degree, and when applying to graduate school, good letters of recommendation are essential. You probably already have employers, professors, or colleagues in mind to write these letters, but before you ask, really take some time to scrutinize your options. If possible, find alumni of your program of choice to write your letters, even if they don’t know you quite as well as other writers you’re considering. Schools hold alumni recommendations in high esteem, and unless you know a professor from the program, these are often the best letters to get you into that school. If you don’t know any alumni, don’t sweat it. Strong letters from others in the nursing field can help to get you accepted as well.

Tip #2: Read the application guidelines carefully.

Following directions is as important today as it was when you were in grade school. While it is true that some schools aren’t so harsh as to throw out applications that arrive a day late or missing a piece of information, it does move you to the bottom of the pile. You’ve already made a bad impression, and unless the rest of your application is extremely impressive, your chances of being accepted are slim.

Tip #3: Visit the school and be enthusiastic while there.

If you have the chance to visit the schools you’re consider, do so. This includes online schools – you can take a virtual tour and meet with staff members via chat room or phone. While this does help you in narrowing your choices, it is also often a way to get your foot in the door. If you’re enthusiastic about your education and make a good impression on staff members during your visit, they’ll remember you and recommend that you be accepted. Even staff members who aren’t on the accepting committee will often email those who are when they’ve met someone promising, so take advantage of every contact you make.

Tip #4: Have a plan.

Lastly, in order to get the most acceptance letters possible, have a clear plan for your education and subsequent career. Yes, plans can change, but by showing that you have a goal, schools will be more willing to take a chance on you. You want you application to show that you’re someone who will likely excel in the nurse practitioner program while at school and do great things in your field after you graduate, which will reflect well on their nursing program.