This study was designed to provide the College of Lake County with data to promote critical thinking and discussion about the revision of the present admission criteria for the practical nursing program. Subjects were the coordinators/directors of the 36 approved schools of practical nursing in Illinois. A letter and a questionnaire comprised of a rating scale and fill-in responses concerning admission policies were mailed to each school. There was an 89 percent return rate. The replies showed that 87.5 percent screen applicants, 90.6 percent interview, and 68 percent require references. Less than one-third of the schools feel that previous nursing experience is beneficial. Only 9.38 percent use the A.C.T. as a preadmission test; 85 percent consider high school grades important; and 53 percent consider class rank as predictive of success. I.Q. is a criterion for 34 percent. Accepting students with advanced standing is effected by proficiency testing. Eleven schools rely on a single preadmission test, although 24 different tests are administered in the 32 schools. (Author/DB)