Applying to UC - Denver for Spring 2014 UCAN Program

U.S.A. Colorado

Published

Hello Everyone,

I started this thread for everyone applying to the University of Colorado Denver University of Colorado Accelerated Nursing program starting in January 2014. This will be my third time applying, so I'm hoping the third time is the charm! The application is due June 15th. I also had interviews for the last two cycles and saw that the interview is tentatively scheduled for July 26, 2013. Is anyone else applying this cycle? I look forward to sharing the ups and downs of the admission cycle this time around!

It has been a couple days since the applications closed. Does anybody know how long before they start sending out interview invites? I'm so nervous.

Elliot237. I suspect it will take them atleast a week or two to even read through all the applications. If we don't hear by July 15th then we know we didn't make the cut. But I'm trying not to worry about it until at least the beginning of July. Good luck :) :) but maybe people can post on here if someone gets an email then we will know when they started letting people know.

Hi All,

I applied for the SPR2014 cohort and just got the invitation for the interview today! I'm really excited and nervous at the same time. I live in HI so I'm kinda hoping they'll allow a Skype interview but I highly doubt they will. Anyone else got their invite for the interview? Anyone have a guess what percentage of those interviewed actually get accepted? AHHHHH, I'm so nervous!

Oh, and does anyone know of a good cheap hotel near the school? I'm trying to plan my trip and don't know anything about the area. I was planning on using the local bus as transportation to the airport, hotel, and school.

I JUST GOT MY INVITE! I'm so flipping excited.

ac1125- I work on campus and if there is one thing I can tell you, it is that you should find a hotel far away from campus. The areas right near by are kinda... not the greatest (wonderful people, just very disadvantaged.) Actually, the SpringHill Suites right across the street is brand new but might be a little pricey. Stay away from stuff right on Colfax too, those are kinda seedy. There is a super 8 on 6th street and 225 that would likely be cheap and close but I'd have to look up the RTD bus schedule for you.

If you want to know how to get places via public transport, go to RTD.com and look through some of their bus lines and maps, but first go on google maps and set a destination and get directions and set it to use public transport, it will give you an idea of which buses take you where. In general you can take the 15 or the 20 from downtown (I recommend the 20), the DM will take you there from Broomfield, Westminster or boulder. Hope that helps!

Hey Everyone,

Just got my invite for the interview (via email). Anyone have any advice for the interview, anyone gone through it before? Excited and SO nervous! Good luck to everyone! :)

ac1125- I know that they usually only admit 10% of the total applicants. In the years past its been around 300-400 apply and 30-40 get in. Congrats both of you. This info is good to know they are sending emails out and also makes me even more nervous about not getting one, since I haven't received one yet. Oh well. All I can do it wait and see and then reapply for the two year August 1st.:nailbiting:

I just got the invite as well. ac1125, I think they did allow some sort of Skype interviews in the past, but I don't know that much about them because I am Colorado. From interviewing twice before, I think they admit about half of those who interview. I'm not really sure how to shine in the interview because I thought I did worse in the first one and got call listed and thought I did better last time and got flat out rejected :dead: I think it does depend a lot on the interviewers and maybe the individuals you are interviewing with.

Hi all! Congrats to those who have received the invitation for an interview!! I have also applied to this same program, although I haven't yet received an email. Does anyone know if they typically send out the email only on the one day or is it still possible to receive an email within the days to come?

Hey guys!

I am in currently in the UCD accelerated program and I wanted to put you at all ease when it comes to the interview/essay process or answer any questions you may have. The essay is a key component in receiving the interview if your GPA is not quite great or if you have a previous degree that is not science related BUT it is doable to get into the program even if you are not a Biology major who spends their free time volunteering at a clinic in Africa :) It might be easier to get the interview with your previous background, but once you are in the interview process, it is more of a level playing field. When you're writing the essay, think about what sets you apart. Why are YOU different? Think about what it is that defines you, and what could potentially define you in the nursing field. Do you want to teach or do you have a history of training? Do you like continually learning and being challenged? These are the types of things that can set you apart if you don't have the best GPA. I have a BA in Sociology, my GPA was a 3.9 and I only had volunteer healthcare experience. But, I set myself apart in the interview process. I would say the most important part about the interview is being yourself, being confident in what you want and where you see yourself, and speaking up. If you are the type of person that is shy, try to go outside of your comfort zone and show initiative (this doesn't mean you are showing off, so don't stress). Just this week, one of our teachers talked about how shyness can be a hinderance in your practice. They do group interviews, so you need to make sure that you speak up BEFORE you are the last person to answer a question (you don't go in any particular order when answering). Otherwise, it seems redundant when you state the same things that four other people spoke about before you. Thus far, the program has been amazing, and it is worth the effort with the application, as well as the nerves that go along with it. You will all be fine.

P.S. If you have applied more than once and been declined, you are obviously persistent, resilient, and an advocate for your dreams no matter what the obstacles. Make sure they know that! I think those are some of the key things that make someone a great nurse.

A big congratulations to everyone that got an invitation to interview. Don't lose hope if you didn't get the invite; life and the nursing program itself is full of ups and downs. I didn't get accepted until my third try so definitely give it another shot during the next application cycle. Having said that, I know for a fact that they did do Skype interviews in the past; some faculty thought it went well while other times the internet connection was so bad the interviewer had a hard time understanding the interviewee. If it's within your budget and if you have time, I would recommend showing up in person (maybe even add that into your answers to show how much you want this). As allyd06 mentioned, you really need to distinguish yourself during the group interview and make youself the most vocal person in the group. Try to think of examples in your life that shows that you are an unique individual and prepare to incorporate that into your answers. Also find out some facts about the institution, it shows you have done your homework and the faculty love to hear about that stuff (ex. UCH is where the nurse practitioner program first started and the institution's emphasis on Evidenced-based practice). I know I mentioned this in my last post already but make sure you look professional and sit up straight during the interview. Best of luck to all of you!

Do we know if today was the only day they will send out invites? I know it's says if you haven't heard by July 15th. But I'm getting the feeling lots of emails went out today. I just wish I knew for sure I didn't get an invite or if there is still hope for next week?

Thank you Cheezits5744 and allyd06 for you insights! I think I read earlier in the thread that the interviews were with 2 faculty + 1 nursing student and about 4-5 prospective students lasting about 1 hours. Was that true for you guys? And do you remember any of the questions they might have asked you? Were they more conventional (ex. why do you want to go to this school) or critical thinking type questions (ex. if you were in this situation, what would you do)?

I feel like if I say something about me being there in spite of the financial difficulty or whatever reason, it might sound like they should be grateful for my presence there.

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