by Jkhoa

Hi, I'm currently a second year undergad life science major at UCLA. I applying for a transfer to the undergrad nursing program at upenn and uva. I'm just wondering what are somethings that can help me get in for the 2010-2012 year. I'm hearing mixed opinions about the male thing. Some people tell me it harder because schools think males are just trying to get in easily because they are the minority while others tell me that it's an advantage. Anyway. I'm an asian male with a 3.5 at ucla (science gpa 3.7), I have about 600 hours of work experience as a physican's assistant at ucla, and about 60 hours of volunteer at a hospital also nearby. any suggestions and advice on how to get into a bsn program would be greatly appreciated. thank you.

Re: applying to nursing school

You mean a "Medical Assistant" not a Physician Assistant I assume.

The male/female thing may depend on the school but my program ranked us by GPA weighted toward health science courses.

Best thing you can do is call the admissions people at the schools of your choice and ask them their policies. Be persistent and make sure you are getting good information - fact sheets - things like that.

Re: applying to nursing school

Gender will not be a factor for getting into NS and/or when it is time to get a job. However, I believe being a man in a female dominated profession is a good thing.

Re: applying to nursing school

ok, i see. so i guess it all about the grades then.

Re: applying to nursing school

I was supposed to attend Temple University's School of Nursing a few years ago. I did well in my pre-reqs, got the grades I needed to get, and got accepted. Now take into account, they accept 60 students once a year (in the fall), out of lord knows how many (hundreds if not thousands). It was definitely a process. I had to write an essay, and I even had an interview. Yes, an interview for nursing school. Ok, ok it was a group interview lol. Nonetheless, I just showed the faculty my enthusiasm and I guess they could see I REALLY wanted to be there.

I ended up transferring to UNLV (for family reasons), and was accepted into it's NS which supposedly had a long waiting list. You actually have an upperhand with your experience, which is something I lacked going into it. So they may take that into account. Like the others have said, you being a male won't have any weight in their decision (I don't think so at least). Good luck! Those are some great schools!

But yeah.. Having good grades won't hurt either!

Re: applying to nursing school

I don't think interviews are totally uncommon these days for the very limited spots in programs. I had to drive 600 miles to interview for my spot.

Re: applying to nursing school

yeah, that's another thing i was wondering. I don't have my interview yet untill a few monthes, but I'm just wondering what type of questions did you guys get in your guys's interview?

Re: applying to nursing school

To be honest, it's been 4 or 5 years since that interview. All I can remember is that they DO ask you questions that you probably encountered in past interviews for jobs that don't relate to the health professions. Stuff like: "What made you decide to go into nursing school, what experiences, personality traits or characteristics do you believe will impact your nursing career?" I don't have any TRUE insider information.. But I'm pretty sure how you carry yourself is just as important as the responses you give.

So in that case... Dress professionally, Try to be decently groomed, arrive early (*note - in nursing school: early=on time, on time=late, and late=don't even bother lol), and answer to the best of your abilities. Again.. good luck!

Re: applying to nursing school

alright, thanks. Those were some pretty helpful and encouraging remarks

Re: applying to nursing school

I prepped and prepped for my interview. I compiled 300 possible interview questions and knew the answers backwards and forwards. On my 10 hour drive to the interview I asked and answered them to myself.

They ended up asking no questions that I was prepared for.

I think what is more important than what they ask is knowing what questions to ask them. Use this time to ask questions that show your interest and commitment. Use these to show that you are familiar with the program.