UW BSN 2018

[Hk2017]

Hi! I'm applying for the UW BSN for next fall. This is my second time applying to the program and I really want to get in! I thought I would start a discussion so we can all help each other out since the application comes out this month and the essay questions are already out!

A little about myself:

-When I applied for this fall my nursing prerequisite gpa was a 3.0 and I retook one class and I believe now it is a 3.2 which isn't that great but they accept anywhere from a 2.4-4.0 for this fall so I am not too worried about that.

-When I applied for this fall I only had 120 healthcare experience hours and when I apply for next year I'll have well over 1,500.

-I'm also doing a study abroad program in maternal and child health in December before the app is due and this year i managed to get a job at Mary Bridge Children's hospital and recently got hired at Seattle Children's. I also got certified in neonatal resuscitation.

Thanks all! I can't wait to hear back and get some advice!

[RDHusky]

@shake the dust I would say that you should talk to an advisor in UW to see how to equate that class to UW courses.

[RDHusky]

@farminnurse

Well, there are definitely some older students in the program! I would say that because of your choice in changing careers, utilize the optional statement! It's a chance to say more about yourself on why you should be selected, why you're changing careers, and why you'll make a great nurse. I can talk to some of those students and give a better reply some time.

[RDHusky]

@rebanurse123

I was in your shoes, I applied 2 times and took a year off, haha. Well, with the math portion, type in med calc practice into Google, and use the first few links to practice those math questions. It'll help so much. As for the essay, I would say that you should really know yourself. Know your strengths and your weaknesses. Critically think. It doesn't matter about your nursing skills, because that's why you'll be in nursing school.

[taylorr13]

This may be a stupid question, but do we need to complete an actual application to UW?

[RDHusky]

@taylorr13 - Yes, you will need to apply to the UW. So UW application, as well as UW School of Nursing application!

[taylorr13]

Thank you! I assumed so but couldn't find an answer on the website so I just thought I'd ask!

[goal:midwife]

hi @shake - I applied for the ABSN and when we asked this question we were told to just list it all on the one line, and to leave the Lab specific line blank. :)

[bb197]

Hi everyone! I'm applying for the BSN program for the first time and had some questions!

I finished my first two years of prereqs and am currently taking a year off to work as a CNA. I was going to apply last year, but did not meet the requirements for healthcare experience hours. I have been able to work on the weekends and accumulated a lot of hours in time for this upcoming application cycle.

My first question is about the resume. They give us a long word count requirement. Should we use this room to explain our experiences under each section and what we learned, or do they want a brief resume with short bullet points? I'm assuming that since it's a longer word count requirement, then we should use the space for more than just bullet points explaining tasks?

My second question is about retaking classes. I personally had events that affected me academically last school year which lead to me retaking 2 classes. I am planning to explain the circumstances in the optional statement portion of the application. Since these academic issues came about due to outside circumstances and do not reflect me as a student/future student in their program, will these retaken classes lessen my chances?

[Mpaige5]

@RDHusky Thanks for all of your insight and advice! This will also be my first time applying to the UW and had not even considered UW as an option as I assumed my grades would not be good enough. After talking with a past/current students in the program I realized that I may actually be a competetive applicant and have decided to apply!

I am currently working on all the writing pieces and have a ton on paper, but am afraid to committ to just one idea, as I am not sure exactly what the reviewing committee is looking for. For the resume, how would you suggest formatting it? I wish there were samples to view!

For the essay, I am considering using strong communication or mindfulness as my strength and something along the lines of being hypercritical of myself as a weakness...or possibly having a difficult time separating work from home life. I want to identify a weakness which is something that I can grow from, not something that I am unable to change. Does that make sense? I would love any feedback! I found that I was overthinking the essay question, but through journaling, talking with coworkers, and self-analysis, I believe my responses are genuine.

Ok, that's enough for now! I am sure I will have a million more questions. Thank YOU!!!

[RDHusky]

Hi @bb197 ,

To answer your first question, utilize your space, utilize that word count. It's not just about the tasks, it's also about what you've learned on the job / experiences that you've been through. Show things like progression, a desire to learn, or personal growth, alongside the tasks you did.

To answer the second question, as long as you explain in your optional statement and your GPA is above the minimum requirement, you will be considered.

[RDHusky]

@Mpaige5 ,

I had columns for my resume, so that I could utilize all the space on the page. So I would have the main subject, like "Work Experiences", then under that, would be two columns with the information like where I worked, the tasks I did, how that experience helped me, etc.

I think your strength and weakness are fine. As long as you elaborate on them and explain how that makes you a strong candidate / a good nurse. And talking about a weakness you can grow from, or at least how you can work with that weakness, is good!

[NICURN2020]

I just turned in my Nursing application. Now the stress of waiting begins. Good luck everyone.