Applicants to Portland area schools

missmichelle · May 19, 2012

I don't mean to sound disrespectful, but I think that disclosing details about the interview process gives other applicants an unfair advantage. When the first group of us went in, all we knew was that we would be given a 30 minute timeframe to complete the essay and an hour for the verbal question/answer session. I will say that I think it would be very beneficial if you arrive 15-20 minutes early. I found it relieved a intense amount of stress for me to talk to the other applicants before the interview began and get to know them a little better. The interviewers were extremely nice and easy-going so once you get in there, the feeling of wanting to throw up from the anxiety lessens a bit!

Sasafras0123, it sounds like you're very much like me in terms of freaking out about things beforehand lol. I took some natural pills with valerian root in them to calm my nerves the morning of the interview and it seemed to help. I also prayed A LOT!! Just know that there is only so much you can do to prepare! Just think... After the interview you only have a week of worrying before you find out if you're accepted! The rest of us are suffering through two weeks! I decided afterward the interview ended that I wasn't going to second-guess any of my answers and torture myself. I am just putting everything in God's hands and hoping for the best.

missmichelle · May 19, 2012

And Lilpoka, I'm sad that I didn't get to meet you! I ended up calling and switching my interview to a later time that day. They had someone cancel so they were able to fit me in. I am glad that it's all over though. :)

Lilpoka · May 19, 2012

Hi all,

I, too, don't want to say too much about my interview...but I will say that everyone was super nice and I made it through it. I am trying not to second-guess my answers and essay, but I am finding that a bit hard to do. I feel like I froze on the essay. That makes me sad. I think it is silly of me to keep thinking about it since I know I am already in at Mt Hood and happy as heck about that! I still have a nice pull towards Clackamas though. I guess we'll see in a few weeks. Until then, I will start preparing for Mt Hood in the Fall.

For everyone who has their interview next week, just breathe, don't drink too much coffee before, dress nice, and know that you have worked very hard to get where you are! Keep us posted how it goes!

SushiOConnor, ADN, BSN · May 19, 2012

missmichelle and lilpoka,

I didn't mean to pry too much, I am just nervous as well. But it is a major factor for me whether the essay is handwritten or not. If it is handwritten, I won't get in. Not only do I have poor handwriting, but my written composition really shows my disability unless I can copy/paste/move words/sentences. I also agree that it would be an unfair advantage for those of us who came later in the process to know the questions they will ask. Thank you for what you both have said, it definitely does give me some comfort even knowing the general essay/interview format. Good luck to you both!

Sasafras0123 · May 19, 2012

michelle and Lilpoka,

Thanks for the thoughtful words. I am totally over thinking everything and hopefully I dont psych myself out! Clackamas is the only school I can get into this year so you can see why I am stressing to get in so bad! I just hope I get to share some things that were not included on the application like volunteering and such.

Sushi I'm right there with you! Lets just relax and be ourselves (easier said then done!) and I heard the writing portion was done on the computer but im not positive.

Whatever will be, will be! In the end we will all turn out amazing nurses despite our different routes to get there!

Lilpoka · May 20, 2012

Sushi & Sasafras,

You guys are going to do great! Remember, you passed hundreds of applicants to get to this point! I feel like I totally froze on my essay. I can only hope that my actual interview was strong enough to carry me. But you guys have worked hard! Just remember your morals and values going in. They will carry you far! Best to you guys! Talk soon..

missmichelle · May 20, 2012

SushiOConnor,

I don't think that you should stress about the essay portion. If you are really worried about it, I would contact the nursing program office or disability services before your interview. I believe that if you provide documentation, they are required by law to accommodate your disability.

Lilpoka · May 22, 2012

I wanted to say good luck to everyone that is inteviewing this week!

nwnursing · May 22, 2012

Thanks Lilpoka, I'm excited about the interview. If I never had another proctored essay, though, it would be too soon. :)As an FYI, I spoke with PCC today briefly, and the orientation will be from 9-11. I forgot to confirm the day, but I think we all agreed it was the 5th.

emmyers, RN · May 22, 2012

missmichelle, I don't mean to sound disrespectful, but I disagree with you completely. I don't think it matters at all if we share info on the format of the interviews, it's the questions we can't share. Just because you weren't informed about the format of the interview, doesn't mean it's wrong for others to be. And this cut throat mentality will only get you so far. What about people who are reapplying the second year around, they are already obviously aware of the format; the only thing that changes for them is the questions, and there's a reason for that. It's because the MOST important factor for them is to find out WHO we are, not whether you can type or write better. I mean seriously, she was only asking if it's written or typed. To think that info gives someone an "edge" is a bit obtuse.

Sushioconnor, I would suggest contacting them about the format, and I wish you the BEST of luck in getting in!!! And congrats again on getting accepted into PCC, I'm sure you'll rock at the CCC interview too!

missmichelle · May 22, 2012

emmyers,

The impression that I got from my previous interviewers is that to share ANYTHING may hurt your chances at getting accepted. I, personally, would rather not take that chance. I figure that if they wanted us to know the format or any other details, they would have informed all of the applicants in their invitation letters.

I do, however, understand that some people may have disabilities, which is why I suggested SushiOConnor to contact the school directly.

Of course, everyone is entitled to their opinion. You may be right, but I would rather play it safe when it comes to something as important as this.

emmyers, RN · May 22, 2012

that or they just don't want to make extra work for themselves and expect students to have initiative. and the do make such information available, if you go to an info session and ask questions. in my own experience, there were many questions answered on format at the info sessions i attended. you yourself even asked a question about the essay format on this website:

"i am curious to know if there are multiple ones that we will be answering or if there will be just one that we will address in essay format."

(so much for playing it safe) i really do not see how your question was any different than asking... oh say, if it's typed or written. you blew her question out of proportion.