Accepted to the first school I interviewed at, but still interviewing at others

Nursing Students SRNA

Published

Specializes in CVICU, CCRN.

Hi,

I am going to refrain from putting the names of the schools in question in my post. I recently interviewed at the first school I applied to and was accepted to start in June of 2014. I have my BSN and also another BS in Biology. I have my CCRN, ACLS, PALS, and TNCC. GRE of 310/4.5. I currently have 1.5 years of experience in CVICU as well as PACU (I work two jobs). I am very excited to have been accepted to the school, however I have decided to continue to interview at at least one other school. Should I tell the interviewers that I have already been accepted to another program, but it's not my first choice? Would this make them less likely to select me over another candidate who maybe didn't apply anywhere else? Kind of torn between telling them or keeping it to myself. Any suggestions?

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Hi I am going to refrain from putting the names of the schools in question in my post. I recently interviewed at the first school I applied to and was accepted to start in June of 2014. I have my BSN and also another BS in Biology. I have my CCRN, ACLS, PALS, and TNCC. GRE of 310/4.5. I currently have 1.5 years of experience in CVICU as well as PACU (I work two jobs). I am very excited to have been accepted to the school, however I have decided to continue to interview at at least one other school. Should I tell the interviewers that I have already been accepted to another program, but it's not my first choice? Would this make them less likely to select me over another candidate who maybe didn't apply anywhere else? Kind of torn between telling them or keeping it to myself. Any suggestions?[/quote']

Hey,

I was/am in the same boat as you (still interviewing currently). I didn't really intend to share that info during my future interviews after having been accepted at another program but it definitely came up. I was asked if I had applied anywhere else and I ended up being forthcoming about my previous acceptance. I'm not sure if it changed anything for that interview but it definitely didn't hurt (I was offered there also). I have noticed that once you do divulge that info, they do become interested in how your interview experience compares and it seems more like you are alternatively "interviewing" them (which should be true anyways). I think they realize you have a choice and that definitely helps. Hope this helps!

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I accepted to one and had two more interviews.

I really wanted the one I accepted and no intention of going to the other schools.

Called them up and explained that I didn't want to waste their time and appreciate the opportunity. They were very nice and understanding. No hassle.

Cancel your interview if you don't have any plans to attend and give someone else a chance to interview who may really want to go to that program.

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I accepted to one and had two more interviews. I really wanted the one I accepted and no intention of going to the other schools. Called them up and explained that I didn't want to waste their time and appreciate the opportunity. They were very nice and understanding. No hassle. Cancel your interview if you don't have any plans to attend and give someone else a chance to interview who may really want to go to that program.

I totally understand that, problem for me is that I didn't have any preconceived idea about which school I liked most when applying. Every school (as you well know) offers something different whether it be: cost, location, attrition rate, length, clinical sites, faculty etc.. I didn't/don't feel like I can make an informed decision about any of them until an official campus visit for my interview.

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I wouldn't tell them. It should not change their opinion of you at all. If they want you, they'll let you know.

There's not a shortage of applicants, so don't think they're desperate to steal you from the first school.

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It makes you more desirable. Shows them that another school wants you and you clearly have what it takes to go to CRNA school. If the other school is a peer/higher ranked program, it looks good on you.

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I wouldn't tell them unless they specifically ask you if you've accepted anywhere else. Interview at all the schools that you really think you are interested in. Then pick the best one for you based on the curriculum, location, financial aid package etc.

I don't really think the schools care that much where you are interviewing. If you commit to one and verify that you will be attending, then you should tell that school soon as possible if you change your mind and are not going to attend so they have a chance to get another student into that seat.

Btw, congratulations!

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Specializes in Med/Surg, ICU.

Most adcoms probably expect you to apply to more than one program. A strong applicant will be attractive to many. I probably wouldn't mention how many schools i applied to unless asked, but certainly don't feel like you need to lie or hide the fact you are smart enough to research multiple programs yet not so full of yourself that you assume you will get into the first school you apply to.

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At the first school I interviewed with, the program director told us that any intelligent applicant would apply to at least 5 schools. So I think that it shows you are motivated and willing to do what it takes to get in.

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It just depends on how you look at it. I was asked in my interview. I told them I had only applied to that school. Of course, they asked why and I told them it wasn't about bettering my odds of admission, but setting a goal, reaching for it and attending the school that I thought would best suit me. The entire panel made a note of this and I was accepted.

If I was that determined to go to that school than I would be determined enough to finish the program -- which, in the end, is what they care about most.

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It just depends on how you look at it. I was asked in my interview. I told them I had only applied to that school. Of course they asked why and I told them it wasn't about bettering my odds of admission, but setting a goal, reaching for it and attending the school that I thought would best suit me. The entire panel made a note of this and I was accepted. If I was that determined to go to that school than I would be determined enough to finish the program -- which, in the end, is what they care about most.[/quote']

Sooooo, you applied to more than one school like you said before and then lied in your interview and told them you only applied to their program??? I don't advise doing that. I can't think of one reason why ANY program would care about how many programs you applied to or if you got in anywhere else. It can't hurt to know you've already been accepted somewhere else. Just play the interview by ear and if they ask, be TRUTHFUL.

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Sooooo, you applied to more than one school like you said before and then lied in your interview and told them you only applied to their program??? I don't advise doing that. I can't think of one reason why ANY program would care about how many programs you applied to or if you got in anywhere else. It can't hurt to know you've already been accepted somewhere else. Just play the interview by ear and if they ask, be TRUTHFUL.

This.

If you're asked, don't lie. You don't think the local program directors talk about students? If they found out you lied, HUGE red flag and you're in the denial pile instantly.

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