ABSN Duke Fall 2010

NCGator · Jan 14, 2010

Hi Kelly,

Like Abbie said, the Washington Duke Inn is a nice hotel on campus. They have an afternoon tea that you and your mom could attend. There is also a Marriott downtown that probably has good rates. If you want something a little more unique, there is a new inn across from East Campus called the King's Daughters Inn (http://thekingsdaughtersinn.com/). It is in a beautiful old building that used to be a residence for single, older women. My parents stayed there the last time they were in town and were pleased.

As far as stuff to do, you can of course tour the campus (be sure to check out the chapel), or go to the Nasher Museum of Art (also on campus). The shopping areas on Ninth Street and in Brightleaf Square are good places to visit. Durham also has a lot of excellent restaurants, so you will not go hungry. Carpe Durham is a blog that you could check out to get some reviews.

I hope this helps!

mld1980 · Jan 14, 2010

She just said to be prepared for questions like "Why nursing?", "Why Duke?", and "Why do you think you are well-suited for an accelerated program?"

I'm usually really good at job interviews, but I'm so nervous for this one! I don't know why. These are all relatively easy questions though. I'm hoping nothing stumps me!

KellyJH · Jan 14, 2010

Thanks guys! I do have a hotel booked already but just looking for other things to do or see on Thursday. It looks like there is a ton of shopping in the area- that can certainly occupy our day! I too am extremely nervous for the interview! More so because I know that it's really important which only makes me even more nervous! I think that feeling prepared will definitely help but I'm worried that I will come off looking like a big ball of nerves! Ahhh! Haha

Abbie Grace · Jan 14, 2010

I'm glad to hear that they're sending out more information soon! Although, I'm bummed that they won't give us the schedule for the day. I like to know what to expect!

I'm signed up for the 22nd so, I should get the email packet this week. If those of you who are attending the 2nd and 3rd Duke Days want a sneak peak, PM me your email addresses and I'll forward it to you.

Abbie Grace · Jan 14, 2010

By the way, CAROLINA, if you're reading this, we want to hear about how your first week of nursing school is going, girl!

brinkallz · Jan 14, 2010

I just got my packet...although the directions didn't come through very well. I was just really excited, but now the nerves are getting to me! It's interesting that our admissions friend said they will ask "Why nursing?" and "Why Duke?" During the info session last fall, the students that came to answer questions said they were not asked any of these questions. They said none of the typical generic questions were asked. Instead, the admissions committee focused on mostly on your essay asking specific questions about you. They also said it was all very laid-back and didn't feel like an interview at all. Either way, I'm incredibly excited and wish you guys the best!

sarabear44 · Jan 15, 2010

Hi! I am interviewing for Duke ABSN January 28 and I thought I would introduce myself because I've been reading this thread since I submitted my application :-) I'm from West Virginia and now I live in Portland, OR. I'm switching careers from language teaching and hoping to get into an accelerated nursing program. I applied a lot of places because I don't know what my chances are. I'm a returned Peace Corps volunteer and I want to be a nurse practitioner and work in international development again once I become a nurse. Ummm, I'm 25 and married and right now just taking pre-reqs at Portland State U. and volunteering. So... hello and good luck to everyone!

kebunt · Jan 15, 2010

I just got my packet...although the directions didn't come through very well. I was just really excited, but now the nerves are getting to me! It's interesting that our admissions friend said they will ask "Why nursing?" and "Why Duke?" During the info session last fall, the students that came to answer questions said they were not asked any of these questions. They said none of the typical generic questions were asked. Instead, the admissions committee focused on mostly on your essay asking specific questions about you. They also said it was all very laid-back and didn't feel like an interview at all. Either way, I'm incredibly excited and wish you guys the best!

I think I can clear that up! I had another conversation withi *nice Duke lady* today about interviews, and she told me that they have restructured their admissions process (no GREs, no early decisions, etc.) and one of the changes is the interview. They are now conducting blind interviews, meaning the faculty conducting the interview will not see your file beforehand. They will have no info with them except for an evaluation form with which to score the interview. This change, like the others, is an attempt to level the playing field and avoid any perdispositions (or preconceptions) the interviewers may have if they see the files first.

This is HUGE as far as I'm concerned, so I hope it's helpful to all of you. It will definitely change the way that I interview, because had I not known, I would have assumed they had already read my personal statement and I would have avoided being repetitive. But today she said to definitely mention any influential life experiences, so I'll be all about the repetition now!

It was just a few weeks ago that I was advised to be able to answer "why nursing", "why Duke", "why accelerated" etc., and since the interview process was changed back in the summer, I am going to assume that the questions are current. I did ask her today if that's what we would be asked, and she said that she is not allowed to give out the specific questions, but be able to articulate your motivations, goals, plans etc., and again, definitely mention any influential life experiences. She said the interviews can take different directions depending upon your answers. Apparently they have a specific list of questions from which to begin, but because the interviews should be friendly and conversational, the interviewers may choose to change paths based on something that you say.

Hope this helps! :)

mld1980 · Jan 15, 2010

kebunt-

Thanks dude! That actually helps a lot. I'm sitting here at 1:15am trying to prepare for this interview in 2 weeks. I can't sleep! This is ridiculous.

Also--

thanks to everyone here who convinced me to go to the interview in person. I had a phone interview recently where the school called me at a different time when they said (I was in the middle of cleaning my floor when I answered my phone) and it was a DISASTER. Like, "U.S. American" disaster. I'm much much more comfortable interviewing in person.

Here's to hoping we all get in just in time for March Madness :)

GenevaMarie · Jan 15, 2010

wow. kebunt. that *is* HUGE. Thank you so much for your investigative efforts and for sharing the interview information. It will certainly inform the manner in which I prepare.

Best wishes to those of you who are gearing up for round one.

Also- HELLO!!! to the new board members.

kebunt · Jan 15, 2010

Has MaryAsh gone missing? :chair:

rubypie · Jan 15, 2010

I think I can clear that up! I had another conversation withi *nice Duke lady* today about interviews, and she told me that they have restructured their admissions process (no GREs, no early decisions, etc.) and one of the changes is the interview. They are now conducting blind interviews, meaning the faculty conducting the interview will not see your file beforehand. They will have no info with them except for an evaluation form with which to score the interview. This change, like the others, is an attempt to level the playing field and avoid any perdispositions (or preconceptions) the interviewers may have if they see the files first.
This is HUGE as far as I'm concerned, so I hope it's helpful to all of you. It will definitely change the way that I interview, because had I not known, I would have assumed they had already read my personal statement and I would have avoided being repetitive. But today she said to definitely mention any influential life experiences, so I'll be all about the repetition now!
It was just a few weeks ago that I was advised to be able to answer "why nursing", "why Duke", "why accelerated" etc., and since the interview process was changed back in the summer, I am going to assume that the questions are current. I did ask her today if that's what we would be asked, and she said that she is not allowed to give out the specific questions, but be able to articulate your motivations, goals, plans etc., and again, definitely mention any influential life experiences. She said the interviews can take different directions depending upon your answers. Apparently they have a specific list of questions from which to begin, but because the interviews should be friendly and conversational, the interviewers may choose to change paths based on something that you say.
Hope this helps! :)

Okay, so then they will read our personal statement later? This is weird to me. :uhoh3: I just don't exactly understand or agree with this... I don't like being repetitive. Wasn't the application supposed to let them know who we are? And then the interview is to get a better handle on us? And also, shouldn't them reading personal statement allow them to ask follow up questions? If they don't read it FIRST, how can this be achieved? I am not happy about this. My background is so all over the place, to try to explain it all to them in 30 minutes has me in a tizzy right now. Yuck! Sorry to be negative but sigh, I hope you'll understand...