Applicants to Portland area schools

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Greetings fellow future nurses! I just mailed my application packets for Mt. Hood CC, Clackamas CC, and Portland CC today and excited to be done with them. I have my proctored essay for OHSU this Wednesday and am a little worried because I have NO idea what is going to be asked. I haven't been able to get any feedback on what is on any of the essays. I am also applying to Chemeketa but am probable wasting my time as I am missing 2 of the pre-recs required there that aren't required at the OCNE schools. Well, the worst they can say is no, right?

Anyway, the Oregon Nursing Programs sections has been a little dead lately so I was hoping to spark some dialogue. This is my first year applying and I'm already getting a little stressed. I kind of have a lot riding on getting in somewhere next fall. My fiance and I are kind of planning on it. I'm hoping that doesn't backfire! How's it going with everyone?

I was curious about dressing up as well. Didn't even think of it until I saw the thread. I'd love to hear from others about this as well.

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My thought about dressing up is this..you never know who will be there, watching, getting you setup for your essay, etc... err on the side of caution- dress nice. It shows how serious you are taking this. Plus, I know for myself, when I get dressed up I feel good inside. This can reflect in your attitude as your write your essay. Anyway, that is my two cents worth. I know I will be dressing nice. I don't want to leave anything to chance!

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I emailed the person we are to RSVP for the proctored essay (jscovel) and here is her reply: "You may wear whatever you are comfortable in. We do not have a dress code." I don't think I'll wear a suit, but I will definitely dress professionally.

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Specializes in med/surg, psych.

I still have not recieved a letter from PCC, how many points did those who were invited to the essay have?

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Pdxjenn I had 64 points at PCC.

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Gabrianam-I used to work in recruiting and staffing; which meant I interviewed people for a living. Believe me making great first impressions goes a long way. Will you get a rejection because you wore only a collared shirt or tie? Probably not. But if it came down between you and another candidate, all things being equal, and the other candidate was dressed more sharply, subconsciously, they may go for the well/better-dressed candidate. It never hurts being overdressed, because all that means is that you cared to do so. If you have a suit, I recommend it wearing it. The committee may not even realize they have a better impression of you because of your suit...and that could be the tie breaker to getting accepted or rejected...show's real professionalism.

To all the males-wear suit and tie if you have it. If you don't have a suit and can't afford one, where slacks, shirt and tie...not khakis. If you have more than one pair of slacks and have to choose between black/grey versus brown...choose black or grey

Ladies-business suit if you have it. If not dark slacks and dressed shirt.

I'm not a fashionista by any means...but I just know how my team and i felt when we interviewed people who were sharply dressed. We always were more impressed by the ones who were very sharp.

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I had 58 points for PCC with a 4.0 GPA and no prior degree. But I did have CNA and hours. I got my letter last week. Hope that helps pdxjenn.

I would love to hear from anyone regarding the Mt Hood essay/interview process. From what I understand, there are 5 questions that require 5 short answers (can anyone confirm this?) and then one random of those 5 will be chosen for you to talk about. Does this sound right? And are the 5 questions written in one long essay or 5 individual answers? Thanks to anyone that can give a heads up on this.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Med-Surg.

Lilpoka,

I was invited last year to Mt. Hood and that's basically what it was. 5 questions in a packet that you handwrite 5 responses to right on the same page as the question (I think). Then you randomly choose one that you orally present to the group. Last year there were 11 of us all around a big table in a conference room. You get ample time to write your responses (I write really slow and had plenty of time). The questions are typical interview questions, no math, no technical question, no questions about the law or specific duties, just stuff asking about how you would respond in particular situations with co-workers and/or to patients. See the above post for how to dress. Did you get a letter from MHCC? I'm scheduled for next week!

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I did get my letter from Mt Hood and I am very excited! I am also next week, Thursday the 24th. I am scheduled for PCC the following Tues and am waiting to hear from clackamas and OHSU Reg BSN.

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i think i got either 59 or 60 points at PCC and have a 4.0 prereq gpa with a prior bachelor's degree. i'm not sure if they took my patient contact experience or not which is why i'm not sure about whether i have 59 or 60 points.

i think it's better to be safe than sorry in the attire department as well, but honestly i'm skeptical that it will be taken into account because 1) likely, the person who checks us in/ proctors isn't going to spend time taking notes on how we are dressed; and 2) we're assigned a number to use with our essays and i assume that is to keep the process objective and anonymous. how will they know who is dressed which way unless the person/people proctoring are taking notes? however, i will be playing it safe since i don't want to leave anything to chance.

does anyone know how many people are offered interviews?

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Specializes in med/surg, psych.

thanks! I had 58 or 59 points, I can't recall exactly. But i am getting nervous that I haven't received anything yet. I think I will call them on Monday if I still haven't herd anything..

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pdxjenn, Did you receive a yellow post card from the admissions office confirming that they received your application? I had 63.5 points and got my letter last Saturday - but I think the cut-off should be around 58 this year, so you should have got something by now.

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