Applying to UC - Denver for Spring 2014 UCAN Program

ac1125 · Jul 19, 2013

Hi Colorado Hopeful, I am super nervous about the interview! At least you know what to expect already! About how many questions do you think they asked you? Any weird questions you remember that they asked? And I think you mentioned before that the interview lasts about an hour? That correct? Gosh, I wish they gave us a cheat sheet to prepare with!

Jenbun02 · Jul 19, 2013

@colorado hopeful one last quick question. Each time you reapplied did you rewrite your essay?? Thanks

lolads85 · Jul 20, 2013

Hey this may be a bit silly to post. However, if any of you are quite shy and nervous about the interview. Check our this TED talk to pump you up:

Amy Cuddy: Your body language shapes who you are

Colorado Hopeful · Jul 20, 2013

Hello ac1125, here are the questions I remember:

1. Tell us something unique about yourself

2. What does integrated (or maybe collaborative/interdisciplinary) learning mean to you?

3. How do you prioritize your day/life? / How do you handle stress?

4. Why are you considering this program?

5. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

6. Why do you want to be a nurse? (I don't think they ever asked this one outright, but I could be wrong)

7. Do you have any questions for us? (Not truly in the list of questions, but always good to ask a few!)

I think they asked about 5 questions each time. The unique question threw me the first time, but the second time I had already decided on how I was going to answer it. I estimate the interview lasted about 1 hour - 1.5 hours both times with 4-5 applicants and 2-3 interviewers each time.

Jenbun02, the second time I reapplied I edited my essay a bit and the third time I completely rewrote it just in case it would make a difference. I was interviewed every time, so I think the interview may be where my problem lies . Are you considering applying to other programs? One thing that was nice about the CU Denver program is that they would keep your transcripts for another application cycle (as long as you didn't complete any additional coursework), but I would double check to make sure they are still doing this. Good luck; all we can do is keep trying!

Crandal06 · Jul 20, 2013

Thanks to everyone who posted insights to the interview process and questions they'll ask. Definitely helpful to have any info on this process! Dumb question, but I noticed it said business for dress code, did most of you wear a suit jacket or did you do a cardigan? I hate dressing for interviews!!!! Congrats to all who got invited and see you in the B Group!

oceanblue52 · Jul 22, 2013

Good luck to all of you that are interviewing in the next few days! I too was in your position about 6 months ago and was scooping out all the possible info. I am now attending classes and about to take my first final!

You can never fail with a business suit, though I *personally* would recommend something other than black because that is what the majority of people interviewed with. Wearing black won't hurt you, but it also never hurts to stand out with a little more unique color, like beige, brown, tan, blue... As long as it is nothing flashy, you are good. I recall a few people interviewing in more business casual...can't speak to their success but if you want to forgo a suit, you would probably be okay in business casual, as long as you are clean and professional looking. And, for the ladies, keep the makeup toned down (up to a point where you are feeling confident) and forgo the perfume.

Interview day is really fun, and the people I was with on interview day were really friendly! I applied to several schools back East and UC Denver is by far the most laid back campus population (some of my classmates throw a Frisbee around during class breaks, which is pretty awesome). Tapping into this friendly energy at the breakfast and little activities really helped me calm my nerves before the interview.

I can't say for sure what the interview questions were, but peruse the rest of this thread and prepare succinct answers to all the questions that people proposed as being potential questions. You probably won't get much time to answer because of the group interview aspect, so review the biggest reasons for your love of nursing, and how you're prepared to handle the field and school demands. Remember why you applied in the first place, and what motivated you to do well in all your pre-req classes. Recalling my motivations and personal strengths, coupled with practicing with about half a page of notes, really helped me stay calm and succinct in the interview.

I wish you all the best and hope you have a positive visit. Remember why you love nursing, stay calm, and absorb all the information that the faculty and volunteer students give you as much as possible :)

PaytonJane · Jul 22, 2013

I wore a business suit - black jacket & skirt, hose, conservative closed-toe heels, a button down. Men were in suits and ties. Dress was pretty formal.

Megan1683 · Jul 30, 2013

Hello! I'm jumping in on this thread a little late! I was just wondering if anyone else applied to Regis as well as CU? I have been accepted into Regis and am still waiting to hear back from CU. I am still unsure which program I would choose if I am fortunate enough to get into both. Besides price (which I'm trying not to let influence my decision), the programs seem relatively equal in other areas to me. Anyone have any insight on this? Pros or cons for each school? Since the deadline to turn my decision into Regis is August 9th, I can't wait too much longer on a decision from CU!

elliot237 · Jul 30, 2013

I really really want to go to CU and it's the only place I applied (I'll apply for their traditional program this month if I don't get in) so do you mind if I have your spot if you get in ?

Colorado Hopeful · Jul 31, 2013

Hello Megan1683, I think that both Regis University and UC Denver have almost equally great reputations in the Denver area (at least from reading other posts here and anecdotally from the hospital where I volunteer). However, I think there is a difference in national reputation: Best Nursing Programs | Top Nursing Schools | US News Best Graduate Schools. According to US News and World Report rankings from 2011, UC Denver's nursing graduate programs are ranked #15 while Regis University's nursing graduate programs are ranked #193. I wish there was a ranking for Bachelor's programs as well, but I think this is as close as possible to rank them side by side methodologically. In general, I would say Regis stresses the religious, altruistic, and ethical aspects of nursing while UC Denver focuses more on evidenced based practice, but I could be biased (I did not apply to Regis).

elliot237, I will be also applying at least one more time if I do not get accepted this time. I'm not feeling too optimistic about how the group activity went for me....Hopefully they will let us reuse our transcripts again!

whereisdarla · Jul 31, 2013

Oh no Colorado Hopeful! What makes you doubt your group activity performance? Keep your optimism going. I think that it is next to impossible for them to weigh that interview too heavily. In my group, we all pretty much seemed the same. Good Luck!!

elliot237 · Jul 31, 2013

Yeah I honestly don't know what they learned from that interview other than that we work together well... for 20 minutes in front of people judging our responses. It's also the first time they've ever done that type of interview so I'm not super confident they are relying on it too heavily for selection.

I don't know if I did a great job in the interview either though. I didn't talk much but felt like I worked with my team well and in a quick manner. I didn't quite know how to answer one of the questions, but I felt like it was okay.

I thought it was funny how they basically admitted at the end that they cared more about GPA than anything. I agree it is a good way of determining future academic success, but I feel that they learned very little about our personalities.