Samuel Merritt - ELMSN FNP - Sacramento 2012

Bizaleth · Aug 28, 2011

Thanks JeninCA for the wishes of good luck for those of us who interviewed today! My interview was at 10am and I'm still sitting here going over the whole thing in my head! I was so impressed with everyone in my group and they honestly all did well. It was a different experience than what I imagined and I walked out of there more nervous than ever (only because this is "it," and now all I can do is wait!)

For anyone who interviewed today, how do you feel? Despite my general anxiety surrounding these types of experiences, it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, and they really did try to make it as comfortable as possible. I just hate the feeling of woulda, coulda, shoulda (but maybe that's just me who overthinks things too much!)

For anyone who hasn't interviewed yet, I think people's advice on other threads are spot on - try to be yourself, relax, and have fun with it. The people interviewing us were kind, straight forward, and really did make an effort to treat us all very well. Also just in case you guys were wondering, I believe there were about 16 people interviewing today, and they said there were probably going to be 4 groups total with approximately the same number in each as mine today. They also said there were 21 spots and that we could expect about 1-2 people from the waitlist to get in.

Good luck everyone!

JeninCA · Aug 28, 2011

Hi Bizaleth,

I am sure you did well. I have been thinking about the interview non-stop and I still have two weeks to go. AHHHH. :eek: I am sure I will replay the whole interview over and over in my head just as you are. It is hard not to, like you said, this is "it."

It is nice to know approximately how many people are interviewing so we can have an idea of our competition.

Thanks for the update.

BeHere · Aug 28, 2011

Hi everyone,

I had the interview yesterday, and I agree with Bizaleth 100% about everything. The interviewers were very, very nice and straightforward. They were very impressive, but not intimidating. They weren't trying to do anything tricky at all. They made us feel very welcome. Every last one of the interviewees seemed like an amazing candidate, which was great on one hand (wow -- these would be wonderful classmates!) but also daunting (wow -- I'm up against these very stellar people. Gulp.)

I don't think there is any way to prepare. Just let them see who you are. There is plenty of time and opportunity to be heard, so just be yourself. It was actually fun.

I have no idea what to think about how I did. I keep replaying it in my mind, and there was definitely room for improvement on my part, but it wasn't a realization of my worst nightmares either.

I came away wanting to be in this program even more than before-- if that is possible.

All of the previous advice is spot-on: be yourself, be honest and genuine, try to have fun, know you have done, and will do, the best you can, so be easy on yourself.

I have no idea how I'm going to stay sane these next couple of weeks while waiting, but it's nice to know I'm not the only one going through this. Keep posting and best of luck, everyone!

heartfelttouch · Aug 29, 2011

It was so nice meeting all of you from the 1-3pm slot!! Heartservice have you heard anything yet? I know they said nothing for 2 weeks but just wanted to check in with you. I'm going crazy knowing there is nothing I can do but wait!!

For those who have interview on 9/10 just be yourself like everyone else said. It was pretty straight forward and the panel was so nice. All the applicants performed so well and it was truly an honor to meet all of you. I'm so nervous and anxious now waiting for any news. Good luck everyone!!

heartservice · Aug 29, 2011

Hellllo! Everyone on aug 27 1-3pm were AMAZING!! Seriously, wow! @heartfelttouch it was very nice to meet you!! you were awesome out there! I was really impressed by you! Great job! And no, no word from SMU yet

I am doing the same thing as all those who have gone through the interview.. replaying the interview over and over again... It's out of our hands now and all we can do is hope that the spots go to the best candidates! As for everyone else, good luck! Too bad there aren't 64 spots for all us interviewees!!

The advice has already been given... Be yourself and BREATHE! You need that oxygen to think!!

heartfelttouch · Aug 29, 2011

@heartservice haha funny because I'll never forget your name after the interview. You are too funny! Let us know as soon as you hear something! I have a feeling you will! =]

starsky · Sep 2, 2011

hi everyone. i am so glad for those of you who already did the interview, i applied for both fnp and cm program for spring 2012, i got the invitation for both programs, on 09/06/2011 and 09/10/2011. i am so anxious; please let me know more about the interview. what do you think is really important for them in order to choose someone in the program teas or gpas? thanks so much. good luck to everyone

heartservice · Sep 3, 2011

Hi Starsky! To be fair to all applicants, I will not disclose any information about the interview other than advice. Which has already been given =) Just be yourself. I'm sure you'll do great! You'll have two interview under your belt!!! I don't think your TEAs or GPA are a big factor anymore since you have already been offered an interview! Good luck!

JeninCA · Sep 6, 2011

Ok, this may sound silly but what type of shoes do you suggest to wear. Do you do a lot of walking? I have semi-comfortable ones I was thinking about but if there is a lot of walking I need to re-evaluate. Thanks ladies.

Bizaleth · Sep 7, 2011

Hi JeninCA - that's not a silly question at all! There is not a lot of walking - only from your car into the building, up an elevator and down a hall. I wore semi-comfortable business acceptable shoes with 2" heels and saw some people in flats and some in heels. Whatever you do don't make my mistake and neglect to try on your clothes until you're getting dressed for the interview. My pants seemed to have shrunk a bit since the last time I had worn them (I'm blaming it on the dry cleaners and not stress eating).

JeninCA · Sep 7, 2011

Dang dry cleaners! :)

Thanks for the advice. That helps a ton.

kenasmom · Sep 8, 2011

So excited, I got my call this afternoon....I'm in! Let me know who else gets a seat in the CM program so we can maybe meet up????