Can't Get A Definite Answer - What Format Did You Submit Your Entrance Essay In?

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  1. What format did you submit your entrance essay for nursing school in?

    • 4
      MLA
    • 0
      APA

4 members have participated

I can't find an answer through any search I've done so far, and I can't get in touch with anyone in the nursing department. My application is due by 1/20, and I want to get it in at least two weeks before the deadline. My application packet is getting mailed out this Monday, so I thought I would come here and take a broad survey. What format did you submit your entrance essay for nursing school in? MLA? APA? I can't get anyt definite answers. An English Comp professor said just general essay format....a friend of mine who has a masters in child psych suggested APA (which seems really formal for an entrance essay of 800 words). At the moment my essay is in an MLA style format. Oh..and I'm applying to the University Of Tennessee's Accelerated BSN Program, just incase theres anyone out there who is as well.

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Specializes in Psychiatry.

I wouldnt think you would need either for a nursing school admissions essay.

However, if the essay is going to require you to cite sources, APA. MLA is for English/history/humanities papers.

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Specializes in Forensic Psych.

What in the world would you be citing for an admissions essay?

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.

A general essay. No MLA or APA...most nursing essays are about why you want to enter nursing or nursing school...the focus is on you.

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Specializes in CMSRN.

Definitely just essay format. You're not going to be citing any references so anything more formal would be overkill and seem out of place. Good luck!

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Awesome! Thank you so much! So no need for double spacing, page numbers, or a title?

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Specializes in Emergency, Telemetry, Transplant.
Awesome! Thank you so much! So no need for double spacing, page numbers, or a title?

Just my thoughts: I would consider double spacing (easier to read) and page numbers. I would not title it.

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Yes, double space and number the pages. A general essay is fine. Good luck!

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Did it not specify in the application? If no, then definitely double space, times new roman 12 pt. If there is a word count or page limit, make sure you stick to it. Maybe a header with your name...

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This thread helps me too, thanks!

I second the times new roman 12 pt font. And definitely double space!

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No there was no specification. Just 800 word max. As it stands right now the format is

Top Right hand corner: Last Name Page Number

My Name

School Name Department Of Nursing

Date

Title

Essay

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Let's step back a minute and look at why they ask you to do this. They don't need to hear how passionate you are about being a nurse, how you always wanted to be a nurse because your sainted mother/auntie/grandma was one, because you got good care from one when you/your child/your grandma/your auntie/your mother was sick, you want to be a missionary/disaster relief/CRNA/military nurse to take care of refugees/our military heroes/the poor, or how sure you are that you will be a great nurse because of your passion/empathy/drive to be excellent, or any of that. They see so many of those that they all tend to run together. That's not to say you can't write about those things, if that's what sincerely moves you. However, because pretty much everyone writes something along those lines, what do you think will make your essay stand out?

I'll tell you what: literacy. They want to see if you can write an essay, which, by the way, is defined as: "a short literary composition on a particular theme or subject, usually in prose and generally analytic, speculative, or interpretative." They want to see that you can spell and use words correctly, avoiding flowery, convoluted, or "academic" language. They want to see that your sentences are well-structured, with subjects matching verbs and well-placed modifiers. They want to see that you can size up an idea, look at the evidence about it, and analyze or interpret it. Never use a four-syllable word when a one-syllable one will do.

Don't roll your eyes at this. Do not think for a minute that this is of little or no importance as to whether you'll be a good, caring nurse. As the ads say, if caring were enough, anyone could be a nurse. You will need these skills to read, interpret, and communicate data in your education and your practice after graduation. Want your essay to persuade them to admit you? Demonstrate how you have the tools to succeed at it.

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