CSULB Nursing Program Interview?

[userdc]

Does anyone know how CSULB's nursing program interview works?

Do they interview with the intention of narrowing down their acceptances (i.e. Interview more applicants than they accept) or do they interview with the intention of just making sure everyone can communicate properly (i.e. Accept majority of all interviewed applicants except for extreme cases)?

I'm worried because I completely failed the group discussion part of the interview. I didn't have anything to say at all, so at the end, one of the interviewers had to specifically ask me if I had anything to add. So embarrassing... sigh.

[StayingCalm, BSN, RN]

Based on the facts (out of 400-500 applicants, 100-110 will be interviewed, 90 will be accepted), I don't think you have much to worry about. Based on the interview request e-mail that you received alone, you have at least a 81% chance of acceptance (if we don't consider individual criterion scores). If you have a criterion score of 9.0 or higher then you really have nothing to worry about. I cannot tell you with 100% confidence since I'm not a CSULB SON faculty member. Obviously they have to "eliminate" 10-20 people out of 100-110 interviewed. But I'm willing to bet at this point, they are more concerned with whether you can communicate properly or not. Plus not everyone accepted will end up actually attending. Besides CSULB, I have 3 other CSUs in consideration.

My interview is scheduled for later this week. Can you offer me some insights on the interview process? Thanks!

[userdc]

Oh I see, that makes sense. Thanks!

Whew, I'm still super nervous about this.

As for insights on interview, I'm not sure if we're allowed to talk about it so I'll keep it general. It's not your typical job interview with lots of uncomfortable questions. It was actually fairly relaxed and fun for my group. Like it stated in your email, there's a short writing assignment, an activity, and a group interview (it's more like a discussion rather than an interview). The writing and discussion's topic will be given to you so don't worry too much about it. It wasn't really that bad at all (other than the group discussion part for me..). So yeah, I hope that helps. Good luck on your applications!

[StayingCalm, BSN, RN]

I'm guessing the short writing assignment can't be harder than CSU WST (writing skills test). Activity is perhaps to see how well we follow orders & directions. Group interview / discussion is to test our communication abilities.

How many people were in your interview group? Was the group interview / discussion more team based or individual based (as if you are competing with each other)? Do they tell you anything afterward? Do they tell you when will acceptance letters be sent? Thanks for all the info..

[userdc]

Yeah, well I'm not sure how hard they actually grade it. But overall it felt very simple. Just a one to two paragraph response.

As for the group size, I heard that depends but mine was 6. As for the mood, I'm not quite sure. I think the first part was definitely individual. The second part is more of a partnership. The last part for mine felt like the group came together to discuss the topic.

I think they told our group April for when the acceptances are sent but I'm not too sure. I was too emo about my performance to pay proper attention to everything else that went on at the end of the discussion haha... But that was a question someone asked at the end anyways, so you can just confirm it yourself at the end of the interview because they ask if you guys have any questions for them.

[StayingCalm, BSN, RN]

Thanks for all your input. I know what to expect for my interview now. Good luck to us come April!