DNAP Keck School of Medicine at USC, CA

NurseEm123 · Nov 23, 2019

On 10/14/2019 at 6:52 PM, jrecio7824 said:
First off, I would say make sure you have your CCRN. I know many schools say it's optional but honestly, it's an obvious way to set you apart from other ICU nurses (in my opinion, you should think of it as a requirement). Next I would focus less on other people's stats and more on how you can distinguish yourself as someone who's deserving of that acceptance. Once you get into any CRNA (specially USC), you begin to realize how different everyone is. With my class, you can definitely tell they emphasized people's ability to mix/interact well with others. As you move forward, obviously have your ICU information down where you can answer any questions pertaining to your field. But more importantly, start to think of ways that you can highlight who you are (apart from your grades, GRE, GPA, etc). They want to get to know you. Your academic performance and GRE will get you the interview. Once you're in the interview, focus on being personable. Forgive me if this information sounds a bit cliche, but, the truth is that this is what schools are focusing on. I was accepted to several schools and I believe that my ability to be personable really set me apart. I have faith in you!
Extra facts: USC truly treats you like a family. Age does not matter. And you don't have a disadvantage in being a PICU nurse (there are 4 or 5 in my class out of 20!!).

Hi jrecio7824!

Thanks for the information. I received an interview invitation for the 5th of December and I'm quite nervous. Any other tips for what to expect/ how to prepare would be greatly appreciated! This will be my first interview, so I definitely feel a bit under prepared. I know we are not allowed to discuss details of interview, but perhaps any pointers on if it is more emotional intelligence based or specific clinical knowledge based would be great. Thank you so much!

jrecio7824 · Nov 23, 2019

Hello NurseEm123!

That's awesome that you received an interview. Congratulations! That's half the battle. I'll be helping out with the interview process on December 4th so unfortunately, I won't get to see you. You can look at your first interview as your weakest one as you may feel a bit under prepared at the moment. However, I urge you to view it more as a positive thing. It'll be your first interview so therefore, you will sound more natural, and less robotic (or overly prepared). I've realized these moments bring the best out of my interviews because I'm able to organically express who I am as an applicant. In terms of what to expect, honestly, I would say both clinical knowledge and emotional intelligence. The mistake people make is placing more importance on one than the other. However, more and more schools are viewing the value of emotional intelligence and, in my opinion, weigh them equally. Every school will have some level of clinical knowledge portion of the interview, but more importantly, they will also assess direct or indirectly emotional intelligence as well.

Don't sweat it! USC's CRNA faculty truly treat you like family and it shows throughout the interview. Because it's such a small class, they're really involved in making sure you succeed. With that being said, I strongly urge you to begin asking yourself...."what makes me, me?" Don't be afraid of showing them what an amazing person you are! And lastly, if you got an interview at USC, chances are you'll get other interviews and likely get accepted somewhere. Good luck!!

NurseEm123 · Nov 30, 2019

On 11/22/2019 at 11:47 PM, jrecio7824 said:
Hello NurseEm123!
That's awesome that you received an interview. Congratulations! That's half the battle. I'll be helping out with the interview process on December 4th so unfortunately, I won't get to see you. You can look at your first interview as your weakest one as you may feel a bit under prepared at the moment. However, I urge you to view it more as a positive thing. It'll be your first interview so therefore, you will sound more natural, and less robotic (or overly prepared). I've realized these moments bring the best out of my interviews because I'm able to organically express who I am as an applicant. In terms of what to expect, honestly, I would say both clinical knowledge and emotional intelligence. The mistake people make is placing more importance on one than the other. However, more and more schools are viewing the value of emotional intelligence and, in my opinion, weigh them equally. Every school will have some level of clinical knowledge portion of the interview, but more importantly, they will also assess direct or indirectly emotional intelligence as well.
Don't sweat it! USC's CRNA faculty truly treat you like family and it shows throughout the interview. Because it's such a small class, they're really involved in making sure you succeed. With that being said, I strongly urge you to begin asking yourself...."what makes me, me?" Don't be afraid of showing them what an amazing person you are! And lastly, if you got an interview at USC, chances are you'll get other interviews and likely get accepted somewhere. Good luck!!

Thank you so much for your words and advice! It really is appreciated. I have been trying to prepare for the clinical knowledge side of the interview, but its tough to find a place to start... so much information!

Are you able to mention how many interviews will be taking place during the two days?

Thank you so much!