How do/did you make yourself stand out?

blur411 · Dec 31, 2007

When I applied to Chamberlain (where I was accepted) that is how their application was. I had a 3.4 which did not get me into the other two schools I was trying to get into. I did get into chamberlain, but I didn't do anything extra. I hope you get in, I bet you will with the experience and GPA you have!

CrufflerJJ, BSN, RN, EMT-P · Dec 31, 2007

Is there anything saying that you are not allowed to include a personal letter to the program Chairperson, extolling your virtues? If the program requires Recommendations, that's another way to hopefully stand out - just make sure you "prep" the folks issuing the recommendations. Just let them know your strengths & the good things they might mention in the letters of recommendation.

Good Luck!

babywearingdoula · Dec 31, 2007

I too have noticed this at my college. I will be greatly annoyed if I spend the next two years knocking out all my prereq's but I can't even claim my personal experience...

I wish they would interview you...

stackbundles · Dec 31, 2007

i was about to make a topic for the same thing, not alot of people are responding tho. please more advice would be helpful to the threadstarter and me as well. (not trying to hijack your thread)

buckeye rosie · Dec 31, 2007

Is there anything saying that you are not allowed to include a personal letter to the program Chairperson, extolling your virtues? If the program requires Recommendations, that's another way to hopefully stand out - just make sure you "prep" the folks issuing the recommendations. Just let them know your strengths & the good things they might mention in the letters of recommendation.
Good Luck!

Nope, no mention of needing recommendation letters either. That's also disappointing as I know several nurses that have worked 15+ years and could write me awesome letters! :madface:

But, there is no mention of not being able to include a personal letter. I was actually thinking of doing this anyway. It won't backfire on me would it? Including something they didn't ask for? I don't see how it could hurt, it would just show enthusiasm and motivation right?

Uggh, can I just skip to the part where I'm in already?!?!:uhoh21:

CrufflerJJ, BSN, RN, EMT-P · Dec 31, 2007

Uggh, can I just skip to the part where I'm in already?!?!:uhoh21:

But then you'd miss out on all the "fun"!

If you know any students currently attending the program (or recent graduates), ask them for any advice on getting admitted to the program. They may have some helpful hints.

AtomicWoman · Dec 31, 2007

I started a thread about this a while back. It makes me a little crazy that so many schools accept nursing students strictly by the numbers: GPA, test scores, etc., and don't care about the person behind the numbers. No essay, no relevant work history, no letters of recommendation, no interview, nothing. FYI: I attended an information session at a school that accepts students based only numerical criteria. One person asked if it was OK to send an essay or letters of recommendation, even though they were not required. The person conducting the info session said, "Don't send them. They won't get read or count toward your admission score. We don't have time to read any extra material!" She said it in such a way as to strongly discourage the person.

So be cautious about sending letters, essays, when they are not required. They might actually mark you as a "pain".

shock-me-sane · Jan 1, 2008

wow! that is horrible that they aren't letting you do anything extra to prove yourself!

I would call the department and ask if it is okay (and not looked down upon) to include the letters of rec, essay or whatnot.

But I would say that your gpa is really good. I got in with a 3.67, but they also looked at essay, letters, test score and volunteer experience.

Maybe you could meet with someone from the department to make your name stand out a bit more?

nurz2be · Jan 1, 2008

Nope, no mention of needing recommendation letters either. That's also disappointing as I know several nurses that have worked 15+ years and could write me awesome letters!
But, there is no mention of not being able to include a personal letter. I was actually thinking of doing this anyway. It won't backfire on me would it? Including something they didn't ask for? I don't see how it could hurt, it would just show enthusiasm and motivation right?
Uggh, can I just skip to the part where I'm in already?!?!:uhoh21:

May I interject a thought here? You stated it does not mention needing recommendation letters? Maybe you should get them anyways, you would surely stand out then! Think about it this way, when you are at a job do you do just what is asked or expected of you or do you go above and beyond that? I would stuff that thing full of anything I can get my hands on. If they don't need or want it they can remove it. I would attach a letter of recommendation, a letter stating my intentions and ambitions (along with accomplishments) and resume so that they can see just how determined you are to go above and beyond. If it does not say DON'T include, I would include it with all the glowing reviews you can get. Any medical personnel you could get to glow for you will be an added bonus.

Just my thoughts.....GOOD LUCK