UMD CNL Program Interview

NurseCrespoEm · Aug 22, 2013

I applied to the UMD CNL program for Spring 2014. I'd like to hear more from other applicants or last year's CNL program entrants. What are your main concerns about admission and what goals do you have going into nursing ? I'd appreciate your perspective pcrown1

smoup · Aug 25, 2013

I'm starting the CNL program Monday so all this is very fresh for me.

I'm not sure any of us are going to tell what questions they ask or what the writing was like. They are very basic interview questions. If you've ever been to any sort of interview (undergrad, a job, etc.) you will know the types of questions that are asked.

Adequate time for the writing sample? I think you have 20-30 minutes. I forget how long to write it. One page single or two pages double spaced. It is hand written, not typed. Pencils and paper are provided.

My best advice during the admission process is to remain calm. They do not send out all the interview notices on the same date, nor do they post admissions/waitlist/rejections the same day. Just because someone got an interview and you haven't heard yet, stay calm. Same goes for waiting for the final decision. Until your status changes to admit, rejected, or waitlisted, there is no way to tell.

Good luck!

pcrown1 · Aug 27, 2013

I am applying Spring 2014 as well. I don't know much about when we will hear. A friend of mine is starting their fall program in a few days so she has been telling me the process she's been through thus far. Sorry not much help.

rissykim · Aug 27, 2013

I applied for fall 2013 and am now starting my first week. I would say that smoup offers excellent tips, but would add that if you cannot make it to Baltimore, phone interviews are an option. That is what I did because I am from out of state. And yes, you still have to do a writing sample. All I remember from the interview is being so nervous that I honestly thought I had zero chance. Had a major freak-out. Lesson: trust yourself and don't panic, and you'll be fine. I think almost 100 people interviewed and they picked about 60.

NurseCrespoEm · Aug 27, 2013

Good luck to you both rissykim and smoup :-) Pop in and let us know how your first semester as a C.N.L. student is going. I am personally looking forward to studying pathopharmacology. Right now I am tracking my application documents to make sure everything arrives. My one concern is that I still am taking two pre-requisite courses and I wonder if that really does put my application at the very bottom of the list. I'm pretty sure that they are looking for the whole package. Am I right?

smoup · Aug 29, 2013

My one concern is that I still am taking two pre-requisite courses and I wonder if that really does put my application at the very bottom of the list. I'm pretty sure that they are looking for the whole package. Am I right?

No worries. As long as you have the sciences finished, 2 of the 4 I think, you are fine. Some people took 2 pre-reqs over the summer and started with the rest on Monday. Just keep in mind you have to get a B in those courses, even if they're not pre-reqs, to keep your spot.

NurseCrespoEm · Sep 3, 2013

Thank you for the reminder about the necessary grades. I should do fine in these courses. I have to take Gen Chem & Principles of Human Growth and Development. I'm wondering how the interview was for you smoup? Was it a group interview for most candidates?

smoup · Sep 6, 2013

It was not a group interview as in multiple students at one time. It was me, a professor, and someone from admissions. Very low key, basic questions.

emilie290391 · Sep 9, 2013

Hi guys,

I'm applying to the Spring 2014 CNL program as well.

I am wondering if you guys know if each pre-req's needs to have a "B" or if the cumulative science pre-req's need to average a "B". I got a C in chemistry, but an A in all the other pre-req's, and if I need to take it I need to sign up quickly.

My second question is about the essay. Do we need to write an additional statement of purpose, or just the one included in the online application? I'm having a hard time getting through to admissions

smoup · Sep 9, 2013

emilie: I do not think all the pre-reqs need to be a B, but the higher the better. If you think you can retake Chemistry and get an A or a B, and have the money, I'd do it. Will it make or break you? I have no clue, and neither will admissions. It depends on their applicant pool this semester.

Just the essay on the website.

NurseCrespoEm · Sep 9, 2013

Hi Emilie?,

You have to have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 in the sciences. If you had a 'C' in chemistry but you have As in everything else then you are fine. Regarding the statement of purpose: The online statement IS the one included in the online application. Good Luck!

Emily :-)