UMD CNL Program Interview

U.S.A. Maryland

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Is there anyone out there who has been admitted to the University of Maryland CNL program? What was the interview like? I have heard it was very short but what types of questions did they ask? How was the writing sample? Was adequate time given to think about your response?

Hi All,

I'm currently preparing my application for Fall 2014 (UMB-CNL). I expect that it would be similar to what is offered at UMD, and, while I am able to find lots of threads about people waiting on tenterhooks for their admissions letters, I haven't found very many posts from people currently in the program. Some things I'd particularly like to know more about are:

-workload. Do you find it manageable? Are you working part time?

-quality of the program. Do you feel like you are learning the skills for nursing AND getting a masters level education?

-cost! How are you financing this? I DON'T work for a hospital, so tuition remission isn't an option for me.

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Specializes in psych/dementia.

BusyBee, current (first semester) CNL student here. The thread is about UM. UMD does not have a CNL program. It's confusing with all the UM schools. No worries. We're the only CNL program in the state.

In answer to your questions:

workload: That is going to depend on what you're used to. To me, it's definitely manageable. You just have to, you know, organize your semester. I am working one 12-hour shift every other weekend. I could probably work 12 hours a week and be fine but I can also do school work when things aren't busy. I work night shift in an ER doing registration.

quality: I have nothing to compare it to so this is hard to answer. You have labs where you learn skills, so they are definitely being learned. You also take classes with other MSN students, non-CNL's, so you are getting MSN prepared in that way. You also have extra papers/case studies for some classes that require you to use critical thinking more than the BSN program, which does not have as many papers. Maybe no papers actually. I honestly don't know.

cost: A friend of the family who is like a dad to me took out a line of credit on his house. Otherwise it would have been student loans. Not pretty, I know.

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Has anyone heard about receiving an interview?

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Interview next week! Anyone else? Tips?

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Specializes in psych/dementia.

Tips for those interviewing, just be yourself. Be as prepared as possible to answer your basic interview questions, though I am hearing some of my classmates got actual questions about the program, so be prepared for that as well. Know what you want to say ahead of time, but don't sound like you stood in front of a mirror practicing.

Writing sample, again, just be yourself. It's not a test. Watch spelling and grammar. Make sure your writing flows from one topic to another. If you need to, practice hand writing things as it is hand written, not on a computer.

I wish you all good luck!

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Hello, anyone else on this thread applying to Spring 2014 CNL program? For anyone already in or finished the program, I would so greatly appreciate any insight given on the interview questions or writing prompt, I have my interview coming up and am a nervous wreck! Thank you! Feel free to message me!

@NurseCrespoEm- I'm in the same boat as you, good luck next week, I'll be there next week as well! Do you have any idea how many applicants vs. how many interviews vs. number of spots?

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How did you hear about when your interview was? Did they call, e-mail...

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Pcrown1,

They emailed me with available slots and I picked my top 3.

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I would want to be sure that you understand why you want to be in the CNL role for the interview. I was really nervous but I have read up on what I am getting into so just being myself and talking about the real reasons for applying was enough. The writing prompt is general. You will be able to write impromptu answers. It's not like they are asking you to trace a blood drop through the circulatory system or explain CPR policy changes over the years. I think I did well. Good Luck!! I wish I knew how many applicants there are this year but I have no idea. :-) You'll do fine.

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Does anyone know about when to hear back from UMSON regarding the MSN-CNL admissions? I just got off the phone with one of the admissions coordinator and she said to expect to hear back before Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving?! that's a little late and rude considering I have other schools to decide on. this process is very tiresome. Anybody hear back from them already?

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Hi, how has it been since you started the CNL program, what is the academics like, Is it intense, I currently live one hr away from the Baltimore area, would I need to move if I get accepted into the program?

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Hello! I was just curious, how much total has the program costed for OOS residents? I ran a quick calculation and looks to be around 80k tuition for the program??!? Is this correct? If we cannot work whille in the program, I would assume tacing on another 40k for living expenses/books/etc??!

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