University of Maryland Traditional BSN Fall Program: Any idea when we will hear back?

jrbakern · Apr 16, 2009

I'm not sure on that but I personally wouldn't make it any longer than two pages, at most 2.5. Try to remember your reader. You don't want them to lose interest and a handful of paper is one sure fire way to do that. Remember you are trying to sell yourself. Are you more likely to buy something you saw in a 30 sec commercial or an hour long infomercial that pretty much says the same thing over and over again. Probably a bad example but hopefully you get the point.

e_pigpig · Apr 17, 2009

I'm not sure on that but I personally wouldn't make it any longer than two pages, at most 2.5. Try to remember your reader. You don't want them to lose interest and a handful of paper is one sure fire way to do that. Remember you are trying to sell yourself. Are you more likely to buy something you saw in a 30 sec commercial or an hour long infomercial that pretty much says the same thing over and over again. Probably a bad example but hopefully you get the point.

Good point, JRFraker. The statement doesn't need to be wordy, just long enough to sell yourself. Remember how many statements they have to read one day. I remember mine was 2 pages only and I didn't have any healthcare experience nor volunteering experience. Remember, SELL YOURSELF. Tell them why you are the best candidate, what your strengths are, and what you can bring to the nursing field. I know many of our classmates also don't any clinical experience. I feel like for those who have, they do have some advantages to start with, but we all catch up eventually once we start clinicals.

Good luck!

mwk7m · Apr 17, 2009

Alternatively, mine came in just under a page, so it probably really doesn't matter so long as you convey efficiently what your strengths are. I'd agree that getting over two pages might be pushing it - I'm sure after days of reading tons of these, those responsible for reviewing essays are more concerned with finding someone who get get their point across without rambling on. I myself tend to be a rambler, so I limited myself. I think if that tends to be your style of writing, I'd aim for something shorter.

i<3u · Apr 17, 2009

Yep, I'm sort of a rambler lol

but I think I'll be fine! Thanks!

lonestar88 · Apr 18, 2009

I just went back and read my essay. It's almost embarrassing to see how cheesy it is. :rolleyes: You pretty much have a lot of great advice already... but mine was approx 2 pages. On top of my essay I still have the directions to what they expect in the essay and it said, " Please submit a concise essay (two page limit) which addresses and centers on your primary academic goals and objectives. "

I'm not sure if it's still the same statement that you're seeing but 2 pages seems to be the limit for me.

Agrippa · Apr 18, 2009

My only advice is to BE DIFFERENT. You want to be remembered from out of the hundreds of applicants the admissions committee will see. Think about how repetitive it is for them to read the typical "its my calling to be a nurse" or "ive always wanted to be a nurse" or "I, my family member, friend, etc was in a hospital".... etc.

Case in point. My brother decided that for his reach schools for undergrad he needed to write a unique personal statement. He wrote about how he loved playing Connect 4 and how he started a Connect 4 club. This helped him get into Yale. Although his SAT, GPA, and other factors helped, an original personal statement will help you stand out.

Just make sure that it is well written and has good prose.

lonestar88 · Apr 29, 2009

Hello!

This is a question for incoming students... My instructor told me that they're planning on doing things differently next semester. Science and Research is going to be for the first semester and informatics is going to be later on? I just wanted to confirm this. Just out of curiosity.

loloterp · May 3, 2009

I GOT MY ORIENTATION PACKET TODAY!!!...anxious & excited again!!!...be on the lookout for yours..lonestar, Ill find out about that once i disect the info in the packet :)

loloterp · May 3, 2009

Hello!
This is a question for incoming students... My instructor told me that they're planning on doing things differently next semester. Science and Research is going to be for the first semester and informatics is going to be later on? I just wanted to confirm this. Just out of curiosity.

According to the orientation packet, we have to register for 304 315 333 and 405. So we do have to take Informatics for our first semester.

scrub<3 · May 3, 2009

I have a question about the application process.

I will be apply for spring 2010 and the deadline is Sept. 1, 2009.

I have my NET scheduled for early June, 2 weeks after I finished this spring semester so that I have time to study for it.

I haven't written my essay yet. I want to wait until after I finish this sem. because I have too much going on right now to write a really good essay.

I know what professors I want to ask to get a recommendation from but I am not sure when to ask them. I have not submitted by application yet since I haven't written my essay. I want to ask them before the end of this semester because I don't know if I will be able to contact them over the summer.

My question(s):

-If I ask them now and they mail in the recommendations before I submit my application will I lose their recommendations since my application will not be in UMD's system yet?

-Should I hurry up with the essay and submit my application so that I can get the professor's recommendations?

-Is it okay for me to ask them to write the recommendation and pick it from them and mail it myself when I am ready... or would that seem fishy?

ay.. What would you do?

Blueorchid, ASN, RN · May 3, 2009

Is it okay for me to ask them to write the recommendation and pick it from them and mail it myself when I am ready... or would that seeem fishy?

I collected all of my letters of recommendation from my teachers and mailed them in a big envelope with the other paperwork when I was ready. As long as you make sure they're sealed letters I don't think its "fishy," just have your teachers put a label or something over the back of the envelope (one of mine wrote a signature over the top of hers) and you're fine. That way the school knows if you've broken the seal they're no good and I think its a requirement anyways.

I'd be wary about sending things in too soon but that's just my own opinion. I was lucky in that the Admissions office didn't lose any of my transcripts or recommendation letters but others weren't so fortunate. If you've got a lot on your plate right now then I'd suggest waiting and perhaps dropping your teachers a line for letters before the semester ends. Oh and maybe send them a reminder over the summer- I actually ended up having two letters of recommendation from my teachers and a surprise one from a third instructor who received my follow up e-mail at the very last minute and sent one in :lol2:

Agrippa · May 4, 2009

I wonder why they want us to register for anything our first semester - its not like we have any choice of picking a different class since it looks like we only have one option. Ugh....i am not a morning person.