UW BSN program 2015

shelleybaumer · Apr 11, 2015

I did not get in, but I am totally okay with that. It'll be nice not to have classes for the firs summer in a few years. I'll catch you all on the flip side and congrats to everyone that got in! :up:

Echeatham · Apr 12, 2015

Hi,

I've been reading this thread for awhile and it has truly helped me through this whole process. I was accepted to UW and SU, and I want to share with future applicants my experience.

First, I was intimidated about applying to UW because I didn't have a RN to write me a letter of rec. My supervisor of two yrs who is a MA wrote my letter of rec. I know that she would write me a good one because she knows me well and knows my commitment to providing quality care for patients (I've been a research coordinator for five yrs). I think that a letter of rec from a Non RN is not a deal breaker. I think UW wants to see that you work hard, you are good with patients, and you are a team member.

In addition, I read a lot of comments about the proctored essay. Study simple conversion problems as they relate to infusions and dosing, You can find great resources online. Also, I wrote about what I know and picked the prompt I was most comfortable with. This allowed me to quickly think and be passionate about my answer. I also think it's imporant to show that you understand scope of practice and that part of the reason why you want to be a RN is to broaden your knowledge prior to dealing with unfamiliar situations.

My other stats include 4.0 GPA in previous degree (BA in English) and 4.0 in pre reqs (finishing my last two pre req this spring quarter). I also have worked as a research coordinator for the last five years, working with a wide range of patients in the context of research trials. I don't have recent volunteer experience, but I did explain my accomplishments during my first undergrad experience. I truly tried to demonstrate my commitment to excellence in all of my scholastic endeavors and employment history.

I hope this info helps a future appliacant. I think what I learned overall is that there is not only one approach to applying to UW BSN program. I say play up what you feel are your best strengths and relate how they will make you a great RN one day.

ChAga · Apr 13, 2015

I recently found allnurses and just discovered this thread last week. I wish I found it earlier during the application process, though! I just got my letter in the mail the other day and I am so excited to start this fall. I wish the best of luck to those of you who are still waiting to hear back. I live just across the water from Seattle and I didn't get anything until Saturday. Best of wishes, everyone!

InternetLurker · Apr 13, 2015

[COLOR=#000000]nat0306, I agree with what kaleaud stated. If you cant volunteer at a nursing home, I suggest you switch to a unit that allows a lot of interaction with nurses (Tele, ICU, ER). I volunteered in a day surg unit and mostly sat at a desk but then I started volunteering in a tele unit and got so much direct exposure to patients and nurses. I would also recommend you take notes on your accomplishments and hardships throughout your volunteering experience to refer to later on, it will help greatly. I had the Tele charge rn write my letter and to make things easier on her, I refereed to the notes throughout my volunteering experience to answer the letter questions. Lastly, make sure to allow enough time for your nurse to write the letter (couple of months in advance). I hope these tips help you! Good luck.[/COLOR]

nat0306 · Apr 13, 2015

kaleaud, InternetLurker - thank you!!

carey m · Apr 13, 2015

I got my mail on Friday and I'm number 3 on the waitlist. Keeping my fingers crossed. I hope I get in. Can't wait o hear from them, but I have to do everything as an accepted student. I don't know on average how many students they take off the waitlist. Does any one know?

jellybelly63 · Apr 13, 2015

Hi Carey, I am just curious..was your letter three pages like the acceptance letters? I am waiting to hear back from UW still.

carey m · Apr 13, 2015

It was a two page letter, the intent to register and the notification.

jellybelly63 · Apr 13, 2015

ok thank you! I am really nervous

sphenoid · Apr 16, 2015

@Cloudy T ,

I have been attending information sessions for this program for several years, and this is my first year applying. I have been gradually checking off prereqs for the last couple years and I put a lot into getting a great GPA. However, they really emphasize that they are not looking for a perfect GPA, but rather one that shows consistency/improvement. The part that I needed to focus on the most was gaining experience. I had a good time volunteering in an emergency room, but the single best thing I did was work as a CNA. Not only do CNAs make strong candidates for their program, but working in this capacity is extremely informative for someone trying to figure out if nursing is right for them. Plus, I can't imagine a better way to develop a working relationship with an RN who can ultimately write your letter of rec.

Hope that helps! Good luck!

Cloudy T · Apr 16, 2015

Hi Sphenoid CNA, and to everyone who got in the program.

Thanks a lot for your information, sphenoid. That helps alot.

I'll apply for UW SON next year. Currently, my GPA is 3.6 and 3.55 for prereqs. Micro Bio is the only class that I have lower than 3.0. (2.8). Do you guys think I should retake it? I'm working as a CNA and having about 700 hrs at 2 nursing homes. I'm worried about the recommendation letter and essay. Do you guys have any advice on writing essay and how to help a RN write a really strong recommendation letter? And finally is the proctored essay. Can you guys please tell me what is it about and what is a good way to finish it?

Sorry for asking too much. Thinking about the application makes me so nervous. im looking forward to hear from any suggestion!

thanks !!

myersh · May 4, 2015

I am #5 on the waitlist! I am very nervous about getting in, the waiting is killing me! I am hoping I will move up on the list soon since the letter of intent had to be last week. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you too!