Published Mar 29, 2017
BookishBelle
133 Posts
Hi! I'm so excited that I got a call back today for an interview at my community college, where I am waiting to hear if I made it into their competitive ADN program. It's a surprise to me that there is an interview as part of the acceptance process , though. I don't think anyone mentioned that?
So anyways, I am not verbally quick witted, and would like to prep a little for the questions they may ask. I did ask the person who scheduled my interview, but she said she didn't know.
Did you have to do one, and if so what did they ask? Basic, why do you want to do this program type of stuff? Or will they ask my spirit animal and biggest character defects? I haven't done any kind of interview for a long time, so kind of nervous.
If they do ask why I want to do the program is it ok to talk about wanting financial stability for the future, or should I go more for the," I was totally inspired by the care my sister with cancer received and want to help people" direction?
Purple_roses
1,763 Posts
They'll probably ask you to state a little bit about yourself, why you chose that particular college (it would be a good idea to look up accrediting bodies, graduation rates, NCLEX pass rates, job placement rates, and just gloss over the nursing page on the college's website), why you chose nursing, how you plan to balance responsibilities with nursing school (remember that legally, they cannot ask you if you're married or have kids. Don't ever volunteer this info for school or job interviews). They may ask what your strengths and weaknesses are--honest to god I can't remember if they asked me that at my interview. In general, they're looking for someone who has good grades already, can manage their time well and prioritize (hint: they want to hear that nursing school is your priority), a person who will graduate from their program on time with a high chance of passing NCLEX on the first try. They want someone who will keep their statistics up.
My interview wasn't nearly as intense as I thought it would be! Good luck!
Thanks so much for your thorough reply! Lots of great things to think about and prep for!
They'll probably ask you to state a little bit about yourself, why you chose that particular college (it would be a good idea to look up accrediting bodies, graduation rates, NCLEX pass rates, job placement rates, and just gloss over the nursing page on the college's website), why you chose nursing, how you plan to balance responsibilities with nursing school (remember that legally, they cannot ask you if you're married or have kids. Don't ever volunteer this info for school or job interviews). They may ask what your strengths and weaknesses are--honest to god I can't remember if they asked me that at my interview. In general, they're looking for someone who has good grades already, can manage their time well and prioritize (hint: they want to hear that nursing school is your priority), a person who will graduate from their program on time with a high chance of passing NCLEX on the first try. They want someone who will keep their statistics up. My interview wasn't nearly as intense as I thought it would be! Good luck!
So I got in! And had a wonderful interview! He seemed impressed when I asked where they were in their accreditation review (an idea I got from you) and also I stayed away from mentioning my husband and kids which I might not have thought to do without your advice. I also totally emphasized how committed I am and how this is my top priority. I am so excited! I was shoe shopping for clinical all day! Thanks again!
Apple-Core, ASN, BSN, RN
1,016 Posts
What State are you in Bookish? I've never heard of an interview with our CC's!
Hi! I'm in Upstate New York. I had never heard of one either. He said they implemented it this year to improve their retention and pass rates.
Yeah, I've never heard of it either! Congrats on getting in though - sounds like you said all the right things, which is great!! Best of luck to you!
Thanks so much! Best of luck to you as well!!