Keep your fingers crossed!
Some of you who are closest to me on this site have known that I have been spazzing over whether or not I would get into the nursing school I want to go to. I have been really worried because my friends who have applied have already had interviews and I didn't understand why I hadn't been called. All I received in the mail was a lousy postcard saying they got my application and decisions would be made it March.
I thought that maybe my essay wasn't that good or something because I know it's not my grades and was about to give up hope.
Today has brought me a renewed sense of hope. When I came home from school, there was a message on my answering machine asking me to come in for an interview! I am so excited but also very nervous. I go to a 2 yr school so I didn't have to really apply there and I have never had to have a school interview. My friend, Mary, told me that it was quite brutal and that they made her write an essay right then and there on what academic intergrity means to her. I am such a horrible writer and would never be able to come up with something this quickly especially with a whole bunch of people in the room. The only thing I cling to is the fact they said short interview of 15 minutes. Maybe I won't have to write an essay. I mean can they expect you to do that in such a short amount of time?
Also, what should I wear? For the entrance test, I wore a pair of dress pants and a nice shirt but everyone else was dressed down. Does this mean I shouldn't wear something professional? I am thinking about these grey dress pants I just bought and a black shirt with small black heels. Do you think this is okay or should I just wear jeans and a nice shirt? Like I said, I am really nervous so any school interview advice would be appreciated! Hugs!
I thought that maybe my essay wasn't that good or something because I know it's not my grades and was about to give up hope.
Today has brought me a renewed sense of hope. When I came home from school, there was a message on my answering machine asking me to come in for an interview! I am so excited but also very nervous. I go to a 2 yr school so I didn't have to really apply there and I have never had to have a school interview. My friend, Mary, told me that it was quite brutal and that they made her write an essay right then and there on what academic intergrity means to her. I am such a horrible writer and would never be able to come up with something this quickly especially with a whole bunch of people in the room. The only thing I cling to is the fact they said short interview of 15 minutes. Maybe I won't have to write an essay. I mean can they expect you to do that in such a short amount of time?
Also, what should I wear? For the entrance test, I wore a pair of dress pants and a nice shirt but everyone else was dressed down. Does this mean I shouldn't wear something professional? I am thinking about these grey dress pants I just bought and a black shirt with small black heels. Do you think this is okay or should I just wear jeans and a nice shirt? Like I said, I am really nervous so any school interview advice would be appreciated! Hugs!
12 Comments:
Congratulations, Katie. You can do it!
When you go in for the interview, OWN IT. Believe that you belong there and deserve it. Several deep breaths, and then march right in and own the room.
Dress business casual, no jeans.
You can do it!
By bobcat88, Feb 02 09 7:45 PM
Don't be nervous,be confident.You have worked for this and you deserve it.As Bob said,You CAN do it and you WILL do it.good thoughts to you.
Joy
By Joybaby, Feb 02 09 7:53 PM
Well done, Katie, I knew you would hear from them.
If you do have to write anything, write from your heart.
Remember, always dress for the career you desire, not for the job you have (so to speak). How would you want an applicant to appear in front of you? (I have seen some loo-loos.)
Believe in yourself. I do and so do the rest of your friends.
Think positive. You know you are good at what you do. Show it. Head up. Be proud. You are unique.
By talentedone, Feb 02 09 8:12 PM
The experience people get writing here and being developed is exactly the same style you'd want in an essay or interview. Stick to the point, make it interesting and be natural. Those will make the best of anybody and allow the real you to be shown at its best. Good luck and I'm sure you'll make it one way or another if that's what you want to study.
By satguru, Feb 02 09 8:16 PM
Yes, what they all said! :)
Dress up. Smart crisp clothes, and attention to detail - just like the nurse you will be. And the smile that says you have the right to be there.
By lesley153, Feb 02 09 8:34 PM
Write your essay exactly like you write on this blog, you are expressive and use words very well, don't think you can't do it, you can, every thing you write on this blog has been thoughtful and well written, believe in yourself.
By garrysouders, Feb 02 09 8:49 PM
Thanks everyone! I appreciate all the advice you've given me. I felt I should wear business casual clothes but you'd be surprised at the outfits some of the women wore to take the test in. I didn't want to go overboard but I think overdressed is better than underdressed.
I think one of the reasons I am nervous is because these women tried to psyche me out when I took the entrance test by telling me that the school I presently go to is not as challenging as theirs.
By kitkat121080, Feb 02 09 9:20 PM
Katie,
I was recently told that for interviews overdressed is better than underdressed, because the latter can make you appear as though you don't care.
About the essay: like David said, stick to one or two points, and keep it brief. The most important parts of an essay are the introduction and conclusion. Good luck!
By Pagiedamon, Feb 02 09 10:54 PM
Best of luck, Katie! You'll be fine.
Walk tall, and picture them naked!
By veronikkamarrz, Feb 03 09 12:01 AM
These women must be very worried indeed, if they need to psyche you out. And yes, I agree, overdressed is a compliment too.
By lesley153, Feb 03 09 7:02 AM
I am good with introductions, it's the ending I have a problem with.
I think the panel is composed mostly of women so picturing them naked may make me laugh.
The women who tried to psyche me out didn't know anything about me to be worried. I think they were just being petty. I don't care though, I scored really well on that test and am sure they didn't do as well.
I am wearing the gray pinstripe pants and a small heel. I haven't decided on a shirt yet. Now, I have an excuse to go shopping. Thanks for everyone's advice. You are all great people!
By kitkat121080, Feb 03 09 2:13 PM
"The women who tried to psyche me out didn't know anything about me..."
So? They didn't need to! The psyching was all about them - not about you at all. Their problem!
And I just thought of something else - I don't think there is ever a clear point where interviewing and assessment start. I went for one interview and waited for about ten minutes. They were watching me, to see how I behaved while I was waiting. (Ouch) Another time, I was invited to sit next to a gleaming table, which I admired. The interviewer told me (I think I've mentioned this here somewhere before) that the man before me strode in with his briefcase, all leather and buckles, slung it on the table, and was immediately asked to leave. Why? because he had failed to show respect for his surroundings.
So you never know - your smart dress at the exam, to name but one thing, may well have been noticed, and gone in your favour.
By lesley153, Feb 03 09 3:53 PM