Now for 'Part 2' of our nursing school series. So get last weeks notes out, time for this weeks lessson!
I took the GRE
(Please make sure and read my post about preparing for the GRE and how I studied here!)
On my list of programs
were 8 community college or AA degree programs and one MSN (Masters of Science
in Nursing) program. The requirements for the MSN program meant I had to do
more than just the one to three page applications I had been encountering. I
had to write a personal statement. I needed 3 letters of recommendations-
either academic or professional (start building relationships if you already
haven’t; may come in handy with scholarships as well). I also needed to take
the GRE. The GRE is general knowledge test used to gauge if you are a graduate
school prepared student. There are 3 sections: verbal, quantitative and
analytical writing and it cost $185. The test usually takes about 4 hours (I
finished in a little less than that). You should begin preparing for the GRE
months in advance. I think 3 months of study time is a good amount, especially
if you can’t afford a prep class. I did self stuffy. I found it hard to stay
disciplined and study when I know I wanted to do other things…like not study
and watch TV, but if you want a competitive score, you’ll press through it. The
verbal and quantitative sections are out of 170 points. The lowest you can get
would be 130. The analytical writing is an average score out of 6. There are two
30 minute timed essays you must write and each of those is out of 6. ETS (the
company who administers the test) then takes both of the scores and averages
them. The score you receive is the combination of your two individual essay
scores. If you take the computerized test, you get your verbal and quantitative
scores immediately. You would need to wait a few weeks for the essay scores.
ETS does administer the test paper and pencil style, but it’s only 4 times a
year. I found that there are more places giving the computer based test, which
helps fit into anyone’s schedule. I did pretty well on the GRE. My math score
could have been higher (womp womp), but math has never been my strong subject.
For an inconsistent self study, I’m proud of myself.
The MSN Route
Since I did apply to a
MSN program, I had to hunt down people to write me letters of recommendation.
Let me tell you something about myself. I am not my teacher’s favorite. I
rarely even speak to my teachers. So this was something of intermediate difficulty.
I ended up asking an old boss, my microbiology teacher (after a friend who took
the same class with the same teacher suggested I do so) and my 5th grade
teacher. Yes, my 5th grade teacher. I found trying to
practically sell myself to the school in my personal statement a little
uncomfortable. I’m not good at the interview question, “So tell me some
strengths and weaknesses you have.” I wanted to write, “I just want to be a
nurse, isn't that good enough?” You and I both know it’s not, so I came up with
2 pages, single spaced as to why they should select me. My application fee was
$100. It hurt me to give them that money, especially since I just spent all
that money on the GRE and transcripts, but I pressed on. I submitted my
application March 1st. Acceptance letters are being mailed starting
April 1st. Let’s just say I am already a wreck!
UPDATE!!!
Unfortunately, I have not received my letter yet! Due to a change in policy I am assuming, I must wait until my last in progress prerequisite is complete...then my application will be reviewed. Now, when I went to the information, I was told they would review applications with in progress items, but hey, I'm not in charge here. SO AGAIN...we wait!
Websites that might be helpful:
www.ets.org
www.allnursingschools.com
www.amazon.com (find your study books here, much cheaper!)
Hope this lesson was helpful. Until next week...
xoxo,
Amanda
