You’ve applied to nursing school to earn a bachelor’s degree (BSN). Now, you’ve received a notification that you’ve been selected for an interview. It’s exciting, but preparing for an interview can be intimidating. You want to do well and highlight all your best attributes so you can start your path to becoming a nurse. Bianca Sanchez, the University of Colorado Anschutz College of Nursing’s recruiter, explains how you can prepare and stand out in your BSN interview.
A Timeline of the Interview Process
Once you’ve submitted your application, you’ll receive an email approximately two weeks after the BSN application deadline closes (note that deadlines vary depending on your pathway) letting you know whether you’ve been selected for an interview.
You generally have a few weeks to respond, and if you accept, you’ll receive a follow-up email with a date and a Zoom link for a virtual interview. Keep in mind, CU Anschutz Nursing’s interviews are required.
“Our interviews are part of our holistic admissions process,” Sanchez says. “We don’t currently require applicants to take entrance exams, so having an interview gives applicants a chance to highlight who they are and why they’d be a good fit.”
How the Day Will Go
Contact Bianca and our Student Affairs TeamBianca's email: bianca.l.sanchez@cuanschutz.edu Student Affairs: con.studentaffairs@cuanschutz.edu Interested in learning about our BSN program? Register for an info session. |
All CU Anschutz Nursing undergraduate interviews are virtual and last a few hours. You’re not being interviewed the whole time; you’re also getting a chance to meet with other college departments, like the Student Affairs Team and Experiential Learning (who coordinate clinicals). You’ll also learn about tuition, financial aid, and scholarships.
“You’re getting to know us just as much as we’re getting to know you,” Sanchez says.
What to Expect
All applicants will answer some questions individually (by college staff and faculty) and will also work with other applicants in a group activity.
“Nursing is a collaborative profession,” Sanchez says. “We want to see how you work as a group with people you just met, because as a nurse, you’ll be working with different nurses, patients, doctors, and other healthcare staff every day.”
Think About Your Why
You will be asked nursing-related questions; however, nothing nursing-specific.
“We don’t expect you to have that knowledge yet, but it’s important to think about why you want to attend nursing school and pursue a nursing degree,” Sanchez says. “We’re evaluating how you think and respond to questions and how you work with others because nursing requires strong teamwork.”
Prepare Like It's a Job Interview
Sanchez says you should prepare for a nursing school interview like you’re interviewing for a job.
“Check out our website and social media to get a feel for what we’re like,” she says. “We’re not asking you to memorize every page, but familiarize yourself with our mission, how we operate, and how we’re dedicated to the nursing profession.”
Limit distractions and act professionally during the interview. Find a quiet place and wear headphones if you’re not in a fully private space. And dress professionally, because you’ll be required to keep your camera on during the interview.
Take a Deep Breath, You Got This!
It’s natural to be nervous, and that’s okay! Everyone gets nervous, and it’s only natural.
“Being nervous is good. It means you care,” Sanchez says.
What Happens Next
The Student Affairs Team needs time to review interviews, so you’ll receive an email in a few weeks with an admissions decision.
“You’ll have two weeks to respond if you’re accepted,” Sanchez says. “You can always reach out to me or other members of the admissions team with any questions about the application and admissions process. We’re always here to help and are excited to help future nurses reach their educational goals.”
