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How to Look Good on Your Online BSN Program Application
The good news is, when applying to online nursing school programs you don't have to worry about being turned away because of long waiting lists. The bad news is, this does not mean that you'll automatically be accepted to the online BSN program of your choice! Online programs hold applicants to high standards, and the nursing shortage has not gotten so desperate that just anybody is a shoe-in.
With this in mind, how can you improve your chances of being accepted to your top choice? Here are 4 ways to look good on your BSN program application:
1. Get Good Grades
If you're still in high school or are working on your GED, spend less time socializing and more time studying. Your hard work will pay off in the long term. Although grades aren't everything, an impressive transcript can only help your application. If you didn't do well in high school, you may want to take a few college level classes (and get good grades) before applying to your BSN program. If you're an LPN, draw attention to your work experience on your application and make sure you have some stellar recommendations to divert focus from your poor grades.
2. Write a Brilliant Admissions Essay
Admission essays, sometimes called statements of purpose, usually ask a question, such as "Why are you attracted to nursing?" or "What would you like to do with a nursing degree?" For many students, the essay may be the most stressful part of the application process, especially if you don't have confidence in your writing skills. Just remember that there is no one right path to nursing, and express yourself with simplicity and honesty. You don't need to try and impress anybody--the experienced professionals who read your essay have seen it all. Start by mind-mapping your ideas, then free-writing a rough draft that's about twice as long as required. It's much easier to cut out words than put them in. Once you have a long rough draft, let it sit for a day or two, then polish it. Use a natural, engaging tone rather than being too formal. If this doesn't come easily, record yourself speaking and then transcribe what you've said. Have a professional (not your friends or family, unless they write for a living) proofread your essay.
3. Submit Glowing Letters of Recommendation
The key to getting a strong letter of recommendation from someone is to make the process as easy as possible for them. Remember, they are doing you a huge favor, Don't wait until the last minute to ask them--do you think you're the only student who needs a letter of recommendation? Do include a stamped and addressed envelope. If you want them to mention specific experiences, write these down clearly. At the same time, leave them enough leeway to say what they feel comfortable saying, in their own words. Not sure who to ask? A recommendation from a nurse, other healthcare professional, or someone you have worked with will be fine. Try and ask someone who knows you well and will sound convincing in their letter.
4. Include Professional Experience
If you're an LPN or CNA, then you've already had professional experience. This looks great on your BSN program application (especially if accompanied by those glowing letters of recommendation from people you've worked with)! If you have no paid professional experience, don't despair. Volunteer experience or seasonal work can be just as impressive if you place it in the appropriate context. For example, a job as a lifeguard, nanny or teacher's aide uses many of the basic skills used in nursing: caring, specialized knowledge, leadership, and so on. Highlight your relevant skills and point out how your experience has helped prepare you for a BSN program.
If you're weak in only one of these areas, don't fret about it too much. Online BSN program application evaluators look at the overall package in order to make a fair decision. If you're passionate about pursuing a nursing career, your application will be the best it can be. But remember--you can't be accepted into a BSN program without first applying. If you haven't requested information from online BSN programs, it's time to get moving!
Check out this article on how to prepare for a sucessful interview.
