past grad students and admissions officers...a favor on my essay

[w8liftinglady]

I am preparing to begin my nursing grad program and need to complete a 500-word essay.
What subjects are usually included?
What is a good resource for how to write one?
Thanks in advance

[Obamanaut]

1. If you have access to a "Harbrace College Handbook", you will

find a wealth of information re all sorts of writings. Has 'how to' sections for footnotes, bibliography, anything to do with writing.

That's my input for the 'how to' part of your question. Absolutely no idea at all for the other.

[Zoigal]

2. Do you know anyone in the program, or a graduate of it? They may be able

to give you some tips. How about your advisor?...good luck...z

[Rabblevox]

3. It's been decades since grad school for me, but here's a pretty good guide...

http://rpi.edu/web/writingcenter/wc_web/handouts/Grad_School_Essay.pdf

And good luck! My mom got her nursing degree in her 40's

I don't have a clue about specific advice for a graduate nursing program, but in any grad school application, you should discuss motivation, relevant experience and skills, and most importantly, your undergrad record. Highlight your accomplishments, and deal honestly (but briefly) with any problems in your record. Remember that 500 words is brutally short, so be concise.

And ALWAYS have a few trusted people read it and hack it to hell with the red pencil.

[Rabblevox]

6. ps. In J-school the best advice I ever got was...

to find my "favorite" 3 sentences in any essay or article, and kill them dead. Attempts to impress or "sound good" almost always fall flat.

[Divernan]

4. Google "admissions essay nursing school"

Lots and lots of information from discussions of what admissions committees are looking for, to sample outlines, to actual essays. You are a person who writes with great passion - I bet you'll come up with one hell of an essay!
Good luck from someone who started law school at age 40, and scuba diving at age 60. Life is one long learning experience!

http://www.sampleadmissionessay.com/graduate-nursing-school-msn-sample-essay/
Sample Outline

I. Giving back to the community and sharing knowledge to others

a. explaining why it is important to give back to others

b. setting goals, making a decision, planning

c. the importance of helping others, recognizing the help obtained from others and the Almighty as well

II. Goals and personal life

a. challenges in personal life
i. 17-year old son has autism
ii. 30-year old sister with autism

b. focus and determination to reach goals

c. time management skills and resourcefulness
i. taking care of my family, with family members who have special needs
ii. working full time

III. Contribution to the institution

a. giving back to the community

b. extensive medical experience
i. 18 years in the medical profession
ii. 5 yrs CNA, 10 yrs LVN, 2 yrs RN

c. values of hard work and commitment

IV. Vision and purpose

a. graduate degree leads to skill enhancement
b. private practice, helping the community
c. open a wellness clinic for families


OR
http://www.college-admission-essay.com/nursingschooladmissionessayresources.html

Despite the recent shortage of nurses, nursing school admission has become increasingly competitive in the past few years. Of all the types of graduate school admission essays, a nursing school admission essay is perhaps the most personal.

Your job as an applicant is to assure the admission committee that you have been a caring, dedicated, and disciplined student and will carry over those qualities in your career as a nurse. Therefore, the nursing school personal statement is arguably the most important aspect of the entire nursing school application packet. It is your chance to stand out among the thousands of other applicants competing for the same places. The story you convey in your admission essay should be full of life and energy, as well as demonstrate a unique sense of self not able to be conveyed in the clerical sections of the application.

Different nursing schools require different types of essays. Some ask a specific question while others just ask the applicant to “tell them about yourself.” No matter what the requirement, your nursing school admission essay is an opportunity to stand out among the applicant pool and show the school that you are the ideal candidate for their program.

[MGB67deux]

5. You might need it to be APA style and format.

There is a software program to facilitate that..... but DO NOT use it!

My wife teaches and her school requires APA (for some programs, including nursing). The software screws up the format.

What might be the subject of this essay? Write a rough draft and post it .... trust me, you will get feedback which will be constructive.

Good luck.

[left is right]

7. I will leave topic and citing styles to those that know that sort of thing

but I will share the two tricks that have served me best.
Paragraphs, as a general rule, needs to be at least three sentences long. They also should not be longer than seven sentences. Too few sentences, means that the thought is underdeveloped; too many means that the paragraph may be overly complicated. Of course, there are exceptions to the rule; sometimes a paragraph needs more than the seven sentence rule.
Whatever you write, read it aloud. The ears are better at grammar than the eyes. You will find the more difficult/confusing passages quicker than if you just reread silently.

[Mojeoux]

8. Tell what your gonna say, say it and then tell them what you told them.

Boom.
your thesis sentence should be the last one in the first paragraph. "This paper is about the effects of A B and C."

Or what ever, just make it clear and understandable. Try to stay away from High-Falootin' words, pompous does NOT equal intelligence.

[demmiblue]

9. I am neither, however, I would focus on the following:

- a brief introduction on your initial decision to become a nurse (based on your personal attributes and core values)

- how these attributes and values have evolved over time to make you the nurse you are today (perhaps include a very personal experience that illustrates this)

- clinical and community experiences (problem/solution is good to insert here)

- how you have continued to dedicate yourself to building your knowledge base and commitment to your profession (formal & informal education, professional societies, etc.)

- what you hope to achieve at the university, as well as why you feel this university is a good fit (think mutual interests)


Good luck! :hi:

[w8liftinglady]

10. I REALLY appreciate all your help. It's been a while.

karma's been good. I received a scholarship. Wish me luck.

[Rabblevox]

11. I wish you luck. And since you've obviously earned it, I also wish you justice! /nt