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Graduate Nursing Admission Essay Do's & Don'ts

Are you a nurse applying to graduate school? If so, chances are you will be required to write an admission essay. I have lead many, many admission committees and there are some do's and don'ts. In this blog I will share my faculty perspective, giving you 5 simple tips to help you write a standout admission essay for your graduate nursing program.




  1. DO Read the instructions. Sounds crazy, I know. But, many students reuse essays from one application to another. Be sure to tailor each essay to the context of the school you are applying to. It starts by reading the instructions for the essay or writing sample. What questions are they asking? Is there a format or length? Failure to follow instructions on admission is a huge turn-off for faculty. It makes us doubt that you can follow instructions in the classroom or clinical setting.

  2. Do NOT start the essay with the phrase, "When I was a little girl...". Although it's fine to share your journey that lead to your decision to be a nurse, to me that phrase is like running fingernails down a chalkboard. I can't tell you how many essays start with that phrase. Every time I hear it, I silently roll my eyes. Instead, start with a goal or purpose statement.

  3. DO get someone to proofread. I recommend that you read what you write out loud to yourself first. Does it make sense? Then, get someone (friend, family member, colleague) to proofread. I personally have a fit when applicants overlook simple fixes.

  4. Do NOT leave sentences hanging. A complete paragraph has three sentences minimum - a main idea, a supporting statement, and a transition/concluding statement. Sentences all by themselves do not reflect a complete thought. Likewise, paragraphs should reflect ONE complete thought, not twenty. Paragraphs that are an entire page long are also inappropriate. So, take the time to organize your points, paragraphs, and sentences appropriately. This is not a text message or a rant.

  5. DO provide evidence that you know what you are getting into. Give us some proof that you know what nurse practitioners do. Tell us what the national agenda for nursing education looks like. Did you shadow someone to better understand the role? Have you read about the DNP program's focus? There are times when students describe goals that do not align to the program. Make sure you do some prep work and give specific examples or citations that prove you know what you are talking about.

If you can utilize these tips, you will be a standout. Focus, be concise, reflect professionalism, and show some heart. Congratulations, one your decision to be a life-long learner!


All the best...


Molly


To learn more about the programs at my university, visit Eastern Kentucky University, School of Nursing at: https://nursing.eku.edu/


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