As you prepare to submit your application to nursing schools, it’s important to understand the criteria that admission committees require for potential students. If you’re planning to apply to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at the University of Maryland School of Nursing (UMSON), this will help you understand the factors that can elevate your standing as a competitive applicant.
Demonstrating these items in your application showcases your readiness for UMSON’s BSN program and your potential to become an exceptional nurse.
I. Core Values
UMSON values a commitment to excellence, lifelong learning, and service to others. We seek students whose values align with our mission, both in their personal lives and professional endeavors. Specifically, we look for applicants who embody:
- Respect and Integrity – Upholding ethical standards and treating others with dignity
- Well-Being and Sustainability – Promoting holistic health and sustainable practices
- Equity and Justice – Advocating for fairness in health care
- Innovation and Discovery – Seeking new and improved ways to advance health care
Why It’s Important:
Shared values mean you will receive a comprehensive education that aligns with the type of nurse you aspire to become. In addition to acquiring technical nursing skills, you will also learn to embody the role of a nurse and effectively serve your community with compassion.
How You Can Show It:
Your experiences, personal attributes, and academic achievements will demonstrate your commitment to nursing. Use your application materials to articulate your core values and explain how UMSON can help reinforce them.
II. Experience
UMSON values holistic care, recognizing that nurses integrate their professional experience, personal attributes, and academic achievements to address the comprehensive needs of patients and communities. We look for applicants who demonstrate:
- Leadership
- What We Look For: Leadership skills are essential for nurses, who often guide teams and advocate for patients.
- Why It’s Important: Strong leadership ensures that you can take initiative, make informed decisions, and lead by example in health care settings.
- How You Can Show It: Include examples of leadership or mentoring positions you've held within professional organizations.
- Community Engagement
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- What We Look For: Active involvement in your community shows a commitment to service and an understanding of diverse populations.
- Why It’s Important: Nurses work with diverse communities, so experience in community service helps you connect with and serve your future patients better.
- How You Can Show It: Highlight your participation in community service projects, volunteer work, or other activities demonstrating your commitment to helping others.
- Health Care Experience
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- What We Look For: Exposure to health care environments lays a strong foundation for your nursing education and future career.
- Why It’s Important: These experiences prepare you for the culture of working in health care – you may learn health care terms and observe procedures that contribute to your foundation of knowledge and skills.
- How You Can Show It: Highlight relevant experience within a health care setting in your resume.
- Adaptability
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- What We Look For: Nursing requires flexibility and the ability to adapt to various situations, environments, and patient needs.
- Why It’s Important: Adaptability is crucial for handling the dynamic nature of health care, from shifting schedules to unexpected clinical scenarios.
- How You Can Show It: In your essay, describe an experience where you successfully adapted to a challenge in an academic or professional situation.
III. Personal Attributes
Personal attributes such as resilience, organizational skills, and determination are fundamental in cultivating a successful nurse. These qualities enable nurses to build trust with patients and provide care that is both clinically effective and compassionate. UMSON values applicants who demonstrate:
- Innovativeness and Curiosity
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- What We Look For: A willingness to explore new ideas and contribute creatively to nursing practice.
- Why It’s Important: Innovation in nursing practice leads to advancements in patient care, technology, and evidence-based solutions.
- How You Can Show It: Provide examples of how you identified a challenge in health care and applied a new approach, technology, or research-based solution to address it.
- Organizational Skills
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- What We Look For: The ability to manage time, responsibilities, and deadlines effectively.
- Why It’s Important: Being organized helps you track coursework, manage clinical rotations, and balance multiple commitments.
- How You Can Show It: Submit a complete and timely application. Highlight experiences where you successfully managed multiple responsibilities.
- Empathy and Compassion
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- What We Look For: The ability to connect with patients and provide compassionate care.
- Why It’s Important: Empathy enhances patient care, making patients feel understood and supported.
- How You Can Show It: Include examples of caregiving or volunteer experiences in which you demonstrated empathy and compassion.
- Passion and Motivation
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- What We Look For: A deep commitment to nursing and a drive to excel in health care.
- Why It’s Important: Passion and motivation help you stay committed through the rigorous BSN program and into your career.
- How You Can Show It: Share your motivations and what you’re passionate about in your essay. Explain why you chose nursing and how UMSON aligns with your goals.
- Determination
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- What We Look For: The ability to persevere through challenges.
- Why It’s Important: Nursing is demanding, and overcoming obstacles is essential for success.
- How You Can Show It: Provide examples of how you faced difficulties and persevered in your academic, personal, or professional life.
IV. Academic Metrics
A strong academic background is essential to success in the BSN program.
- GPA and Coursework
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- What We Look For: A solid academic record in science and humanities. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and successful completion of prerequisite courses are recommended.
- Why It’s Important: A strong academic foundation shows your ability to handle the rigors of the nursing curriculum.
- How You Can Show It: Submit official transcripts highlighting your achievements. Maintain a competitive GPA and complete prerequisite courses.
- Accountability
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- What We Look For: Academic and professional responsibility.
- Why It’s Important: Nurses must be accountable for their actions, decisions, and patient care.
- How You Can Show It: Demonstrate accountability through consistent academic performance, extracurricular activities, and work experiences requiring responsibility.