Writing an Outstanding Nursing School Application Essay – A Full Guide

Debra Riley

Published

Nursing schools are very competitive, and to stand out, you’ll need an exceptional essay that speaks volumes about why you are the perfect candidate. It is possible to construct an outstanding essay if you follow certain guidelines and tips or with the help of paper writers.

In this blog post, we will provide a comprehensive guide on how to craft a well-written nursing school application essay!

writing a nursing school application essay

Understanding the Purpose of a Nursing School Application Essay

The purpose of a nursing school application essay is to provide an opportunity for the applicant to showcase their personality, motivation, and passion for pursuing a career in nursing. It allows the admissions committee to get to know the applicant beyond their academic qualifications and work experience.

The nursing school application nursing research topics typically include questions about why the applicant wants to become a nurse; what experiences have prepared them for a career in nursing; and how they plan to use their education to make a positive impact on patients and the healthcare system.

It is an opportunity for applicants to demonstrate their critical thinking skills, communication abilities, and commitment to patient care.

Successful nursing school application essays are often well-organized, and concise, and demonstrate strong writing skills. They also reflect the unique qualities that make each applicant stand out from other candidates.

Tips for Brainstorming and Coming Up with Good Ideas

Brainstorming is an essential first step in writing a nursing school application essay. Here are some tips to help you come up with good ideas:

Reflect on Your Experiences

Think about the experiences that have led you to pursue a career in nursing. What inspired you to become a nurse? What challenges have you faced, and how have they shaped your perspective on healthcare?

Research the Program

Learn as much as you can about the nursing program you are applying to. Look at their mission statement, values, and curriculum. Moreover, think about how your own goals align with those of the program.

Consider Your Strengths

To find out your strengths, ask yourself the following questions:
What are your unique skills and qualities that make you well-suited for a career in nursing?
Are you compassionate, detail-oriented, or a strong communicator?
How have these strengths been demonstrated in your experiences?

Ask Others for Input

Talk to friends, family members, or mentors who know you well and ask them for feedback on what sets you apart from other applicants.

Use Prompts

If the application provides specific prompts or questions to answer in your essay, use them as guides for brainstorming ideas.

Freewrite

Set aside time to write down any ideas that come to mind without worrying about grammar or structure. It can help generate new ideas and connections between different experiences.

Get Inspired by Examples

Read successful nursing school application essays, resumes or personal statements online or from books for inspiration on how to approach the essay.

writing out a plan

Crafting an Eye-Catching Title and Introductory Paragraph

Your essay is your chance to showcase your passion for nursing and convince the admissions committee that you are the right fit for their program. But how do you craft an eye-catching title and introductory paragraph that will grab their attention?

So make sure to fulfill these easy steps:

  • Your title should be no more than 10–12 words, and your introductory paragraph should be no more than 3–4 sentences.
  • Use a hook or a question to grab the reader’s attention. For example, “From Patient to Caregiver: My Journey to Becoming a Nurse” or “What Drives Me to Pursue a Career in Nursing?”
  • Use specific examples of why nursing interests you and what motivates you to pursue this career path.
  • Discuss any relevant experience or skills that make you a strong candidate for nursing school.

Writing the Body of Your Nursing School Application Essay

Now that you have written a catchy title and introductory paragraph for your nursing school application essay, it’s time to focus on the body of your essay.

The body of your essay is where you will provide specific examples of why you are interested in nursing, what experiences have prepared you for this career path, and what goals you hope to achieve as a nurse.

Here are some tips to help you write a strong body for your nursing school application essay:

Use Specific Examples

Provide specific examples of experiences that have prepared you for a career in nursing. This can include volunteer work, shadowing experiences, or personal stories.

Show, Don’t Tell

Use descriptive language to paint a picture of why nursing is important to you and how it has impacted your life.

Highlight Your Strengths

Discuss any relevant skills or qualities that make you a strong candidate for nursing school.

Address Any Weaknesses

If there are any gaps in your academic record or areas where you may be lacking experience, address them head-on and explain how you plan to overcome these challenges.

Focus on the Future

Discuss your long-term goals as they relate to nursing, and how attending this particular program will help you achieve those goals.

writing application essay

Concluding Your Essay with Impactful Statements

Congratulations! You’ve made it to the final section of your nursing school application essay: the conclusion. This is your last chance to make an impression on the admissions committee, so it’s important to end your essay with impactful statements that leave a lasting impression.

Try out the following suggestions:

  • Remind the reader of what you set out to prove in your essay.
  • Briefly summarize the key points you made in the body of your essay.
  • Encourage the reader to take action or think more deeply about what you have discussed in your essay.
  • End with a quote or personal anecdote that ties together the themes of your essay.
  • End on a positive note and express confidence in yourself and your ability to succeed as a nurse.

Remember, the conclusion is just as important as the introduction and body of your essay. Take time to craft an impactful statement that leaves a lasting impression on the admissions committee.

Proofreading and Editing Your Work Before Submission

Proofreading and editing your nursing school application essay is crucial to ensure that it is free of errors and presents your best work. So here is a short checklist:

  • After finishing your essay, take a break before proofreading. This will give you fresh eyes when you come back to it.
  • Read your essay out loud to catch any awkward sentences or grammatical errors.
  • Run a spell check on your document, but don’t rely solely on it as it may miss some errors.
  • Ask a friend, family member, or mentor to read over your essay and provide feedback.
  • Check for repeated words or phrases that can be replaced with synonyms or reworded.
  • Eliminate any unnecessary words or phrases that do not add value to the content of your essay.

Make sure the formatting of your essay is consistent throughout and follows the guidelines provided by the nursing school.

Remember, proofreading and editing takes time and effort, but will ultimately improve the quality of your writing and increase your chances of acceptance into nursing school.