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• Oct 12, 2023

CRNA Personal Statement Examples

Updated: Feb 20

Born and raised in Manila, the Philippines, I am a young man and a nurse who is three-quarters Filipino and one-quarter Chinese. One of four siblings, I grew up in a tiny, humble home in one of the most impoverished slums in Manila , far from the city lights. We were happy even though fifteen people shared our house throughout my childhood. Despite losing my mother to America, I was blissfully unaware of any disadvantage of my social class. One day when I was six, I woke up to find my mother and all her things gone. A decade would pass before we would be reunited in Pasadena, California.

I came to the US when I was sixteen, a first-generation immigrant. I take immense pride in our celebration of diversity here in South Central California. I am honored to be building a career in nurse anesthesia with a particular concentration on emergency care. The underserved often have no medical care until they have an emergency; this is why I take special pride in my goal of becoming a CRNA dedicated to a lifetime of service on the front lines of care for our enormous population of undocumented residents. I recently finished my BSN at XXXU in May 2013. I treasure the opportunity to give my all to my studies when I am not on duty. I ask to be accepted to your program so I may return to doing what I most enjoy, studying to become the most effective nurse possible.

As with most Filipinos, I am amazingly comfortable communicating in English. I do hope, however, that my fluency in Tagalog, both writing and speaking, will be helpful in my nursing career. I want to study at XXXU’s XXXX Campus for many reasons, not the least because I live and work there . I also appreciate that your program is new, and if I am accepted, I will be part of the third graduating class. I feel profound admiration for your curriculum's breadth and depth, and I particularly appreciate your emphasis on the importance of diversity in our nursing community.

Committed to lifelong learning, I keenly look forward to an extensive engagement with research in nursing anesthesia that I will most enjoy for many decades. I want to participate in research concerning better ways of applying anesthesia with fewer side effects and greater overall efficiency in all aspects of my field. My desire to become the finest CRNA possible is something that has been building up for several years, mainly because of several vital role models that I have had along the way, such as Dr. XXXX, an anesthesiologist, and XXXX, a CRNA, working alongside both during my military service was a special privilege.

I have extensive experience as a respiratory therapist using various ventilators and their modes. I also see my profound dedication to emergency nursing as one of the most vital aspects of my application to your distinguished program. In my current position, I deal with cardiac arrest and resuscitation daily; this has helped me learn to work well under stress.

Your program at XXXU is the ideal location for my complete immersion in clinical anesthesia.  I especially admire the structure of the second phase of your program and the organization of your c linical practicums . I particularly look forward to working under the supervision of CRNAs in my practicum and clinical rotations. I appreciate that those rotations are available throughout California so that I can gain exposure to anesthesia delivery in various contexts, from large academic institutions to rural and outpatient settings. I have served as a respiratory therapist since 2002, and I have also served as an anesthesia technician, working side-by-side with anesthesia providers, including CRNAs and anesthesiologists. Most of my duties were related to anesthesia delivery throughout the four years I was stationed at Naval Hospital XXXX . For me, this was the ultimate shadowing experience.

California needs exceptionally well-trained CRNAs, especially concerning emergency services — particularly here in the Central Valley, and I seek to respond to that need. I live and work here and want to continue attending school here and practicing here after completing your distinguished program. I hope at some point to teach as well as practice Nurse Anesthesia. Your DNP program in Nurse Anesthesia will serve as an ideal platform for continuing my education at some point.

While my overall GPA for my BSN program was only 3.5, for my last three semesters, I earned a GPA of 3.9. This demonstrates how my elevated level of motivation has been increasing. I believe that I could excel in your rigorous program.

Thank you for considering my application.

This applicant is multicultural and multilingual. But he does not mention his language skills. He speaks only Tagalog (spoken in the Philippines) and English. While he is part Chinese, he does not speak Mandarin Chinese. Mandarin, and to a lesser extent Cantonese, are important for helping the underserved. If an applicant speaks a Chinese language, this should be put in the statement because of its relevance for helping the underserved. The hospital is aware of the languages that are spoken by its nurses, those who are multilingual are on call to serve as translators between patients and medical professionals. So, the languages that one can communicate in are especially important in nurse anesthesia.

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Craft your perfect personal statement for crna school acceptance.

CRNA schools are looking for professionals with motivation and vision. You can position yourself to be accepted by creating the perfect personal statement to communicate and articulate what makes you an amazing future CRNA! Let me show you how.

Your personal statement is a crucial component of your CRNA school application. It's an opportunity to showcase your unique experiences, passions, and motivations that make you an exceptional candidate for the program. However, crafting a compelling personal statement can feel like a daunting task, leaving you overwhelmed and unsure of where to begin.

Don't let the personal statement become a roadblock in your journey towards CRNA school acceptance. Take control of your narrative and unlock your potential with this mini-course. 

This course is designed to guide you through the process of creating a personal statement that will captivate the admissions committee and increase your chances of acceptance to a CRNA program. 

What will be the takeaways?

In this training, we will cover:

• Personal Statement Workshop 
• 5 Steps to Begin Writing Your Personal Statement 
• 9 Ways to Standout on Your Personal Statement 

Who is this for? This training will benefit:

• Professionals embarking on their CRNA journey 
• Anyone curious about the application process
• Experienced registered nurses looking to advance their careers and transition into the CRNA profession

Who is this not for? This is not ideal for:

• Anyone who has no interest in submitting a CRNA school application!

Course curriculum

Welcome Future CRNA!

How I Got Here

CRNA School Personal Statement Workbook

Personal Statement Workshop Training

5 Steps to Begin Writing Your Personal Statement

9 Ways to Standout on Your Personal Statement

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• Professional Development

9 Key Ways To Maximize Your Personal Statement

Your personal essay will be read along with your application so you should think about how to tell your story in a way which will complement it. You also want to maximize your essay so the admissions committee will remember you after reading it.

This is great because the reader begins to care for you before they even meet you in person. And of course the ultimate goal is for you to receive an invitation to interview for a spot in a nurse anesthesia program.

Hopefully I’ve convinced you the importance of a well written personal statement. Here are 9 ways to maximize your personal statement and impress the admissions committee. 

Read: 3 Best Ways to Show, Not Tell on Your Personal Essay

Make your story radiate

Your story should have a beginning, a middle, and an end. So you need to tell your readers not only what happened, but also why your story is significant. Again, the first paragraph has to be interesting so the reader will stick around and keep reading. This is why you want to wow them right off the bat. Your story should say a lot about you and also show you are a good fit for their nurse anesthesia program. And show both the personal and professional growth over the years which has prepared you to later become a CRNA. 

Make yourself sound interesting

This just means how do you get people to listen to you? The way to accomplish this is to talk about interesting things. Sorry guys, not trying to dumb this down. But it’s possibly quite this simple. First you need to pick one key experience and talk about that. Second, take the reader on your journey to nurse anesthesia school. While you are at it, speak on your background. And be sure to include examples as you go. This is your opportunity to paint a picture of the interesting person you are and what you can bring to the profession. 

Don’t ramble

Rambling is a common problem when writing any kind of essay. When you start rambling, you lose your readers attention and possibly a chance to get an interview for program you have applied to. There are several ways to prevent yourself from rambling. Each of these ways will allow you to organize your thoughts and personal statement better. Here are the ways you can avoid rambling:

• Frame your thoughts in an organized fashion
• Don’t cram to much information into the essay
• Avoid long sentences- a period as a quick fix
• Always think what is the main point

By following these suggestions, hopefully this will keep you on point and prevent you from rambling too much. So the point is try not to ramble.

Address your weaknesses and move on

The big question is, should you even speak on your weaknesses and struggles? It depends. If the blemish is not that bad, don’t try to explain it. Addressing negative aspects should only be done if you can further showcase the positive qualities which resulted from it. Of course, each nurse anesthesia school or program is different in regards to admission criteria. So, if a school comes out and says their last incoming class average GPA was 3.7 and your GPA is 3.0 you may feel inclined to speak on it.

When writing about your weaknesses be sure you are not placing blame or making it a complete sob story. And you always want to explain how the hardship made you a better student or stronger person for their program. And if you had some bad grades early on your career but have since passed advanced courses, then that would likely speak for itself and not need to be rehashed.

Use your active voice

Active voice is defined as a sentence which has a subject that acts upon its verb. Basically, the subject always “does” the action in the sentence not the other way around. Using your active voice does a few things. First, it allows you to use fewer words, be more concise and efficient. And it also prevents grammatical errors.

By writing your personal statement in your active voice, it feels like you are talking to the reader. It also shows you are confident and assertive which what the program is looking for. An easy way to use active voice is to avoid using “I” a lot. While the difference between active and passive voice might be mostly grammatical, the impact of using active voice is powerful. Basically it is a matter of confidence.

Get feedback from multiple reliable sources

Definitely get a reliable source to read through your statement before you submit your application to get honest feedback. It is always better to have an extra set of eyes on the lookout for grammatical/ spelling errors. But no more than 2- 4 trusted people should read it because you don’t want to have so much advice you get confused or overwhelmed. Use someone who is already in nurse anesthesia or maybe someone you know well. Afterwards, ask questions like do you think my personal statement is compelling or does it sound sincere?

Use anecdotes

After reading what feels like hundreds of personal statements the ones that stand out are the most genuine and interesting. Those applicants are able to showcase their character, desire to be a CRNA, and their voice. One of the best ways to do this is by using an anecdote.

But first what is an anecdote? It is a brief and engaging story about a real person or true events. Basically, it is used to illustrate a point. These stories are powerful and can create an instant bond between you and the reader. This is what you want. This is just another way to stand out from the rest of the applicants.

An anecdote is only effective when used briefly and in a descriptive and relevant way. It is short to maintain the reader’s attention. The focus should be on the most important aspect of the story. As the reader is engaged in the statement, you want them to mentally paint a picture of what they are reading in their head.

There are two places within the personal statement where an anecdote is often found. In the beginning to “hook” the reader in to what you have to say and at any point to illustrate a story within the essay. However, to prevent confusing the reader you must transition back to your main idea.

Read: How to Create a Killer Opening on Your Personal Statement

Draw on your stories

Everyone has a story to tell, even you. The way to stand out is to become more personable. And one way to do this is by weaving in your stories while writing your personal statement. That’s how you will connect with your readers.  The best way to pull from your account of things is to jot them down into a spiral notebook. Then decide on what you care to share with the reader. When you’ve chosen a story to tell, it’s important to ask yourself what the story is about and how it can relate to your personal essay. Many of your life lessons can be expressed on paper.

Follow their prompts or questions

Remember you may feel limited by the prompts given, but just know they are all fairly open to your own interpretation. No matter what, be sure to follow the instructions which you are given. At the same time you need to show them who you are, your personality and journey to anesthesia. Use this time to show admissions committee what you are truly passionate about, which is becoming a CRNA. Following the prompts is a good thing and will allow the reader to get a full picture of who you are.

Bottom Line

These are just a few tips to maximize your personal statement so you make a great impression upon the admissions committee. Remember, this is an important component to your application. An amazing personal statement doesn’t guarantee you an interview, but it can positively or negatively impact your chances as well. This is why you should not take your personal statement lightly.

I hope this information is just what you need to get started on your personal statement. If you’re still stumped on where to start with your personal statement,  come join us at CRNA Chase Academy for more help . If your personal statement draft is complete,  we also offer personal statement reviews.  Here is the link.

Editor’s note: This post was originally published in August 2020 and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness. 

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Hi! I’m Kiki. I’m a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist and PreCRNA Coach/Mentor for ICU Nurses to help them get into a CRNA program on the 1st try. 

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A Twitch of Anesthesia

For future, current, and prospective nurse anesthetists.

• Dec 10, 2015

Mastering Your CRNA School Application

Standing out through your CRNA application is much easier than people think!

Let's begin with the most time consuming portion; the dreaded essay . It's not just you! Every nurse despises this part. We usually aren't crafty writers and when we do write, it's typically the short handed, choppy medical lingo. Unfortunately, we all have to start somewhere and graduate school is full of writing. Remember, every program is different with their essay requirements so make sure you research how long your essay should be, how many you need, etc. Like many novice applicants, I failed to do this and when I was applying to MCG, they wanted two. One essay about my failures and how I've grown from them. The other essay about why I wanted to be a CRNA. Usually you can just use your "Why I want to be a CRNA" essay for all your applications and be done, but some schools like to make you work a little harder than others.

Writers Block?

My advice would be to open your essay with how you were exposed to the anesthesia world, focusing on a particular situation or a CRNA who left an impression on you.

Hint Hint, this is good place to insert one of your shadow experiences and don't hold back on the details!

I concentrated on a particular shadow experience with a pediatric CRNA who sold me years ago. To bulk up your essay, be sure to include your achievements through nursing school and especially your nursing career. Don't hesitate to brag on yourself! You've worked hard to get where you are!

More examples?

Well, I used pretty much an entire paragraph stressing the high acuity ICUs I've worked in and the amount of experience I have with various gtts/meds, vents, and equipment (iabps, vads, impellas, ecmo, crrt, and so on). I also spent a good portion of my essay focusing on my leadership skills and positions I held like relief charging, precepting, and committee involvements. For my last paragraph, I took some of my own personal qualities and related them to what I think it takes to become a successful, well-rounded CRNA. I also talked about the kind of CRNA I wanted to be for my patients, using your typical "nursey" adjectives. Once I was finished, I forced several coworkers and family members to read it and give me their opinion on grammar and fluidity. To me, it was also really important to let my personally shine through my essay. Don't forget, you want to stand out any way you can!

Moving on to your resume/CV...

Through my research, several websites recommended to avoid making your resume and essay too similar; however, I found this near impossible. Afterall, you're going to want to stress all your nursing experience and achievements on both. I also think it's irrelevant whether you choose to have a resume versus a CV. Obviously you're already going to have a resume made from when you applied for your ICU position, so you might as well just tweak that a little and move on. Make sure to add all of your certifications, including your CCRN. If you don't have your CCRN yet, make sure to write "scheduled" next to it so they know you intend on taking it. I can't stress it enough… get your CCRN!! It's shows you're serious about your career and not to mention, most schools won't consider you unless you have it.

GPA, you say?

Depending on where you're applying, the GPA recommendations will vary anywhere from a 3.0 to 3.4 minimum, and a 3.5 or higher to be competitive. But again, this is all school dependent. You'll also find some schools calculating a separate GPA just for sciences and statistics. If you received a "C" in any of those classes, I would strongly consider retaking them at a local college if you have time. If you don't have time, don't worry. Just focus on the other important pieces of the application and emphasize all your amazing strengths!

Okay, so now let's talk GRE.

Oh the agony! I hated this test. Absolutely hated. From my experience, the GRE isn't anywhere near as big of a deal as people make it out to be. Honestly, I think it's just one of the many hoops graduate schools make you jump through to weed out the "not-so-serious" applicants. Unless you're applying to a top-notch school, don't sweat it. My score was nothing impressive- a 150 in verbal, a 152 in quantitative, and a 4 for writing. The school where I accepted, UT- Memphis, recommended a 144 quantitative, a 153 verbal, and a 4.5 writing to be a "competitive" score. I had friends who scored anywhere from 307 to 311 with 4.5 writing scores, and they weren't asked to interview at the same places where I was... so who knows. Bottom line, just don't kill yourself stressing over it. Study wise, I seriously studied for maybe two months and lollygagged for atleast five. I used two Kaplan books but spent most of my time reteaching myself formulas and completing Kaplan's online practice tests. Personally, I learn best by answering practice questions and then reviewing them afterwards, even the ones I got right. Additionally, I've heard good things about Barry's review for the quantitative section, and then the yearly ETS review books for overall study material and practice questions.

With all that being said, here are a couple more suggestions... Apply early, early, early! I truly feel like this makes a huge difference. The schools look at applications as they receive them. You don't want to be that person who applied the last week and sadly slipped through the cracks because they already had enough qualified applicants to interview. Also, be mindful that some schools, like MUSC, require the CRNAs you shadow to fill out a special "proof of shadow" sheet while you're there. And like I said in my previous post, you should be requesting your recommendations before the applicantion portal even opens. Leave yourself plenty of time to have all your paperwork turned in so you aren't stressing yourself out over something that was easily preventable.

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Home — Application Essay — Nursing Schools — Why I Aspire to Become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)

Why I Aspire to Become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)

• University: Johns Hopkins University

About this sample

Words: 714 |

Published: Feb 15, 2024

Words: 714 | Pages: 2 | 4 min read

Since my early years, the field of healthcare has fascinated me. Witnessing the crucial role nurses play in providing compassionate care and support to patients facing vulnerability and adversity has left an indelible mark on my mind. As I progressed through my college years, my passion for nursing deepened, leading me to explore various specialized roles within the profession. Among these, the role of a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) has captivated my interest and fueled my determination to pursue this career path.

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The allure of becoming a CRNA lies not only in the extensive knowledge and skill set required but also in the opportunity to make a significant impact on patient outcomes. As a CRNA, I will have the privilege of administering anesthesia during surgical procedures, ensuring the safety and comfort of patients throughout their perioperative period. This critical responsibility demands not only technical competence but also vigilance, attention to detail, and an unwavering commitment to patient advocacy.

One aspect that draws me to the CRNA profession is the dynamic and constantly evolving nature of the field. Anesthesia practice combines art and science, necessitating a deep understanding of pharmacology, physiology, and the latest advancements in medical technology. The prospect of continual learning and professional growth excites me, as it allows me to remain at the forefront of medical advances and deliver the highest quality care to my patients.

Furthermore, the CRNA role brings together my innate strengths and personal values. My ability to remain calm under pressure, coupled with my attention to detail, aligns perfectly with the demands of this profession. By incorporating my empathetic nature and strong communication skills, I can establish a trusting rapport with patients, making their anesthesia experience less daunting and more reassuring. I firmly believe that the combination of my skills and values will enable me to excel in the intricate balance of technical expertise and compassionate care that characterizes the CRNA role.

Moreover, the potential to positively impact the lives of patients and their families during their most vulnerable moments is a driving force behind my aspiration to become a CRNA. As I have witnessed firsthand the apprehension and fear patients often experience before undergoing surgery, I am filled with a deep sense of purpose to be the calming presence they need. By providing safe and effective anesthesia, I can contribute to not only alleviating their physical pain but also easing their emotional distress, ensuring a smoother and more comfortable surgical experience.

Additionally, the CRNA profession presents a unique opportunity to collaborate with an interdisciplinary team of healthcare professionals. Working alongside surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, and other specialists allows for a rich exchange of knowledge and collective problem-solving, ultimately leading to the best possible patient outcomes. This collaborative environment appeals to my innate desire to work in a team-oriented setting, where each member's expertise is valued and contributes to the holistic care provided to patients.

As I reflect on my journey thus far and consider the road ahead, I am aware of the challenges that lie in becoming a CRNA. The rigorous educational requirements, the intensity of clinical experiences, and the responsibility associated with administering anesthesia demand perseverance, dedication, and a strong work ethic. However, it is precisely these challenges that fuel my determination to pursue this path. I am prepared to embrace the rigor and invest the necessary effort to become a competent and compassionate CRNA.

Ultimately, my aspiration to become a CRNA stems from my unwavering commitment to compassionate care, my passion for lifelong learning, and my desire to make a tangible difference in the lives of patients. By combining my innate strengths with the unique demands and opportunities presented by the CRNA role, I am confident that I can contribute to the advancement of the field and provide exceptional care to those in need.

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As I embark on this journey towards becoming a CRNA, I remain grateful for the support and guidance of my mentors, who have nurtured my passion for nursing and encouraged me to reach for ambitious goals. With each step forward, I am driven by the knowledge that I am pursuing a profession where I can transform lives, promote healing, and uphold the values of compassionate care. The path to becoming a CRNA may be demanding, but the rewards of positively impacting patients' lives make it an endeavor worth pursuing.

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How to write a personal statement for nursing school.

Reviewed by:

Jonathan Preminger

Former Admissions Committee Member, Hofstra-Northwell School of Medicine

Reviewed: 6/19/23

Writing a personal statement for nursing school can be a daunting task, but we’re here to help! Here’s everything you need to know about writing a personal statement for nursing school.

Writing your personal statement is a nerve-wracking experience, no matter what program you’re applying for . You may be wondering: “what are nursing schools looking for in a personal statement?” or, “how can I make my personal statement for nursing school stand out?” Lucky for you, we’ve got some answers. 

Here we’ll cover everything you need to know about writing a personal statement for nursing school. We’ve included a breakdown of the components to include, examples of nursing school personal statements, and tips to improve your own. 

Let’s get started!

Get The Ultimate Guide on Writing an Unforgettable Personal Statement

What Is a Nursing School Personal Statement?

When applying to nursing schools , you’ll most likely notice that most applications require a personal statement. A personal statement is a short essay, typically no longer than two pages, that tells your target schools a little bit about who you are. 

Each school has different expectations for the length and contents of your personal statement, so make sure to check the specific requirements of your target schools. Some common topics include your personal goals for nursing school and why you want to become a nurse.

Nursing School Personal Statement Format

Before writing your personal statement for nursing school, you should plan out what you want to include. If your school does not ask you to answer a specific question with your essay, here is a list of what you should include in your nursing school personal statement.

An Introduction

The introductory paragraph should focus on what brought you to this point. Your school primarily wants to get to know you as a candidate through your personal statement. Your intro should include things like:

• How you first became interested in nursing
• What inspires you about becoming a nurse
• What you intend to achieve through a nursing degree

In this paragraph, your main goal is to introduce yourself and give the admissions committee a bit of background on your passion for nursing. Perhaps you have a family member who inspired you to pursue nursing, you grew up near a hospital, or you’ve struggled with health issues yourself - these are all great examples of an origin story. 

Think to yourself: “If my journey into nursing school was a movie, how would it begin?”

Body Paragraph(s)

In the body paragraph(s) of your nursing school personal statement, you can include a bit about your achievements. However, this isn’t the place to simply list your achievements. 

Think about how your experiences helped you to develop skills for nursing school . Include things like:

• How you’ve furthered your interest in nursing through experience (both in and out of school)
• How your achievements make you a good fit for the program
• Specific things about the program that interests you

The body portion of your essay should contain the majority of the information you want to include. Make sure to only include accomplishments if they help to explain how you’ll contribute to the program. Your CV will list any other achievements that don’t come into play here.

A Strong Conclusion

Your personal statement should end on a positive note. Think about summarizing your statement by looking toward the future. Include things like:

• Your future ambitions following nursing school
• What you’ll be able to contribute to the program 

The end of your body paragraph(s) should mention what you hope to achieve in the future with your nursing degree and lead into your conclusion. The final sentences of your personal statement should further state your passion for your program and how you’ll be a great fit at your target school. 

What Not to Write in a Personal Statement for Nursing School

Before getting into our tips and examples, let’s go over what not to include in your personal statement for nursing school. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when crafting your personal statement. 

Keep it Simple

Your personal statement should be authentic and genuine, but make sure to keep the brief in mind while you’re writing. As mentioned above, a personal statement is typically no longer than two pages in length. 

You should absolutely include some personal anecdotes; in fact, we encourage it! Just make sure to stick to the relevant parts of your story and not to elaborate too much on areas that are not relevant to your application. 

Do Not Reiterate Your CV

Your personal statement is an essay, not a resume. Keep in mind that your application already contains all of your achievements on your CV, transcripts, and other application materials. 

Your personal statement is about understanding your passion and motivations. You can use examples from your CV to further assert your interest in the program, but only if you can elaborate on how they’ve specifically helped you on your journey to nursing school. 

Tips for Writing a Stellar Nursing Personal Statement

Let’s go over a few tips on how you can improve your personal statement. Using these tips can help to make your personal statement and essays for your nursing school application stand out while remaining authentic and genuine. 

Create A Timeline

When writing your personal statement, your focus should be on telling your story. Creating a clear timeline of events can help to effectively tell the story of how you decided to apply for nursing. 

Start with how you became interested in nursing, develop your story with experiences that have cultivated your knowledge, and conclude by talking about your program and your future goals. A timeline will make your essay easy to read and give the admissions committee a good idea of your journey so far.

Stick To the Brief

If your target school(s) give you a specific prompt for your personal statement, make sure to refer back to the prompt while writing your essay to ensure you’re staying on track. 

For example, if your prompt asks you a question, be sure to answer the question at the beginning, the end, and throughout your essay. Your personal statement shouldn’t be vague or veer too far off course. 

Speak From the Heart

It is crucial in your nursing personal statement to share what makes you unique . This is your chance to show the admissions committee why you’d be a perfect fit in their program and demonstrate what you bring to the table. 

Include genuine experiences that have pushed you toward nursing throughout your life. Conveying your passions and motivations is critical in your personal statement for nursing school.

Do Your Research 

One great way to make your nursing personal statement stand out is to do thorough research on your program and include it in your piece. Showing your passion for the specific program. you’re applying to can give you an edge over others and impress the admissions committee. 

When you include your research, be sure to add it organically into your writing. Use your research as a way to connect your personal experiences to the program rather than simply listing information.

Nursing School Personal Statement Examples

Here are two nursing personal statement examples that were written successfully. We’ve also included explanations of how they are good examples to help you improve your own personal statement. 

*Important note: Do not use our samples in your nursing school application. These examples are meant to serve as a guide when crafting your own original personal statement for nursing school. 

Example #1: Indeed ’s Nursing School Personal Statement Sample

“I walked backward down the hill, my arms supporting the weight of the wheelchair as its wheels rolled slowly in reverse. Sunlight danced through the trees around us and shone in my grandmother's hair as she sat inside the wheelchair. I couldn't see my grandmother's face from that angle, but I could hear her laughing with joy as she enjoyed the outdoors for the first time in weeks. My grandmother came to live with my family two years ago after breaking her hip. Although she completed much of her recovery at our home, Nurse George came by every day to perform my grandmother's personal care tasks, monitor her vital signs and assist with her physical therapy exercises. George also taught me some basic patient care practices, such as how to support a wheelchair correctly while going downhill. I had never considered a career in nursing before, but George helped me see the rewards of helping people with their medical conditions and injuries. I am excited by this opportunity to apply to Fern Hill's College of Nursing because I appreciate your program's specialization in rehabilitation nursing. Being a part of my grandmother's recovery team has inspired me to pursue a nursing career that helps patients recover from injuries or medical conditions. I believe that your school's emphasis on assisting patients in regaining their independent skills can help me achieve these professional aspirations. Since realizing that I want to become a nurse, I have become a regular volunteer at Jefferson Rehabilitation Center. I mentor young people struggling with drug addictions and provide childcare for the children of rehabilitation patients. There is no feeling comparable to when a mentee or outgoing patient offers you a sincere "thank you." I can no longer imagine pursuing a career where I do not get to help people overcome their challenges and navigate their way to recovery. My experiences helping my grandmother and patients at Jefferson have taught me the value of empathy and communication. Frequently, my mentees simply want someone to listen to them. I do my best to give them a judgment-free space in which to share their stories. Whether the medical issue is emotional or physical, patients appreciate working with flexible and considerate people. I believe I embody these qualities by actively listening and letting patients talk at their own pace. I am ready to pursue a nursing career and learn about helping patients in a more professional and technical capacity. Fern Hill's College of Nursing is the ideal place to prepare for my future nursing career.”

Why this is a good example: In this example, the writer has done an excellent job of telling the story of how they became interested in nursing. They also develop a clear timeline of events from when they first thought about nursing to how they began developing their skills through volunteering. 

Most importantly, the candidate mentions specific reasons why they’re interested in the program and how they feel they can contribute to the school and field. 

Example #2: Johns Hopkins University Nursing Personal Statement Sample

“I grew up close to a hospital, where I watched patients go through the double doors for a variety of ailments. From a young age, this drove me to develop a strong interest in the field of medicine. I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in the future that would allow me to take care of those in need. Through my courses in the natural sciences as well as social studies, I have continued to develop my knowledge in the field in order to be ready to continue my education. Now, I am ready to take the next step in my education by applying for the Nursing program at Johns Hopkins University.  Three years ago I completed a nursing shadowing internship that opened my eyes to many of the daily struggles of being a nurse. During my time in the clinic and on the wards, I had the opportunity to work In the critical care and trauma ward as well as In obstetrics and geriatrics. These various experiences showed me the diverse role that nurses play in a healthcare setting, and emphasized the importance of empathy and dedication to patient care.  Johns Hopkins University Is known worldwide for its focus on patient wellness and medical research. As a nursing student at Hopkins, I hope to not only further the institution's goal of providing exceptional patient care, but also to assist with the many clinical trials ongoing at the hospital that pave the way for new treatments. Through hands-on training with knowledgeable staff, I know that I will be able to make the most of my nursing training at Johns Hopkins and become a nursing professional that is capable of enhancing patient wellness in a healthcare setting.”

Why this is a good example: In this example, the writer develops a clear timeline and clearly defines their relevant information. The writer covers when they first became interested in nursing, courses they’ve taken, and what experiences have made them get serious about the profession. 

Finally, they include why they are specifically interested in the program at Johns Hopkins and conclude by adding what they will add to the program as a student.

FAQs: How to Write a Personal Statement for Nursing School

Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about nursing school personal statements. 

1. Do All Nursing Schools Require A Personal Statement?

Almost all nursing schools require a personal statement, which can typically be described as a short essay (2 pages or less) that explains who you are and why you want to attend the school’s nursing program.

2. Is a Personal Statement for Nursing School an Essay?

Yes, a personal statement is a short essay that briefly describes your past, present, and future experiences in relation to nursing.

3. How Long Should A Nursing Personal Statement Be?

Each nursing school has different length requirements, which can typically be found in the prompt. If no length is specified, two pages or less is recommended. 

4. What Should I Include In My Nursing School Personal Statement?

Your nursing personal statement should include:

• Why you want to become a nurse
• What inspires you about nursing
• Elaborate on the experiences you’ve had that have taught you about nursing
• Program-specific reasons for your interest in the school
• How you intend to contribute to the program and the field of nursing

If your school’s personal statement asks a specific question, that question should be answered throughout your essay. 

5. Does Nursing Require Essays?

Yes, most nursing program applications require personal statement essays, and some require secondary (or supplemental) essays as well.

6. When Should I Write My Personal Statement for Nursing School?

You should begin writing your personal statement(s) for nursing school as soon as you receive the prompt. Make sure to give yourself an adequate amount of time to complete all sections of your application before the deadline.

7. How do you Start a Personal Statement for Nursing School?

To start a compelling nursing personal statement, there are a few different writing techniques you can use. You can start by introducing yourself, start by talking about how you became interested in nursing, or you can start “in the action” by cutting right into your story. 

Final Thoughts

Your personal statement for nursing school should be genuine, heartfelt, and express how you will make an excellent addition to your target school’s nursing program through a series of examples. 

Each personal statement you write should be adjusted to suit the individual program you are applying for. Sending a general personal statement with every application you submit is impersonal and not recommended. Make sure to follow your brief closely and map out your essay before writing it to ensure you include all of the relevant information. 

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Nurse Anesthesia Program, Admission Essay Example

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You are free to use it as an inspiration or a source for your own work.

Having great personal interest in clinical nursing, I have pursued a number of courses pertaining the nursing field including an Associate Degree in nursing and a BSN degree. The knowledge and skills that I have acquire through education has been very useful in advancing my career as a nurse. Besides, I have also worked in different areas of nursing in different medical facilities. In Thomas Jefferson hospital, I worked at a step down unit, which built my confidence as a practicing nurse.

Taking a CRNA program from the University of Pennsylvania will equip me with the appropriate skills in nursing. I have worked in an ICU unit for cancer patients in Fox Chase Cancer Center. At this unit, I was able to work on cancer patients in chronic conditions that motivated me to take a CRNA course at the University of Pennsylvania. I chose to take this program at University of Pennsylvania as their Nurse Anesthesia program exclusively offers students with a primary clinical site for the whole course of study facilitating faculty to establish mentoring relationships with students. At the same time, students are offered with an option to train at other clinical sites, which offers further options to advance their learning experience. The program also integrates learning from the classroom, simulation lab and clinical setting.

Taking a CRNA program at Penny Nursing School, guarantees a universal certification, the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Education Programs of American Association of Nurse Anesthetists offers this. The national CRNA exam administered to all students taking the program enable the candidates to be certified in both Pennsylvania and all states as a CRNA. In addition, the university offers well equipped operating rooms which offer students with an opportunity to learn and exercise various skills acquired in the classroom including placement of anesthetics, insertion of chest tubes, different fiber optic intubation equipment, use of Site Rite ultrasound in inserting central venous catheters among other necessary skills in CRNA.

The university program also uses the latest and sophisticated technological innovations in the simulation labs where students learn and practice the acquired skills and assimilation of these skills into clinical situations and develop the capability to tackle new and emerging anesthetic clinical scenarios such as Malignant Hyperthermia and fires in the operating rooms. These skills will enable me as a CRNA to offer the best anesthetic services to patients in the American society as well as other parts of the world. The opportunity to integrate various learnt skills and application of modern technology in anesthesia will help in developing a strong passion to pursue my professional and personal goals in becoming superb in this noble career.

The University also has a good reputation and is connected to renowned hospitals, which will enable me to practice the acquired knowledge in a reputable well equipped health facility, thus achieve my goal of offering the best to humanity. The university also holds important values that I believe are important in success and in achieving my goals.

The mission of Penn’s CRNA program which is to further the science of nurse anesthesia by educating students to become great practitioners, scholars, educators, researchers as well as policy makers, is perfect to fulfill my career dreams as a nurse. Thus taking a CRNA program at University of Pennsylvania will greatly influence and improve my knowledge and skills in the nursing field, which I believe, are necessary for assisting the community and humanity at large.

Penn Nursing Science. (2008). Nurse Anesthesia Program , retrieved from http://www.nursing.upenn.edu/crna/Pages/default.aspx (Accessed on 08/09/09).

Peterson’s, (2009). Nursing program 2010. Pennsylvania: University of Pennsylvania Press.

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Episode 79: How To Prepare Your Resume For CRNA School

• August 24, 2022

Your resume is the ticket to your dream CRNA School. That is why you must put effort into your CRNA school resume. However, with so many applicants, how can you catch the attention of your school and stand out? In this episode, Jenny Finnell shares some advice on preparing your resume for when you want to make a good impression on your future CRNA school. She breaks down the dos and don’ts of writing your application, as well as the tools you can use to make it spotless. What should be front and center? How long should your CRNA school resume be? What do you do to stand out? Jenny answers these questions and more in today’s show.

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How to prepare your resume for crna school.

In this episode, we’re going to discuss preparing your CRNA school resume. I’m going to cover some of the things that you should not be doing as well as some things you could be doing to make sure you make a good impression. Let’s go ahead and get into the show.

Put A Lot Of Effort Into Your CRNA School Resume

We’re going to discuss preparing your resume for CRNA school and some of the things that you should avoid as well as some things that you should be thinking about, little nuances so that you’re making a good impression. First and foremost, I want to make sure that when you guys start doing your CRNA school resume, you are not treating this process like checking a box. They will be able to tell if that is the case. It will essentially make it look like you are not putting a full amount of effort into it or that maybe you’re not the most serious applicant.

Make sure that when you work on your resume that you’re putting a lot of effort and time into making sure that it’s easy to read. It flows nicely. It’s well organized and you have a hundred million times triple-checked the spelling. I use Grammarly . There’s a free version of it. Just copy, paste, and stick it in Grammarly real quick because if you’re like me, I make typos without even realizing that I made them. I will reread something five times and I’m like, “How did I not see that?”

I use Grammarly a lot for that reason. Sometimes it’s hard to proofread your own stuff because your brain is plugging in words that aren’t there or it’s correcting the mistake because that’s what you meant to say, but you didn’t type it out that way. Make sure you have someone else lay eyes on your resume, too. Have your coworker, your friend, your mom, dad, or whomever. You can also do a resume review with CRNA School Prep Academy’s expert providers, that’s always an option as well.

Make sure that you’re putting a lot of effort into your CRNA school resume because, if you think about an invitation to a wedding or getting an invitation to anything for that matter, it’s your first impression. We always say, “Don’t judge a book by its cover,” but the reality is people do and will judge you based on your resume. That’s their first impression of you. They don’t know you or your personality. There’s something to be said with physically hearing someone speak, listening to the tone of voice and seeing their eye contact.

All of those things go into how you display yourself, where a piece of paper can’t usually do you justice. You have to go above and beyond to make sure when someone’s reading a piece of paper, if they’re in a bad mood or had a bad experience and go into reading your resume, that you’re going to make them smile somehow. They’re not going to know you. They are not going to hear a tone of voice or anything like that.

Place Your Educational Background Front And Center

Going into mistakes people make when they do the resume is they want to highlight their clinical experience. They tend to do this in place of their education. That is a mistake. If you think about it, you’re applying to grad school. You’re not applying for a job. If you took your old template from when you were applying to your ICU position, maybe it mattered more about your work experience as a nurse’s aide because you’re applying to a work position. You’re applying to work as a nurse versus applying to school.

Your educational background should be front and center. The other reason why you should put your education at the top of your resume versus going right into your clinical experience is that it’s going to be a shorter section. It’s going to be more concise to the point. If you were to put that at the end of your resume, they have to read through all your clinical stuff to find your education. By the time they get there, they may skim over it real quick and you’re going to get to highlight your accomplishments as well; you don’t want them skimming that.

Remember, you’re applying for a grad school position. Highlight your educational background. Where did you get the degree? What is the name of your school? When did you graduate? It’s not just the year. Some people make this mistake when they put, “I graduated in 2020. Did you graduate in May of 2020 or December of 2020?” Because this can say, “They graduated in May of 2020, so they have six more months of experience versus someone who graduated in December of 2020.” Differentiate yourself and make it known like, “I graduated in January of 2020, so I had the entire year of 2020 to get experience under my belt.”

How well did you do? I get asked this question a lot as far as, “Should you be placing your GPA on your resume?” The answer can go both ways. I do think if you have a 3.5 or higher, you should be highlighting that on your resume. At the end of the day, they are going to be reviewing your transcripts and calculating your GPA regardless. If you don’t do this step, it’s perfectly okay. If you’re a B-plus student on average and you have a 3.5, you should highlight that. Why not? It’s going to take up very little room and you might as well highlight it.

If you have someone who has maybe a 3.0 or a 3.2, this could be something that is better left off the resume. Again, they’re going to be calculating your GPA with your transcripts anyways but it gives you a space to highlight other things. Maybe you were given an award or maybe you served on a committee in nursing school. Make sure that you’re using your resume to highlight your strengths. That’s always what your resume is all about. That explains as far as highlighting your GPA and things like that.

Some of you are taking different routes to becoming a nurse. Some of you have gotten your ADN and BSN. Some of you have a Bachelor’s in Biology and you get an accelerated BSN. Depending on what you do, make sure you put your most current schooling up top. If you had your ADN and got your BSN, your BSN should be at the top of the page versus the other way around. You should always go with the most current ICU experience, education experience, and degree at the top, and list the older experience below that.

Also, another tip is to spell out your degrees. Put Bachelor’s Degree in Biology versus BS in Biology. That’s a nuance that Mr. Richard Wilson pointed out to me. As a faculty member, he appreciates seeing things spelled out. It doesn’t take up a lot of room on your resume, plus it sounds and looks better. We discussed GPA. It’s the same thing. If you had cum laude and things like that, you could put that on your resume.

Another piece of advice given by Dr. Dawn AuBuchon, who has been a Program Director for several years and is now a Program Faculty at a CRNA college: A lot of you are taking courses and you’re like, “Should I list individual courses? I didn’t get a degree at this college, but I took individual courses there.” You don’t need to list individual courses if it’s going to reflect on your transcripts. If you’re currently in a course and it’s not going to reflect on your transcripts because when you submitted your transcripts, the course hasn’t finished, you can and should highlight the course you’re in.

What these program faculty and I have recommended is for you to approach your professor, wherever you’re at in the course, and ask them for a short letter that they can sign that says, “Such and such is in X, Y, and Z course is such and such into the semester. I anticipate them getting an X grade in the course.” Have them anticipate what they think your final grade will be as long as you keep performing as you have been performing in the course. It’s like an unofficial way of them saying, “I anticipate the student to achieve an A-minus, an A, or a B-plus, whatever it may be.”

It shows these schools that you are taking something additional, so they don’t miss it. After you have completed the course, you could submit that course to go into your overall GPA as long as they’re able to take things after the deadline. This is something that you can reach out to the program and let them know, “Is it possible for me to submit this course after I take it even though the deadline for applications is X date? Two weeks later, I’m going to have my final grade. I can submit an anticipated grade. Once this course is complete and it reflects on my transcripts, I can submit that.”

A lot of schools will take that into consideration. It is something to think about. Don’t think you have to list all these individual courses you’ve done at different schools, as long as it reflects on your transcripts. I’ve heard this argued in both ways. Make sure that your transcripts are solid. Review your transcripts. Don’t submit them and not look at them. I’ve had students that have happened where they think they take their transcripts from a school and submit it. They come to find afterward they didn’t submit all their transcripts as they thought they did.

Make sure you are laying eyeballs on your transcripts, especially if you’re submitting from multiple schools. You don’t want something to get missed. You can list things like honors, societies, rewards, and committees. You don’t have to put what you did, but list the fact that you have received rewards or you have served on the Student Nurse Association for your college. You can list that stuff there, along the lines of cum laude, Magna cum laude, and things like that in that area. It should be front and center because you’re applying to grad school.

CRNA School Resume Length And Format

The next big question that people always ask me is, “Jenny, how long should a resume be? What’s the difference between a resume and a CV, a Curriculum Vitae?” The short answer is they are using these terms interchangeably, so there’s not much difference in the way you’re going to be using a resume versus a CV. If you want to know the technical difference, the CV is more used for someone’s going to get a PhD, for example, and they have all this research they want to highlight in their resume. They could be 10, 20, or 30 pages long.

A CV doesn’t have a length requirement. It can be as long as you need it to be versus a resume which is designed to be more of a short one-page summary of your experience. That’s the technical difference. Schools will use this term interchangeably. If they say CV, it doesn’t mean they want a book from you. Based on the faculty that I spoke to, most of them have recommended trying your best to keep your CV or resume to two pages max. You also got to keep in mind that these schools sometimes are getting 150 to 200 applicants for 30 positions. The program faculty are going to be scanning over 100 resumes.

Sometimes, they have to get through it and the longer you make your resume, they may start to skim towards the end. They may focus on that first page and look at the second one, but by the time they get to the third page, they’re like, “This is more of the same stuff. I’ll move on right to the next applicant.” Keep in mind that the things that you put on pages 2 and 3 may not get the attention. Make sure that if you’re making your resume that long, the things you’re putting on the last page are not things you really want them to see because they may not mentally capture it at that point. That’s the rundown on CV versus resume, page lengths, and stuff like that.

The most important tip I have as far as building out your resume this way is to make sure you’re keeping it formatted universally. Make sure you’re using the same font and text size. If you’re going to put a date like, for example, March 2020 and you use the numbers and a dash, on the next section, don’t put March and spell it out with 2022. If you’re going to use numbers, use numbers. If you’re going to spell it out, spell it out throughout your resume. Keep your formatting universal and standard. It doesn’t matter which one you choose, but make sure it’s not going to be different per bullet point.

It’s going to seem sloppy even though it might not be intended to be that way. It will potentially come across as less professional. Make sure that your formatting is not that when you skip over to the next space, it’s indented differently as far as where it lines up. Resumes can be tricky. I don’t know how many times I’ve said bad words to my computer when I’m like, “Why is this doing this?” The format is all messed up. I highly recommend using a template.

If you have Canva , use that. You can have a free Canva account. I have a paid account because I use it every day, but there are so many templates in Canva. CRNA School Prep Academy has templates as well. We even have examples of resumes for you to follow. Use a template. Don’t stress yourself out. Keep it basic. If you’re on Canva, there are all kinds of crazy resumes. You don’t need anything bright and elaborate. Keep it neutral. You don’t need anything crazy and putting a picture, yay or nay. As long as it’s not overwhelmingly huge on the page, I don’t think it’s a terrible thing, but I also think it detracts from the overall purpose of the resume.

When you’re applying for a job, I don’t think that’s a bad thing. Applying for a job, and having a little picture of yourself, especially if it’s a professional shot, is nice. For grad school, I don’t know how necessary it is. If it takes up enough space to where you have less highlighting for you to do as far as your experience and what you’re coming with, you should avoid it, in my personal opinion.

It’s not going to matter to them. They want straight to the point. In applying for a job, you’re not taking 200 applicants for 30 positions or whatever that end up working out. Maybe you are. I don’t know. For grad school, keep it simple. It’s the KISS method, Keep It Simple, Stupid. Because sometimes the more you try to embellish and elaborate, the more difficult something becomes. That’s the same thing with a resume. Basic is okay. It’s okay if your resume is not pretty, all decorated with flowers and stuff. It’s more than likely preferred by the programs. Keep that in mind.

Experiences, Tenses, And Terms

When you get into the bullet points, as far as the skills that you’ve learned, keep in mind to always start with your most current experience at the top. I feel that now more than ever, people have so much travel experience on their resumes that they’re like, “I have twelve places to list.” Here’s what I can share with you from the advice that has been given: Start with your most current experience at the top. Go into detail on that location. You need to make a lot of bullet points on what you do.

On the next positions, especially if they’re similar experiences and skills, you can summarize or shorten that or only put the unique things. Maybe if at one facility you did this, but you didn’t do it at the other facility, make sure you’re putting that under that place. If the rest of it is similar, you can consolidate it. If you were to verbatim copy and paste all the same bullet points, I wouldn’t do that. That’s going to add tons of lengths to your resume and it’s going to be obvious that you’re copying and pasting. You’re not putting thought into what you have done differently at this site versus this site. That’s my advice as far as if you have a lot of different experiences.

Make sure you’re listing what makes that experience unique and different but you don’t necessarily have to repeat verbatim exactly what you repeated above for the other facility. When you monitor hemodynamics special devices whether that’s CRRT, ECMO, intracranial bolts, intraventricular drains, and all those things like art lines or swans, make sure you’re listing the types of devices you’re using that are unique and special to what experience you’re getting.

Keep in mind that when you’re talking about a current facility by using past tense words like monitored, it sounds like, “You monitored in the past. You do not currently monitor them now.” You can use past tense for past experiences, but if you’re at a current location, use active tense. It’s something that seems pretty basic and simple, but it does make a difference for the reader who is interpreting what they’re reading.

Also, vasoactive medications. Mr. Wilson prefers medications over using terms like drugs. It could be a little nuanced, but I would suggest that you take it to heart. Use the term medications versus the term drugs. It sounds a little more formal. Also, make sure you’re not using slang terms. Don’t abbreviate and use abbreviations. If you’re going to put Levo, don’t put Levo. Put Levophed. If you’re going to pick a trade name versus a generic name, pick one or the other. Don’t flip-flop back and forth. It’s sticking with one way.

As long as you’re using the medication term, that’s okay but make sure you’re not interchangeably using both or flipping back and forth. If you’re using a term, make sure you’re spelling out the whole word. Don’t put benzos. Put benzodiazepines. Make sure you’re spelling out the whole word when you’re putting medications if you were to list them specifically. In sedatives, you can say benzodiazepines because Versed is a benzodiazepine drip. It’s putting terms like vasopressors or vasoactive drugs versus medications.

Also, if you’re putting vasopressors on there, you don’t necessarily have to list out every single vasopressor that you’ve ever used. If you have the space and you want to, you can, but know that you don’t necessarily have to. As long as you speak to the fact that you routinely use vasopressors and titrate those drips, that is okay. Keep in mind, too, that based on where you put what you’re doing, whether that’s at the top- let’s say you had your hospital, the surgical unit you work in, and the fact that you’re an RN there. Mark it as the most current dates of experience to present or when you started to present.

Starting on your first bullet point, put the skill and tasks that you think are the most valuable for your CRNA school experience, like titrating vasoactive medications and monitoring and managing hemodynamics, special device management, and things like that. Put those things in bullet points first.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not trying to poo-poo communication with the family or patient education. Those are all important things. Especially if you have a lot of different experiences, if you list that first and they start skimming, they may miss some more important bullet points as far as the fact that you’re managing these advanced life support methods like ECMO and things like that.

You should be putting those bullet points on top of the list and saving the additional things like different unit leadership roles that you’re doing as a bullet point closer to the end. It’s the same thing with patient education and things like that. Put your actual ICU critical skills that you have gained that are unique to the ICU first and follow up with the other things at the end.

Also, you want to make sure that you’re not switching tenses. I mentioned speaking current versus past terms based on where you’re working, but again, don’t flip or interchange them. Don’t put monitored and monitoring in the same sentence. If you’re saying things like, “You are monitoring hemodynamics.” You should save titrating vasoactive medications for the next bullet point.

Combining monitoring hemodynamics and titrating vasoactive medications, what if they read monitoring hemodynamics and start mentally skimming, and then go to the next bullet point before they see the vasoactive medication titration. Make it its own bullet point. It helps you stand out a little bit more.

You got to think about this in the sense that people are going to be reading this and probably trying to read it at lightning speed. It’s like, “Squirrel. What’s next?” They’re going to have hundreds of applicants to sort through and they’re human. These are not robots that are doing this. Make sure that you’re making it as edible as possible in the smallest chunks. It’s like, “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.” When you’re reading a resume, you’re taking little chunks at a time. Help them take little chunks at a time, so they don’t miss anything, especially if they’re going to start going quicker towards the end of the actual piece of paper.

You can also utilize a side to place certifications like CCRN, CMC, and things like that. There’s usually a little sidebar on a resume where you can place those types of things, so they don’t get lost at the end of the resume. For the bulk of it, when you’re doing all that, those are my big pieces of advice for you. Use the sidebar as a way to highlight things that maybe you wouldn’t mention in the body of the resume. Ultimately, don’t be afraid to have someone else lay eyes on your resume. Keep in mind that this is the first impression that you’re making for the CRNA schools and they’re looking at several resumes.

Probably all of you were like, “How do I stand out?” Everyone wants to find unique ways to stand out and things they’re doing differently, but the reality is a lot of you are going to look similar on paper and that’s okay. It is what it is. You all have to get the same requirements. There’s only so much you can do differently. One thing I want to make sure I point out is don’t lie. People are honest with me about it. They’re like, “Jenny, I put this, but I’m nervous because technically, I haven’t been on my own. When I was oriented, I watched my preceptor do ECMO. I haven’t done ECMO, but I put it out in my resume.” I’m like, “What? Why?”

Anything you put on your CRNA school resume is fair game for them to say, “You listed it. You must be well-versed in it if you’re going to put it on your resume.” That’s the way they take it when you put it on your resume. If you put ECMO, but you truly have never been trained to do ECMO, but you watched your preceptor do it a few times, you maybe be opening a giant can of worms. You could get lucky, but if you get unlucky, they ask you about it and you can’t fully explain how ECMO works because you truly have never done it, you’re going to burn yourself a hole.

Be careful. The easiest way around it is don’t lie. If you’re tempted to put something on your resume that you haven’t truly done because you think it’s going to make you stand out, that’s an indication or a red flag. That means that’s an action item. That’s something that you need to take action on. There is nothing to be ashamed of and feel bad about. If you started in the ICU a few months ago, cut yourself a little bit of a break.

Sometimes it takes more than a few months to get trained in ECMO. You have to get the feel and the lay of the land and get oriented before they do advanced training. All units are a little different as far as how soon they will be able to do that training for you. It’s okay. It’s not going to make or break you getting into CRNA school. I can promise you that, but what will make or break you in getting to CRNA school is if they catch you lying.

That’s my piece of advice as far as trying to stand out. Don’t lie about it and remember that anything you put on your resume can be fair game to go into more detail. Everything you put on there, you have to understand it. If they say, “You say you used ECMO. Tell me about how ECMO works or CRRT. You mentioned that you routinely use vasopressin. How does vasopressin work?” Whatever you put in your resume is going to lead them down that direction.

During your actual interview, a lot of these schools will have your resume in hand. They will be looking at your resume yet again and not just one person. The entire panel of people will have your resume and they may or may not pull questions from that. Sometimes they have a set bank of questions or favorite questions, for example, too.

Some of these schools hit heavily on emotional intelligence, but if they see that you work in a neuro ICU, maybe just to throw you off your game, they’ll ask you about a cardiac type of situation and what would you do? Technically, as ICU nurses, we all should be well-versed in ACLS and you are ACLS-certified. Instead of asking you neuro ICU-related questions, they may take you down the rabbit hole of ACLS.

It’s because it’s on your resume and you’re ACLS-trained, so it’s fair game. I hope you guys found this episode insightful and helpful. Thank you so much for tuning in every week. I appreciate you. If you have not already, I would appreciate it if you could leave a review. It means a lot. I will see you next week for another episode. You guys take care.

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Doctor of Nursing Practice in Nurse Anesthesia

Apply to the dnp in nurse anesthesia program.

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Application Fee

A $75 non-refundable application fee must be paid through the application system after the application is submitted.

Fee waivers are granted to military service members and veterans, members of the Peace Corps and AmeriCorps, Columbia University School of Nursing alumni, and applicants who can demonstrate financial hardship. Applicants can complete the Fee Waiver Request Form at least three weeks prior to the application deadline.

Transcripts

All transcripts from post-secondary schools attended or in which credit was received must be uploaded to your online application. Unofficial transcripts may be submitted at the time of the application. Official transcripts are required at time of admission. Please do not mail in any paper transcripts to the Office of Admissions.

Written Essays

Two written essays are required on the application. The essays should be uploaded to the application as PDF files. 

• Essay Requirements: Two double-spaced pages (12-point font/one-inch margins) 
• Essay Requirements: One double spaced page (12-point font/one-inch margins) 

Video Essay

Applicants will be recorded answering two video essay questions. The questions are:

• Please tell us about a time that you have overcome an obstacle in your life, how you dealt with, and what you learned from the experience.
• In nursing, ethics serves as a strong component. Drawing from either a personal experience or creating a scenario, please discuss an ethical dilemma and your solution for it.

The video essay is recorded live within the application, so applicants will need a webcam that is directly attached to their device and a web browser that supports Flash. Applicants are not able to upload a pre-recorded answer.  

Guidelines to support recording the video essay: 

• Set up the space where you will record in advance. 
• A good internet connection is needed. Direct wire connections to router are best. If you are using WiFi, it's recommended that you set up your recording space as close as possible to your router. 
• Be aware of your surroundings. Make sure the background where you will be recording your video is neat, and if applicable, remove any items you do not want on camera. 
• Place your camera level with the top of your head for the best angle. 
• Have your light source facing you – placed right behind your computer/camera. This is best in order to provide good lighting. 
• Be aware of your surroundings and environmental sounds when recording audio. Use an external microphone if you have one (this may provide better sound quality). 
• Make sure to dress professionally and as if you were delivering your video essay in person to the Admissions Committee. 
• Don't rely on reading directly from any notes or a script when delivering your video essay. 
• Use the practice round of the video essay. This is an opportunity to work out any kinks before the actual recording starts. 
• Feel free to introduce yourself at the beginning of your video essay, and be mindful of the topics you decide to share when answering the question. 

Timed Writing Sample

Applicants will be asked to answer a short essay question in a period of 10 minutes (two minutes to think about the response and 10 minutes to write the sample) within the application. A random question will be generated by the application site so applicants cannot prepare the essay in advance. Essays are evaluated on the content and structure of the applicant's response.

Letters of Recommendation

Three letters of recommendation are required. At minimum, two references must be able to speak to your  professional abilities within the last six months. At least one reference must come from your current nurse manager.

References should be written for the purpose of the applicant's application. Academic references should know you as a student and professional references should know you in a job setting, preferably in a supervisory role. Personal references from friends or family members do not meet the requirement.

References selected must align with the experience the applicant has accounted for in their application (ie. if selecting a supervisor as a reference, the job in which you worked at should be listed on your resume).

Recommendation letters must be submitted through the application portal. The applicant will be required to provide the recommender's name and email address on the application. The recommender will receive an email from the Office of Admissions directing them to complete the online reference form. They can also upload their letter through this form as a Word document or PDF file.

As part of the admission process, all references will undergo a verification process.  After submission of an enrollment deposit and before orientation, we will reach out to your recommender to verify the authenticity of their submission.

• Note: Please use your recommender's institutional or work email address. Recommenders who have a personal email address (Gmail, Hotmail, Yahoo) attached to their information may be subject to additional review in order to verify that they are an academic or professional reference.

Resume or CV

Applicants will be asked to provide their professional affiliations, awards/commendations, interests, hobbies, and community service involvement on the application. Applicants will also be asked to upload their resume/CV to the application portal. The resume/CV should be uploaded as a PDF in order to ensure proper formatting.

There is no page limit required for the resume/CV. In addition to academic and professional experience, applicants should include hobbies, interests, honors, awards, and travel experience. This type of information will give the review committee an opportunity to gain a more holistic understanding of the applicant.

GRE exam scores are not required. Applicants who wish to submit these scores can upload an unofficial copy of the scores directly on the online application.

Applicants for the Nurse Anesthesia Program may be invited for an on-campus or Skype interview during the application process.

Additional Documentation Not Required

• Addendum: Applicants can submit a brief statement explaining substantive extenuating circumstances that they feel could impact their application. Information related to academic circumstances that have affected an applicant's performance should be addressed in this section.
• Optional Essay: Applicants can submit a one-page essay (double spaced/12-point font) focused on non-academic topics.
• Communications: If an applicant has corresponded with our Admissions Office regarding any parts of their application or program requirements (i.e. prerequisite course review), they can upload the email communication in this section.

Additional Information Regarding Application Processing and Review

• Note that the applicant must submit all materials directly, not through an agent or third-party vendor, with the following exceptions: submission by the U.S. Department of State's Fulbright program; submission by Danish-American Fulbright (DAF); and submission by Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD).
• The applicant will be required to attest to the accuracy and authenticity of all information and documents submitted to Columbia. If you have questions about this requirement, please contact the Office of Admissions at [email protected] .
• Failure to submit complete, accurate, and authentic application documents consistent with these instructions may result in denial or revocation of admission, cancellation of academic credit, suspension, expulsion, or eventual revocation of degree. Applicants may be required to assist admissions staff and faculty involved in the admission reviews in verification of all documents and statements made in documents submitted by the student as part of the application review process.
• All application materials will be verified by the Office of Admissions or a third-party vendor for enrolling applicants. Detailed information regarding this process will be distributed upon publication of admission decisions.

Apply Now to the Nurse Anesthesia Program

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Nurse Admission Essays Samples For Students

28 samples of this type

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Admission Essay On The Advanced Practice Nurse

Admission essay on family nurse practitioner, personal statement:, the role of the nurse anesthetist admission essay, introduction.

A nurse anesthetist (CRNA) is an Advanced Practice Nurse who is specially trained to administer anesthetics to those patients who are undergoing dental, medical or obstetrical procedures (McIntosh, 1995). The specialty of nurse anesthetics was created to respond to surgeons’ requests for a solution to the alarmingly high rates of mortality and morbidity caused by anesthesia during that time. The surgeons visualized nurse anesthetists as professionals who would devote themselves to patient care in the course of surgical procedures. With time, nurse anesthetists became part of the whole range of specialized surgical procedures, refinement in anesthetic equipment and techniques.

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Graduate Admission Essays Examples

Admission essay on the master of science in nursing, my goals admission essay example, dear sir or madam;.

Several years ago, at age ten, my family and I were privileged to enter this great nation of the United States of America. When we got to this country, we were hoping to escape our life of poverty; unfortunately, we soon realize that a better life in America is not magical. We recognized that America only provides the opportunity to a better life, like everything else, one needs to work hard to attain the American Dream.

Admission Essay on Masters of Business Administration (MBA)

To this end I’ve gained a strong conviction to pursue a post graduate degree programme in Masters of Business Administration and believe that this will open up myriad professional opportunities in tandem with my career prospects. My focus and determination on personal growth and development has overtime ensured my success in different academic and professional fields.

Sample Admission Essay On My Philosophy Of Nursing

Admission essay on a statement of professional goals and discussion of the reasons for pursing a msn, admission essay: family nurse practitioner, uclas masters entry admission essay, personal statement, a personal quality for the nursing profession admission essay.

I believe that among all careers available today, those dealing directly with people are the hardest. Although it seems so easy to communicate with human creatures, it is actually a tough task to accomplish. The problem is you cannot get into other person’s mind and retrieve the information you need, you can never fully understand what their intentions are, finally, you never know what to expect as a reaction to your words. Considering all above mentioned, I can assume that my excellent communication skills can be defined as one of the qualities that distinguishes me from others.

Sample Admission Essay On Why I Want To Become A Nurse

Sample admission essay on why i am a good candidate for the nursing program at massasoit community college, differences between a doctor of nursing practice dnp and a doctor of philosophy phd admission essay.

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and the conventional PhD are both terminal degree programs in the nursing discipline. This means that they are the highest degrees a nurse can hope to achieve. The DNP is a new option in the discipline and shares similarities with the PhD program traditionally offered. The two degrees both employ a scholarly approach needing high standards of critical thinking and ability to synthesize theory. They also aim to advance the practice of professional nursing (AACN, 2006).

Admission Essay On Nursing Course

There are many factors which govern the choosing of a particular course in institutions of higher learning. For one to select a particular course there has to be a passion or liking for the course. It would not be possible for an individual to excel in a course that is not interesting or pleasing to the person. This is the reason why course selection is a very crucial stage in pursuing higher education. Nursing is one of the courses admired by many people. However, the course requires absolute commitment and determination because it involves peoples’ lives.

Good Example Of Psychiatric Nursing Admission Essay

Good example of medical education admission essay.

Since my early childhood I have seen the worst of health practice, therefore, have never dreamed of pursuing a career in medicine. In Romania, a country I come from, corruption and bribery permeated all aspects of nation’s life, including medicine, and that was the main reason why I did not think of a medical profession for myself. Hence, I have decided to become a lawyer, but never graduated from the University, as got a chance to leave the country.

Good Admission Essay On Qualify for The Nursing Course

Good admission essay on facilitating my nursing studies, example of nurse anesthetist admission essay, statement of purpose admission essays examples, good nursing admission questions admission essay example, question one, admission letter admission essay examples, free admission essay on nursing school, admission essay on my re'my reasons for desiring to be become a pharmacis, admission essay, example of meaningful event: experience or accomplishment admission essay.

I developed an interest in pursuing nursing as a career when I was 15 years of age. Certain events in my life, which began in the 6th grade, contributed to my interest in a profession that could provide comfort and save lives. Becoming a nurse is my biggest dream, and I hope to achieve it to improve health standards of those around me.

Considering Your Lifetime Goals, Discuss How Your Current And Future Academic And Admission Essay

Career statement admission essay, career statement.

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Dreaded CRNA Admissions Essay

Students SRNA

Published May 23, 2012

So, I have everything assembled for my applications to anesthesia school and I am totally stumped on the admissions essays:banghead:. I don't know why I am having difficulty with this part of the process and it's frustrating the heck out of me. I don't even know where to start. I keep writing the first paragraph and deleting it because I don't like the way it sounds when I read it out loud. Anyone have any pointers? Any ideas/suggestions for a good way to open the essay? Any advice is welcomed and appreciated. Thanks!

• + Add a Comment

RealNurse419

Well why do you want to go into the profession? What inspired you to want to become a CRNA? Start there

I opened my essay with a defining moment when I knew I wanted to be a crna...then talked about what my typical patients in icu look like then wrapped it into why I want to be a crna and finally how I know I can handle a challenging academic and clinical environment and give examples as to why....total length of 1 page single spaced

beetlebum, BSN, RN

I also started to how I heard about CRNA and then I wrote about the steps of getting there.

For ideas check out aana.com

Under "CE & Education" choose the link "Become a CRNA" scroll down to "Why I Became a CRNA"

You'll see the stories and over a dozen practicing CRNAs.

thanx. always open for ideas!

thanks a lot for the input. I'm almost done with mine. I'll give the brief once it's complete. Thanks again!

Tips for Writing an Effective Application Essay

How to Write an Effective Essay

Writing an essay for college admission gives you a chance to use your authentic voice and show your personality. It's an excellent opportunity to personalize your application beyond your academic credentials, and a well-written essay can have a positive influence come decision time.

Want to know how to draft an essay for your college application ? Here are some tips to keep in mind when writing.

Tips for Essay Writing

A typical college application essay, also known as a personal statement, is 400-600 words. Although that may seem short, writing about yourself can be challenging. It's not something you want to rush or put off at the last moment. Think of it as a critical piece of the application process. Follow these tips to write an impactful essay that can work in your favor.

1. Start Early.

Few people write well under pressure. Try to complete your first draft a few weeks before you have to turn it in. Many advisers recommend starting as early as the summer before your senior year in high school. That way, you have ample time to think about the prompt and craft the best personal statement possible.

You don't have to work on your essay every day, but you'll want to give yourself time to revise and edit. You may discover that you want to change your topic or think of a better way to frame it. Either way, the sooner you start, the better.

2. Understand the Prompt and Instructions.

Before you begin the writing process, take time to understand what the college wants from you. The worst thing you can do is skim through the instructions and submit a piece that doesn't even fit the bare minimum requirements or address the essay topic. Look at the prompt, consider the required word count, and note any unique details each school wants.

3. Create a Strong Opener.

Students seeking help for their application essays often have trouble getting things started. It's a challenging writing process. Finding the right words to start can be the hardest part.

Spending more time working on your opener is always a good idea. The opening sentence sets the stage for the rest of your piece. The introductory paragraph is what piques the interest of the reader, and it can immediately set your essay apart from the others.

4. Stay on Topic.

One of the most important things to remember is to keep to the essay topic. If you're applying to 10 or more colleges, it's easy to veer off course with so many application essays.

A common mistake many students make is trying to fit previously written essays into the mold of another college's requirements. This seems like a time-saving way to avoid writing new pieces entirely, but it often backfires. The result is usually a final piece that's generic, unfocused, or confusing. Always write a new essay for every application, no matter how long it takes.

5. Think About Your Response.

Don't try to guess what the admissions officials want to read. Your essay will be easier to write─and more exciting to read─if you’re genuinely enthusiastic about your subject. Here’s an example: If all your friends are writing application essays about covid-19, it may be a good idea to avoid that topic, unless during the pandemic you had a vivid, life-changing experience you're burning to share. Whatever topic you choose, avoid canned responses. Be creative.

6. Focus on You.

Essay prompts typically give you plenty of latitude, but panel members expect you to focus on a subject that is personal (although not overly intimate) and particular to you. Admissions counselors say the best essays help them learn something about the candidate that they would never know from reading the rest of the application.

7. Stay True to Your Voice.

Use your usual vocabulary. Avoid fancy language you wouldn't use in real life. Imagine yourself reading this essay aloud to a classroom full of people who have never met you. Keep a confident tone. Be wary of words and phrases that undercut that tone.

8. Be Specific and Factual.

Capitalize on real-life experiences. Your essay may give you the time and space to explain why a particular achievement meant so much to you. But resist the urge to exaggerate and embellish. Admissions counselors read thousands of essays each year. They can easily spot a fake.

9. Edit and Proofread.

When you finish the final draft, run it through the spell checker on your computer. Then don’t read your essay for a few days. You'll be more apt to spot typos and awkward grammar when you reread it. After that, ask a teacher, parent, or college student (preferably an English or communications major) to give it a quick read. While you're at it, double-check your word count.

Writing essays for college admission can be daunting, but it doesn't have to be. A well-crafted essay could be the deciding factor─in your favor. Keep these tips in mind, and you'll have no problem creating memorable pieces for every application.

What is the format of a college application essay?

Generally, essays for college admission follow a simple format that includes an opening paragraph, a lengthier body section, and a closing paragraph. You don't need to include a title, which will only take up extra space. Keep in mind that the exact format can vary from one college application to the next. Read the instructions and prompt for more guidance.

Most online applications will include a text box for your essay. If you're attaching it as a document, however, be sure to use a standard, 12-point font and use 1.5-spaced or double-spaced lines, unless the application specifies different font and spacing.

How do you start an essay?

The goal here is to use an attention grabber. Think of it as a way to reel the reader in and interest an admissions officer in what you have to say. There's no trick on how to start a college application essay. The best way you can approach this task is to flex your creative muscles and think outside the box.

You can start with openers such as relevant quotes, exciting anecdotes, or questions. Either way, the first sentence should be unique and intrigue the reader.

What should an essay include?

Every application essay you write should include details about yourself and past experiences. It's another opportunity to make yourself look like a fantastic applicant. Leverage your experiences. Tell a riveting story that fulfills the prompt.

What shouldn’t be included in an essay?

When writing a college application essay, it's usually best to avoid overly personal details and controversial topics. Although these topics might make for an intriguing essay, they can be tricky to express well. If you’re unsure if a topic is appropriate for your essay, check with your school counselor. An essay for college admission shouldn't include a list of achievements or academic accolades either. Your essay isn’t meant to be a rehashing of information the admissions panel can find elsewhere in your application.

How can you make your essay personal and interesting?

The best way to make your essay interesting is to write about something genuinely important to you. That could be an experience that changed your life or a valuable lesson that had an enormous impact on you. Whatever the case, speak from the heart, and be honest.

Is it OK to discuss mental health in an essay?

Mental health struggles can create challenges you must overcome during your education and could be an opportunity for you to show how you’ve handled challenges and overcome obstacles. If you’re considering writing your essay for college admission on this topic, consider talking to your school counselor or with an English teacher on how to frame the essay.

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Sat / act prep online guides and tips, 177 college essay examples for 11 schools + expert analysis.

College Admissions , College Essays

The personal statement might just be the hardest part of your college application. Mostly this is because it has the least guidance and is the most open-ended. One way to understand what colleges are looking for when they ask you to write an essay is to check out the essays of students who already got in—college essays that actually worked. After all, they must be among the most successful of this weird literary genre.

In this article, I'll go through general guidelines for what makes great college essays great. I've also compiled an enormous list of 100+ actual sample college essays from 11 different schools. Finally, I'll break down two of these published college essay examples and explain why and how they work. With links to 177 full essays and essay excerpts , this article is a great resource for learning how to craft your own personal college admissions essay!

What Excellent College Essays Have in Common

Even though in many ways these sample college essays are very different from one other, they do share some traits you should try to emulate as you write your own essay.

Visible Signs of Planning

Building out from a narrow, concrete focus. You'll see a similar structure in many of the essays. The author starts with a very detailed story of an event or description of a person or place. After this sense-heavy imagery, the essay expands out to make a broader point about the author, and connects this very memorable experience to the author's present situation, state of mind, newfound understanding, or maturity level.

Knowing how to tell a story. Some of the experiences in these essays are one-of-a-kind. But most deal with the stuff of everyday life. What sets them apart is the way the author approaches the topic: analyzing it for drama and humor, for its moving qualities, for what it says about the author's world, and for how it connects to the author's emotional life.

Stellar Execution

A killer first sentence. You've heard it before, and you'll hear it again: you have to suck the reader in, and the best place to do that is the first sentence. Great first sentences are punchy. They are like cliffhangers, setting up an exciting scene or an unusual situation with an unclear conclusion, in order to make the reader want to know more. Don't take my word for it—check out these 22 first sentences from Stanford applicants and tell me you don't want to read the rest of those essays to find out what happens!

A lively, individual voice. Writing is for readers. In this case, your reader is an admissions officer who has read thousands of essays before yours and will read thousands after. Your goal? Don't bore your reader. Use interesting descriptions, stay away from clichés, include your own offbeat observations—anything that makes this essay sounds like you and not like anyone else.

Technical correctness. No spelling mistakes, no grammar weirdness, no syntax issues, no punctuation snafus—each of these sample college essays has been formatted and proofread perfectly. If this kind of exactness is not your strong suit, you're in luck! All colleges advise applicants to have their essays looked over several times by parents, teachers, mentors, and anyone else who can spot a comma splice. Your essay must be your own work, but there is absolutely nothing wrong with getting help polishing it.

And if you need more guidance, connect with PrepScholar's expert admissions consultants . These expert writers know exactly what college admissions committees look for in an admissions essay and chan help you craft an essay that boosts your chances of getting into your dream school.

Check out PrepScholar's Essay Editing and Coaching progra m for more details!

Want to write the perfect college application essay? Get professional help from PrepScholar.

Your dedicated PrepScholar Admissions counselor will craft your perfect college essay, from the ground up. We'll learn your background and interests, brainstorm essay topics, and walk you through the essay drafting process, step-by-step. At the end, you'll have a unique essay that you'll proudly submit to your top choice colleges.

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Links to Full College Essay Examples

Some colleges publish a selection of their favorite accepted college essays that worked, and I've put together a selection of over 100 of these.

Common App Essay Samples

Please note that some of these college essay examples may be responding to prompts that are no longer in use. The current Common App prompts are as follows:

1. Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story. 2. The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience? 3. Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome? 4. Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you? 5. Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others. 6. Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?

7. Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

Now, let's get to the good stuff: the list of 177 college essay examples responding to current and past Common App essay prompts. 

Connecticut college.

• 12 Common Application essays from the classes of 2022-2025

Hamilton College

• 7 Common Application essays from the class of 2026
• 7 Common Application essays from the class of 2022
• 7 Common Application essays from the class of 2018
• 8 Common Application essays from the class of 2012
• 8 Common Application essays from the class of 2007

Johns Hopkins

These essays are answers to past prompts from either the Common Application or the Coalition Application (which Johns Hopkins used to accept).

• 1 Common Application or Coalition Application essay from the class of 2026
• 6 Common Application or Coalition Application essays from the class of 2025
• 6 Common Application or Universal Application essays from the class of 2024
• 6 Common Application or Universal Application essays from the class of 2023
• 7 Common Application of Universal Application essays from the class of 2022
• 5 Common Application or Universal Application essays from the class of 2021
• 7 Common Application or Universal Application essays from the class of 2020

Essay Examples Published by Other Websites

• 2 Common Application essays ( 1st essay , 2nd essay ) from applicants admitted to Columbia

Other Sample College Essays

Here is a collection of essays that are college-specific.

Babson College

• 4 essays (and 1 video response) on "Why Babson" from the class of 2020

Emory University

• 5 essay examples ( 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ) from the class of 2020 along with analysis from Emory admissions staff on why the essays were exceptional
• 5 more recent essay examples ( 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ) along with analysis from Emory admissions staff on what made these essays stand out

University of Georgia

• 1 “strong essay” sample from 2019
• 1 “strong essay” sample from 2018
• 10 Harvard essays from 2023
• 10 Harvard essays from 2022
• 10 Harvard essays from 2021
• 10 Harvard essays from 2020
• 10 Harvard essays from 2019
• 10 Harvard essays from 2018
• 6 essays from admitted MIT students

Smith College

• 6 "best gift" essays from the class of 2018

Books of College Essays

If you're looking for even more sample college essays, consider purchasing a college essay book. The best of these include dozens of essays that worked and feedback from real admissions officers.

College Essays That Made a Difference —This detailed guide from Princeton Review includes not only successful essays, but also interviews with admissions officers and full student profiles.

50 Successful Harvard Application Essays by the Staff of the Harvard Crimson—A must for anyone aspiring to Harvard .

50 Successful Ivy League Application Essays and 50 Successful Stanford Application Essays by Gen and Kelly Tanabe—For essays from other top schools, check out this venerated series, which is regularly updated with new essays.

Heavenly Essays by Janine W. Robinson—This collection from the popular blogger behind Essay Hell includes a wider range of schools, as well as helpful tips on honing your own essay.

Analyzing Great Common App Essays That Worked

I've picked two essays from the examples collected above to examine in more depth so that you can see exactly what makes a successful college essay work. Full credit for these essays goes to the original authors and the schools that published them.

Example 1: "Breaking Into Cars," by Stephen, Johns Hopkins Class of '19 (Common App Essay, 636 words long)

I had never broken into a car before.

We were in Laredo, having just finished our first day at a Habitat for Humanity work site. The Hotchkiss volunteers had already left, off to enjoy some Texas BBQ, leaving me behind with the college kids to clean up. Not until we were stranded did we realize we were locked out of the van.

Someone picked a coat hanger out of the dumpster, handed it to me, and took a few steps back.

"Can you do that thing with a coat hanger to unlock it?"

"Why me?" I thought.

More out of amusement than optimism, I gave it a try. I slid the hanger into the window's seal like I'd seen on crime shows, and spent a few minutes jiggling the apparatus around the inside of the frame. Suddenly, two things simultaneously clicked. One was the lock on the door. (I actually succeeded in springing it.) The other was the realization that I'd been in this type of situation before. In fact, I'd been born into this type of situation.

My upbringing has numbed me to unpredictability and chaos. With a family of seven, my home was loud, messy, and spottily supervised. My siblings arguing, the dog barking, the phone ringing—all meant my house was functioning normally. My Dad, a retired Navy pilot, was away half the time. When he was home, he had a parenting style something like a drill sergeant. At the age of nine, I learned how to clear burning oil from the surface of water. My Dad considered this a critical life skill—you know, in case my aircraft carrier should ever get torpedoed. "The water's on fire! Clear a hole!" he shouted, tossing me in the lake without warning. While I'm still unconvinced about that particular lesson's practicality, my Dad's overarching message is unequivocally true: much of life is unexpected, and you have to deal with the twists and turns.

Living in my family, days rarely unfolded as planned. A bit overlooked, a little pushed around, I learned to roll with reality, negotiate a quick deal, and give the improbable a try. I don't sweat the small stuff, and I definitely don't expect perfect fairness. So what if our dining room table only has six chairs for seven people? Someone learns the importance of punctuality every night.

But more than punctuality and a special affinity for musical chairs, my family life has taught me to thrive in situations over which I have no power. Growing up, I never controlled my older siblings, but I learned how to thwart their attempts to control me. I forged alliances, and realigned them as necessary. Sometimes, I was the poor, defenseless little brother; sometimes I was the omniscient elder. Different things to different people, as the situation demanded. I learned to adapt.

Back then, these techniques were merely reactions undertaken to ensure my survival. But one day this fall, Dr. Hicks, our Head of School, asked me a question that he hoped all seniors would reflect on throughout the year: "How can I participate in a thing I do not govern, in the company of people I did not choose?"

The question caught me off guard, much like the question posed to me in Laredo. Then, I realized I knew the answer. I knew why the coat hanger had been handed to me.

Growing up as the middle child in my family, I was a vital participant in a thing I did not govern, in the company of people I did not choose. It's family. It's society. And often, it's chaos. You participate by letting go of the small stuff, not expecting order and perfection, and facing the unexpected with confidence, optimism, and preparedness. My family experience taught me to face a serendipitous world with confidence.

What Makes This Essay Tick?

It's very helpful to take writing apart in order to see just how it accomplishes its objectives. Stephen's essay is very effective. Let's find out why!

An Opening Line That Draws You In

In just eight words, we get: scene-setting (he is standing next to a car about to break in), the idea of crossing a boundary (he is maybe about to do an illegal thing for the first time), and a cliffhanger (we are thinking: is he going to get caught? Is he headed for a life of crime? Is he about to be scared straight?).

Great, Detailed Opening Story

More out of amusement than optimism, I gave it a try. I slid the hanger into the window's seal like I'd seen on crime shows, and spent a few minutes jiggling the apparatus around the inside of the frame.

It's the details that really make this small experience come alive. Notice how whenever he can, Stephen uses a more specific, descriptive word in place of a more generic one. The volunteers aren't going to get food or dinner; they're going for "Texas BBQ." The coat hanger comes from "a dumpster." Stephen doesn't just move the coat hanger—he "jiggles" it.

Details also help us visualize the emotions of the people in the scene. The person who hands Stephen the coat hanger isn't just uncomfortable or nervous; he "takes a few steps back"—a description of movement that conveys feelings. Finally, the detail of actual speech makes the scene pop. Instead of writing that the other guy asked him to unlock the van, Stephen has the guy actually say his own words in a way that sounds like a teenager talking.

Turning a Specific Incident Into a Deeper Insight

Suddenly, two things simultaneously clicked. One was the lock on the door. (I actually succeeded in springing it.) The other was the realization that I'd been in this type of situation before. In fact, I'd been born into this type of situation.

Stephen makes the locked car experience a meaningful illustration of how he has learned to be resourceful and ready for anything, and he also makes this turn from the specific to the broad through an elegant play on the two meanings of the word "click."

Using Concrete Examples When Making Abstract Claims

My upbringing has numbed me to unpredictability and chaos. With a family of seven, my home was loud, messy, and spottily supervised. My siblings arguing, the dog barking, the phone ringing—all meant my house was functioning normally.

"Unpredictability and chaos" are very abstract, not easily visualized concepts. They could also mean any number of things—violence, abandonment, poverty, mental instability. By instantly following up with highly finite and unambiguous illustrations like "family of seven" and "siblings arguing, the dog barking, the phone ringing," Stephen grounds the abstraction in something that is easy to picture: a large, noisy family.

Using Small Bits of Humor and Casual Word Choice

My Dad, a retired Navy pilot, was away half the time. When he was home, he had a parenting style something like a drill sergeant. At the age of nine, I learned how to clear burning oil from the surface of water. My Dad considered this a critical life skill—you know, in case my aircraft carrier should ever get torpedoed.

Obviously, knowing how to clean burning oil is not high on the list of things every 9-year-old needs to know. To emphasize this, Stephen uses sarcasm by bringing up a situation that is clearly over-the-top: "in case my aircraft carrier should ever get torpedoed."

The humor also feels relaxed. Part of this is because he introduces it with the colloquial phrase "you know," so it sounds like he is talking to us in person. This approach also diffuses the potential discomfort of the reader with his father's strictness—since he is making jokes about it, clearly he is OK. Notice, though, that this doesn't occur very much in the essay. This helps keep the tone meaningful and serious rather than flippant.

An Ending That Stretches the Insight Into the Future

But one day this fall, Dr. Hicks, our Head of School, asked me a question that he hoped all seniors would reflect on throughout the year: "How can I participate in a thing I do not govern, in the company of people I did not choose?"

The ending of the essay reveals that Stephen's life has been one long preparation for the future. He has emerged from chaos and his dad's approach to parenting as a person who can thrive in a world that he can't control.

This connection of past experience to current maturity and self-knowledge is a key element in all successful personal essays. Colleges are very much looking for mature, self-aware applicants. These are the qualities of successful college students, who will be able to navigate the independence college classes require and the responsibility and quasi-adulthood of college life.

What Could This Essay Do Even Better?

Even the best essays aren't perfect, and even the world's greatest writers will tell you that writing is never "finished"—just "due." So what would we tweak in this essay if we could?

Replace some of the clichéd language. Stephen uses handy phrases like "twists and turns" and "don't sweat the small stuff" as a kind of shorthand for explaining his relationship to chaos and unpredictability. But using too many of these ready-made expressions runs the risk of clouding out your own voice and replacing it with something expected and boring.

Use another example from recent life. Stephen's first example (breaking into the van in Laredo) is a great illustration of being resourceful in an unexpected situation. But his essay also emphasizes that he "learned to adapt" by being "different things to different people." It would be great to see how this plays out outside his family, either in the situation in Laredo or another context.

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Example 2: By Renner Kwittken, Tufts Class of '23 (Common App Essay, 645 words long)

My first dream job was to be a pickle truck driver. I saw it in my favorite book, Richard Scarry's "Cars and Trucks and Things That Go," and for some reason, I was absolutely obsessed with the idea of driving a giant pickle. Much to the discontent of my younger sister, I insisted that my parents read us that book as many nights as possible so we could find goldbug, a small little golden bug, on every page. I would imagine the wonderful life I would have: being a pig driving a giant pickle truck across the country, chasing and finding goldbug. I then moved on to wanting to be a Lego Master. Then an architect. Then a surgeon.

Then I discovered a real goldbug: gold nanoparticles that can reprogram macrophages to assist in killing tumors, produce clear images of them without sacrificing the subject, and heat them to obliteration.

Suddenly the destination of my pickle was clear.

I quickly became enveloped by the world of nanomedicine; I scoured articles about liposomes, polymeric micelles, dendrimers, targeting ligands, and self-assembling nanoparticles, all conquering cancer in some exotic way. Completely absorbed, I set out to find a mentor to dive even deeper into these topics. After several rejections, I was immensely grateful to receive an invitation to work alongside Dr. Sangeeta Ray at Johns Hopkins.

In the lab, Dr. Ray encouraged a great amount of autonomy to design and implement my own procedures. I chose to attack a problem that affects the entire field of nanomedicine: nanoparticles consistently fail to translate from animal studies into clinical trials. Jumping off recent literature, I set out to see if a pre-dose of a common chemotherapeutic could enhance nanoparticle delivery in aggressive prostate cancer, creating three novel constructs based on three different linear polymers, each using fluorescent dye (although no gold, sorry goldbug!). Though using radioactive isotopes like Gallium and Yttrium would have been incredible, as a 17-year-old, I unfortunately wasn't allowed in the same room as these radioactive materials (even though I took a Geiger counter to a pair of shoes and found them to be slightly dangerous).

I hadn't expected my hypothesis to work, as the research project would have ideally been led across two full years. Yet while there are still many optimizations and revisions to be done, I was thrilled to find -- with completely new nanoparticles that may one day mean future trials will use particles with the initials "RK-1" -- thatcyclophosphamide did indeed increase nanoparticle delivery to the tumor in a statistically significant way.

A secondary, unexpected research project was living alone in Baltimore, a new city to me, surrounded by people much older than I. Even with moving frequently between hotels, AirBnB's, and students' apartments, I strangely reveled in the freedom I had to enjoy my surroundings and form new friendships with graduate school students from the lab. We explored The Inner Harbor at night, attended a concert together one weekend, and even got to watch the Orioles lose (to nobody's surprise). Ironically, it's through these new friendships I discovered something unexpected: what I truly love is sharing research. Whether in a presentation or in a casual conversation, making others interested in science is perhaps more exciting to me than the research itself. This solidified a new pursuit to angle my love for writing towards illuminating science in ways people can understand, adding value to a society that can certainly benefit from more scientific literacy.

It seems fitting that my goals are still transforming: in Scarry's book, there is not just one goldbug, there is one on every page. With each new experience, I'm learning that it isn't the goldbug itself, but rather the act of searching for the goldbugs that will encourage, shape, and refine my ever-evolving passions. Regardless of the goldbug I seek -- I know my pickle truck has just begun its journey.

Renner takes a somewhat different approach than Stephen, but their essay is just as detailed and engaging. Let's go through some of the strengths of this essay.

One Clear Governing Metaphor

This essay is ultimately about two things: Renner’s dreams and future career goals, and Renner’s philosophy on goal-setting and achieving one’s dreams.

But instead of listing off all the amazing things they’ve done to pursue their dream of working in nanomedicine, Renner tells a powerful, unique story instead. To set up the narrative, Renner opens the essay by connecting their experiences with goal-setting and dream-chasing all the way back to a memorable childhood experience:

This lighthearted–but relevant!--story about the moment when Renner first developed a passion for a specific career (“finding the goldbug”) provides an anchor point for the rest of the essay. As Renner pivots to describing their current dreams and goals–working in nanomedicine–the metaphor of “finding the goldbug” is reflected in Renner’s experiments, rejections, and new discoveries.

Though Renner tells multiple stories about their quest to “find the goldbug,” or, in other words, pursue their passion, each story is connected by a unifying theme; namely, that as we search and grow over time, our goals will transform…and that’s okay! By the end of the essay, Renner uses the metaphor of “finding the goldbug” to reiterate the relevance of the opening story:

While the earlier parts of the essay convey Renner’s core message by showing, the final, concluding paragraph sums up Renner’s insights by telling. By briefly and clearly stating the relevance of the goldbug metaphor to their own philosophy on goals and dreams, Renner demonstrates their creativity, insight, and eagerness to grow and evolve as the journey continues into college.

An Engaging, Individual Voice

This essay uses many techniques that make Renner sound genuine and make the reader feel like we already know them.

Technique #1: humor. Notice Renner's gentle and relaxed humor that lightly mocks their younger self's grand ambitions (this is different from the more sarcastic kind of humor used by Stephen in the first essay—you could never mistake one writer for the other).

My first dream job was to be a pickle truck driver.

I would imagine the wonderful life I would have: being a pig driving a giant pickle truck across the country, chasing and finding goldbug. I then moved on to wanting to be a Lego Master. Then an architect. Then a surgeon.

Renner gives a great example of how to use humor to your advantage in college essays. You don’t want to come off as too self-deprecating or sarcastic, but telling a lightheartedly humorous story about your younger self that also showcases how you’ve grown and changed over time can set the right tone for your entire essay.

Technique #2: intentional, eye-catching structure. The second technique is the way Renner uses a unique structure to bolster the tone and themes of their essay . The structure of your essay can have a major impact on how your ideas come across…so it’s important to give it just as much thought as the content of your essay!

For instance, Renner does a great job of using one-line paragraphs to create dramatic emphasis and to make clear transitions from one phase of the story to the next:

Suddenly the destination of my pickle car was clear.

Not only does the one-liner above signal that Renner is moving into a new phase of the narrative (their nanoparticle research experiences), it also tells the reader that this is a big moment in Renner’s story. It’s clear that Renner made a major discovery that changed the course of their goal pursuit and dream-chasing. Through structure, Renner conveys excitement and entices the reader to keep pushing forward to the next part of the story.

Technique #3: playing with syntax. The third technique is to use sentences of varying length, syntax, and structure. Most of the essay's written in standard English and uses grammatically correct sentences. However, at key moments, Renner emphasizes that the reader needs to sit up and pay attention by switching to short, colloquial, differently punctuated, and sometimes fragmented sentences.

Even with moving frequently between hotels, AirBnB's, and students' apartments, I strangely reveled in the freedom I had to enjoy my surroundings and form new friendships with graduate school students from the lab. We explored The Inner Harbor at night, attended a concert together one weekend, and even got to watch the Orioles lose (to nobody's surprise). Ironically, it's through these new friendships I discovered something unexpected: what I truly love is sharing research.

In the examples above, Renner switches adeptly between long, flowing sentences and quippy, telegraphic ones. At the same time, Renner uses these different sentence lengths intentionally. As they describe their experiences in new places, they use longer sentences to immerse the reader in the sights, smells, and sounds of those experiences. And when it’s time to get a big, key idea across, Renner switches to a short, punchy sentence to stop the reader in their tracks.

The varying syntax and sentence lengths pull the reader into the narrative and set up crucial “aha” moments when it’s most important…which is a surefire way to make any college essay stand out.

Renner's essay is very strong, but there are still a few little things that could be improved.

Connecting the research experiences to the theme of “finding the goldbug.”  The essay begins and ends with Renner’s connection to the idea of “finding the goldbug.” And while this metaphor is deftly tied into the essay’s intro and conclusion, it isn’t entirely clear what Renner’s big findings were during the research experiences that are described in the middle of the essay. It would be great to add a sentence or two stating what Renner’s big takeaways (or “goldbugs”) were from these experiences, which add more cohesion to the essay as a whole.

Give more details about discovering the world of nanomedicine. It makes sense that Renner wants to get into the details of their big research experiences as quickly as possible. After all, these are the details that show Renner’s dedication to nanomedicine! But a smoother transition from the opening pickle car/goldbug story to Renner’s “real goldbug” of nanoparticles would help the reader understand why nanoparticles became Renner’s goldbug. Finding out why Renner is so motivated to study nanomedicine–and perhaps what put them on to this field of study–would help readers fully understand why Renner chose this path in the first place.

4 Essential Tips for Writing Your Own Essay

How can you use this discussion to better your own college essay? Here are some suggestions for ways to use this resource effectively.

#1: Get Help From the Experts

Getting your college applications together takes a lot of work and can be pretty intimidatin g. Essays are even more important than ever now that admissions processes are changing and schools are going test-optional and removing diversity standards thanks to new Supreme Court rulings .  If you want certified expert help that really makes a difference, get started with  PrepScholar’s Essay Editing and Coaching program. Our program can help you put together an incredible essay from idea to completion so that your application stands out from the crowd. We've helped students get into the best colleges in the United States, including Harvard, Stanford, and Yale.  If you're ready to take the next step and boost your odds of getting into your dream school, connect with our experts today .

#2: Read Other Essays to Get Ideas for Your Own

As you go through the essays we've compiled for you above, ask yourself the following questions:

• Can you explain to yourself (or someone else!) why the opening sentence works well?
• Look for the essay's detailed personal anecdote. What senses is the author describing? Can you easily picture the scene in your mind's eye?
• Find the place where this anecdote bridges into a larger insight about the author. How does the essay connect the two? How does the anecdote work as an example of the author's characteristic, trait, or skill?
• Check out the essay's tone. If it's funny, can you find the places where the humor comes from? If it's sad and moving, can you find the imagery and description of feelings that make you moved? If it's serious, can you see how word choice adds to this tone?

Make a note whenever you find an essay or part of an essay that you think was particularly well-written, and think about what you like about it . Is it funny? Does it help you really get to know the writer? Does it show what makes the writer unique? Once you have your list, keep it next to you while writing your essay to remind yourself to try and use those same techniques in your own essay.

#3: Find Your "A-Ha!" Moment

All of these essays rely on connecting with the reader through a heartfelt, highly descriptive scene from the author's life. It can either be very dramatic (did you survive a plane crash?) or it can be completely mundane (did you finally beat your dad at Scrabble?). Either way, it should be personal and revealing about you, your personality, and the way you are now that you are entering the adult world.

Check out essays by authors like John Jeremiah Sullivan , Leslie Jamison , Hanif Abdurraqib , and Esmé Weijun Wang to get more examples of how to craft a compelling personal narrative.

#4: Start Early, Revise Often

Let me level with you: the best writing isn't writing at all. It's rewriting. And in order to have time to rewrite, you have to start way before the application deadline. My advice is to write your first draft at least two months before your applications are due.

Let it sit for a few days untouched. Then come back to it with fresh eyes and think critically about what you've written. What's extra? What's missing? What is in the wrong place? What doesn't make sense? Don't be afraid to take it apart and rearrange sections. Do this several times over, and your essay will be much better for it!

For more editing tips, check out a style guide like Dreyer's English or Eats, Shoots & Leaves .

What's Next?

Still not sure which colleges you want to apply to? Our experts will show you how to make a college list that will help you choose a college that's right for you.

Interested in learning more about college essays? Check out our detailed breakdown of exactly how personal statements work in an application , some suggestions on what to avoid when writing your essay , and our guide to writing about your extracurricular activities .

Working on the rest of your application? Read what admissions officers wish applicants knew before applying .

Want to improve your SAT score by 160 points or your ACT score by 4 points? We've written a guide for each test about the top 5 strategies you must be using to have a shot at improving your score. Download it for free now:

The recommendations in this post are based solely on our knowledge and experience. If you purchase an item through one of our links PrepScholar may receive a commission.

Anna scored in the 99th percentile on her SATs in high school, and went on to major in English at Princeton and to get her doctorate in English Literature at Columbia. She is passionate about improving student access to higher education.

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How to Get a Perfect 36 ACT, by a Perfect Scorer

Series: How to Get 36 on Each ACT Section:

36 on ACT English

36 on ACT Math

36 on ACT Reading

36 on ACT Science

Series: How to Get to 24 on Each ACT Section:

24 on ACT English

24 on ACT Math

24 on ACT Reading

24 on ACT Science

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ACT Vocabulary You Must Know

ACT Writing: 15 Tips to Raise Your Essay Score

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What Exactly Are Colleges Looking For?

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Should you retake your SAT or ACT?

When should you take the SAT or ACT?

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