MSN – Steps for Application:
- Applications are completed through the UCA Graduate School. To apply, go to the UCA Graduate School application. Applicants will need to set-up a new account by clicking on the “First timer use account creation.” Students that have been previous UCA students still need to create an account. Applicants will put in their name, birthdate, and email address and a PIN number will be sent to the email provided. A password will then be created. The School of Nursing has additional requirements for admission that will be uploaded into the UCA Graduate School application. (see below)
- Transcripts can be electronically sent to the UCA Graduate School team at: ucagradschool@uca.edu
- If transcripts are mailed, address to: UCA Graduate School, 201 Donaghey Avenue, Torreyson West 328, Conway AR 72035
International students – Submit your application to the Office of International Engagement.
Applicants that have questions should contact the UCA Graduate School Admissions team at 501-450-3124 or email ucagradschool@uca.edu.
UCA School of Nursing Application Requirements:
Applicants must submit the following documents to be considered for admission. All required documents are uploaded to the applicant’s UCA Graduate School application portal.
- Undergraduate nursing students preparing to graduate should obtain a letter from the Dean or the Director of their nursing school stating expected graduation date verifying current enrollment.
- Cover letter
- Resume
- Interview
Directions:
Formatted as a Cover Letter
- Explain to the graduate program selection committee in one page, as if applying for a job, why you should be offered a seat in the UCA School of Nursing Graduate Program. Use the rubric to guide your letter..
Format: Use Word format, 12 pt. Time New Roman font with 1-inch margin, 1 page.
| Satisfactory – 5 | Developing – 3 | Unsatisfactory – 1 | |
| Opening Paragraph | The applicant provides an opening paragraph that is well written and provokes the interest of the selection committee. Rationales for choosing the desired track (MSN or DNP) are concisely and clearly stated. | The applicant provides an opening paragraph that is fairly well written, but does not necessarily leave a strong impression on the selection committee. Rationales for desired track are included but not clearly stated. | The applicant provides an opening paragraph that is poorly written and does not leave a strong impression on the selection committee. Rationales for the desired track are superficial or missing. |
| Middle Paragraph | In the middle paragraph, the applicant details professional achievements and qualifications that will enhance their success as a graduate student in the UCA School of Nursing. | In the middle paragraph, the applicant provides some information regarding professional achievements and qualifications that will enhance their success as a graduate student in the UCA School of Nursing. | In the middle paragraph, the student fails to provide sufficient information regarding professional achievements and qualifications that will enhance their success as a graduate student in the UCA School of Nursing. |
| Closing Paragraph | In the closing paragraph, the applicant provides robust information outlining personal characteristics that will enhance their success as a graduate student in the UCA School of Nursing.
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In the closing paragraph, the applicant provides some information outlining personal characteristics that will enhance their success as a graduate student in the UCA School of Nursing. | In the closing paragraph, the applicant provides limited information outlining personal characteristics that will enhance their success as a graduate student in the UCA School of Nursing. |
| Layout | The cover letter is well organized, concise, and follows guidelines. | The cover letter is fairly organized and/or follows most of the guidelines. | The cover letter is poorly organized and/or does not follow guidelines. |
| Writing Skills | Well-structured sentences that are fluent and clear with minimal errors in writing mechanics (i.e., grammar, punctuation, spelling, sentence structure, and word usage). | Structured sentences that are fairly clear with few errors in writing mechanics (i.e., grammar, punctuation, spelling, sentence structure, and word usage). | Sentences are not structured or clear. There are significant errors in writing mechanics (i.e., grammar, punctuation, spelling, sentence structure, and word usage). |
| Format | Cover letter is no more than one page with evidence of proofreading. | Cover letter is no more than one page, but there is little evidence of proofreading. | Cover letter is more than one page and/or shows no evidence of proofreading. |
Resume – An abbreviated resume containing the following information:
- Education
- Licensure
- Certifications (if applicable)
- Work History
Completed applications will be reviewed by the School of Nursing . Each applicant will be assigned to a faculty team that will grade the cover letter and complete the interview. The results for each applicant will be weighted with the GPA to determine applicant rank.
