Making Your Simmons Family Nurse Practitioner Application Stand Out

Finding a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program that’s right for you is a process. There are faculty members to talk with, graduates to interview, and curricula to examine. It takes time to find a program that not only fits your schedule, but more importantly, shares your vision for advanced practice nursing. But did you ever think about all the other nursing applicants who are doing the same thing? During the admissions process, you’re sure to be up against nursing applicants of all types with many different strengths. Presenting yourself well and helping your application stand out can boost your chance of admission and help you achieve your dream to become an advanced practice nurse.

A solid resume is an essential component of your Simmons application. Your resume should be clearly written with your most recent nursing position listed first. Make sure to list key points about your job and the skills you have used in this position. In addition to employment, your resume should include any research you have been involved in or leadership roles you have held. Community service, continuing education activities, and volunteer services should be listed individually. Remember that your resume should present a clear picture of your nursing career, so this is not the time to be humble. Be certain that you use this opportunity to display your skills and how they will make you a great FNP.

A statement of purpose is a common requirement of many graduate nursing programs. It is designed to help the admissions team find out more about who you are and what drives you to want to be a FNP. This component will require time and should showcase your thoughts and feelings in a well-organized manner.

Admissions staff will be looking for written work that flows well, is free from grammatical or spelling errors, and content that demonstrates a passion for the FNP role. Before you begin, you should ensure that you understand the Simmons educational mission and culture so that you can speak to why you would be a good fit for the program.
You essay should answer these questions:

It is a good idea to show your statement of purpose to a trusted friend or family member for proofreading and topic adherence before submitting it. Remember that your statement should only be one to two pages long, so make sure you are concise.

Three letters of recommendation are required with your application. This component is very important, so be sure to choose three professional recommenders who can speak to your ability to succeed as a FNP. Choose leaders who you know well and have a solid and positive professional relationship with. Speak directly with your selected recommenders and tell them how important their letter will be. Share your motivation so they will take their role more seriously.

Nursing@Simmons recommends that your letters come from three types of recommenders:

Tracking down transcripts can sometimes feel tricky, but your application will not be complete without them. You will need to request transcripts from every educational institution you have attended, even if you transferred or didn’t graduate. Unofficial transcripts may be sent and faculty may make a decision based on these, but official transcripts must be submitted for formal acceptance into the program.

Please direct your educational institutions to submit transcripts to:

Simmons University
Application Processing Center
Nursing@Simmons
PO Box 30096 [015-002]
College Station, TX 77842

Remember as you build your application to keep your goal of becoming a FNP at the center of every component you present. Highlight your background, skills, and abilities, and clearly present how these skills will make you a successful FNP candidate. Proofread all of your work and make sure every piece and person who will represent you during this process communicates your dedication and commitment to advanced nursing practice.