UTC

[TSICU83]

Anyone else on here apply to UT Chattanooga this year? I now the deadline is past...anyone know by what method they contact you for an interview? I'm thinking maybe they do it be email since I received a letter saying I was admitted to the graduate school as a provisional student and they assigned me a UTC email address.

[FockerRN]

I applied. No idea about how they contact you or when.

[SuperSleeper]

They sent us a letter letting us know when the interviews were. We had to call and let them know we accepted an interview and then we were told what day and time to come. Interviews were over 2 days and broken into sessions. The timing was our choice (1st come, first serve).

Good luck.

[TSICU83]

Thanks for the info supersleeper. Would you mind sharing anything that you remember about the interview style and/or how you like the program? I would appreciate it, thanks.....and FockerRn good luck to you, I'll post here if I here anything.

[SuperSleeper]

It's a panel interview. You go in and answer a few get-to-know-you questions. The remainder of the interview is basically based off your answers to that. If you don't want to talk about it, don't bring it up. Period. Of course, you can't stop them from pulling it out of thin air themselves...

The whole interview, itself, takes about 15 or so minutes. You will feel like pigs to the slaughter before. Some people feel like they've been held at gunpoint for hours after, and some are pleasantly surprised with how it went. Everyone handles it differently.

There are usually a couple of students there to talk with you before and after.

Good luck.

[FockerRN]

When did you receive the invitation letters for the interview?

[bgcornel]

I received my provisional letter today, haven't checked my UTC e-mail yet. Anyone else heard anything about interviews?

[lionkingfan56]

I recieved a letter saying all my stuff was in a few weeks ago and that the deadline was August 1st. I haven't heard anything interview wise though. Good luck to everyone!

[TSICU83]

I still haven't heard a thing from UTC except for the initial graduate school provisional acceptance letter. The wait is absolutely agonizing though I must say. Especially since I applied elsewhere but I am extremely interested in this particular program. I hope I am at least granted an interview, and I wish the rest of you the best of luck as well.

[FockerRN]

Unless anyone who has interviewed can tell me different, my understanding from doing some searching on this site is that interviews won't be until November. That means that invitations are probably not going to go out until October and offers won't happen until the beginning of December. Can anyone tell me any differently?

This seems to be the case because when I searched for UTC/Chattanooga the "I got accepted"'s and "So, how is this interview going to go?"'s all were posted in December and November respectively.

Anyway, please correct me if I am wrong but the UTC website also says something about offers going out ~5 months prior to classes starting which would be in December.

It will be an agonizing :ugh: 4 months.

[lionkingfan56]

It's just an interview Focker! Haha, sorry couldn't resist. Yeah I have seen in past threads that it's November before interviews are given. Strange then that they would make the deadline August 1st :S.

[TSICU83]

Yea I was thinking interview invitations would go out earlier since the application deadline was so much sooner compared to the other programs I am applying to. I guess the waiting game begins. I am with you focker, this is going to drive me crazy which I guess is a pretty short trip these days. Anyway I ordered some books on amazon to bide my time including a copy of Watchful Care that is supposedly a really good read especially before interview time!

[lionkingfan56]

I called the secretary yesterday and she said the letters should be out by next week. Something about the delay was something in the Graduate college. Here's to hoping and waiting (and drinking while waiting).

[TSICU83]

Well that is good news....then at least if I am not given an interview all of the anticipation and apprehension will be over. Thanks for the Intel lionkning. By the way how did you contact them...did you get a number from the website? Also hope your interview at Rush went well.

[HopefulCRNA]

Just heard that interviews will be NOV 5 & 6.
Basically they give an interview to anyone who meets the requirements.
Good luck everyone!

[TSICU83]

I'm curious to know the source of your information and the "requirements" you speak of. If you are talking about the minimum requirements then I doubt that they interview everyone who meets those. Most schools I have spoken with cut the pool almost in half for the interviews and then narrow from there. However, I do not have any inside information on this schools practices. Let us know if you do!

[HopefulCRNA]

The interview dates came from the assistant director of the program via e-mail. (I have a vacation scheduled in oct and was concerned about the interview being at the same time). From what I have discussed with others, we have deducted from our conversations with faculty, that almost everyone whom meets the requirements gets an interview. I would not quote them as saying that, but I would put my bet on it. Now with that said, I am not sure what the applicant pool is like this year. I personally know at least 15 people who are applying, which is a lot more than previous years. Hope that clears it up for you, if you still don't believe me then I guess you will have to wait for a letter in the mail.

[TSICU83]

Hey Hopeful - I wasn't saying that I didn't believe you, rather I was just shocked that the faculty would actually interview everyone that met the minimum requirements. Especially given that the applicant pool is supposed to be quite large this year as you also suggest. Anyway it sounds like you must have some insider information which I lack. I actually am from out of state and do not personally know any current or former students or any of the faculty. So thank you for the great information and good luck to you as well.

[SuperSleeper]

Unless they have drastically changed the plan from previous years, they do not intervew "everyone" who meets the criteria. There is a screen. They interview a good number of applicants every year, but don't extend an invitation to all who apply and meet minimum. The applicant pool is filled with tons of people who have top notch backgrounds so it may appear as if that is the case. Some may just meet minimum baseline, but they may also have some outstanding "other" aspect to their CV. Last couple of years, at least, they interviewed approx 60-75 for about 25 seats. There were many more applicants than that.

[tnwannabe]

just joined this forum..... i applied to utc as well haven't heard anything yet as well. Just got an interview with UT Memphis Health Science center...does anyone know about this interview format or what I can expect? Thanks y'all:nurse:

[medic7577]

Pertaining to interview @ UT Memphis:

From what I have been told, interview will be with the PD and a faculty member. Not 100% sure bout clinical ?'s or not, but there will be an essay at the end of the interview (topic given at interview).

I am interviewing on the 22nd, when is yours?

griff

[tnwannabe]

My interview is on the 23rd. We have to write an essay at the end of the interview? I was told by someone that this is not a clinical question interview, but more focused on experiences.. let me know if you hear anything else:) This is my first interview...not sure how to prepare for this setup. Any advice?

[guymsnrn]

Hi. I received a phone call confirming an interview at UTC in November. They gave me a choice of the 5th or 6th. Very nice people :) These are the only interview days. As far as I know. The reason they called is I live in Hawaii, and need to make special travel plans. They stated official letters will be delivered soon but did not specify. Any insight on the interview panel?

[guymsnrn]

I have an interview this November. How many panel members? Is it like CSUF with 16 friendy faces staring you down waiting for you to vomit?

[lionkingfan56]

Congrads guy! Great to hear, now I can hope to get my letter soon haha. Let me know what you hear. So leaving Oahu to move to Tennessee? I really enjoyed Diamond Head and Maui when I was out there..

[bgcornel]

Have they sent out all the invites? Where they electronic or by snail mail. Hoping things just take a little longer to get to south texas.

[bgcornel]

How random, I hadn't even gotten off the computer and I got the best morning suprise ever. An interview offer at UT Memphis Sept 23. I just got off a 14 hour shift and have to be back at work in 6 hours but don't know if I can sleep. Congrats to everyone else that received invites. See ya there. Brian

[guymsnrn]

Thanks lionking. I will miss Oahu I have been here for 10 years. I hear Tennessee is beautiful country it sounds like a great place to be sequestered to study anesthesia. I'll have to get my surf fix when finished. I hope you hear from UTC soon. I am looking at Diamond Head and she's calling you back.:) Aloha.

[lionkingfan56]

C'mon baby! I have a feeling..this is the week we all find out (I pray it is at least :S)

[TSICU83]

Yea no kiddin...I hope so as well, the suspense is killin me here

[bgcornel]

Anyone hear anything from UTC? The admissions folks said the invites last week just went to the folks in MS and off the mainland. Anyone else heard anything?

[jzeyen1]

I haven't heard anything yet.... Still patiently waiting :)

[lionkingfan56]

Yeah this isn't too much fun, good thing I've got the Cardiac ICU to keep me occupied until it arrives :D.

[tnwannabe]

okay..... has anybody heard anything? I haven't but went on website and saw that the interview dates are posted....can someone give me some info here? Confused....

[TSICU83]

Well I can't help you out, but I can join you In the state of complete and utter confusion. I too found the interview dates posted and began to worry that I must just be out. However, I personally know others who have applied as well as people on this board. No one that I talked to has heard a thing past the initial graduate school acceptance letter that arrived quickly after my materials were all turned in. I have no idea what is taking so long and my bewilderment is growing by the day......so you're not alone. :dontknow:

[cyndrapo]

Where on the website did you find the interview dates? I looked and cannot find!

Thanks

[TSICU83]

under the tab "the program" select "news and events". You will see the dates for the Mississippi interviews and the Chattanooga interviews.

[lionkingfan56]

Yeah, this waiting isn't too much fun, oh well, I've been studying and am taking my CCRN tomorrow so, fun stuff.

[SuperSleeper]

Everyone needs to just chill out and relax a little. It's out of your hands and no amount of freaking out will make it happen sooner. lol.

The interview dates are pre-planned dates that the program has decided on in order to accomodate all of the schedules for those involved in interviewing the prospectives. You will hear soon enough. I know it is hard, I was there not very long ago, but, go about your life and it will come faster.

deep breath......

[TSICU83]

Well said my friend....nothing will change or hasten the decision process at this time. I feel I've prepared myself to be a competitive applicant and my future now rests in the hands of others. Although that is a rough pill to swallow for certain personality types such as myself. In the grand scheme of things I'm sure this nerve racking time is but a mere walk in the park in comparison to the things that are to come in anesthesia school. So thanks for the reality check and you are correct, one must try to focus on the tasks at hand. What the future holds for us all will make itself known soon enough I'm sure.

[NeuroCVICURN]

Called them this morning. Said that they were going through accreditation last week so letters should go out this week. The suspense has been killing me and now if I get an interview with UTC, the dates will coincide with another program's interview dates. Can I handle two interviews in 2 days?! :eek5:

[SuperSleeper]

If you can get there by any form of transit, the answer is, "yes."

[cyndrapo]

Called them this morning. Said that they were going through accreditation last week so letters should go out this week. The suspense has been killing me and now if I get an interview with UTC, the dates will coincide with another program's interview dates. Can I handle two interviews in 2 days?! :eek5:


I think I'm going to have the same problem! What other program do you know is having interviews that week? :hmmmm2:

[NeuroCVICURN]

I applied to UNCC as well and their interview dates are November 5th and 7th.

[cyndrapo]

Yep same here. Only I haven't officially been invited to UNCC yet, they just sent my app to CMC, so I'm waiting for the second half of the approval before I potentially get the interview invite. I like the way they do their interviewing, you only are competing against those in your same interview pool, not everyone in all 3 interview sessions.

:focus: So yes I've gotta figure out the travel arrangements too if I end up getting both interviews

[MURSE13]

Well it sounds as if I am in the same boat as everyone else. I have applied and not heard anything, but after reading the post's i am soothed for the moment. Hopefully I will be getting a letter soon.

[MURSE13]

Called them this morning. Said that they were going through accreditation last week so letters should go out this week.


I called this morning the she told me they would go out this week or next. So since its thursday hopefully we should get letters by the end of next week. Good Luck to all.

[TSICU83]

anyone heard anything?.....This is my first time applying to CRNA programs but I must say that I am shocked to be less than 1 month away from the scheduled interview days with no correspondence one way or the other from the school. I have been through a few school related application/selection processes before and I would think that a notification of at least 1 month in advance would be appropriate. Anyway.....just concerned concerned/anxious.

[tnwannabe]

i feel ya.... heard nothing

[NeuroCVICURN]

I totally agree. I would think that they would know that we have lives i.e. jobs that we need to work around. :tsk: Even more so for me because I have another interview that week and need to be able to coordinate the travel plans. Very frustrating :ugh2:

[MURSE13]

Yea I have been anxiously awaiting the letter this week. Hopefully it will come soon enough.

[NeuroCVICURN]

My fellow nervous applicants,

Called UTC and she said that they just came back from interviewing the Mississippi applicants and that letters really should go out this week. She said if I don't hear anything to call her back and to "hold on." As if I haven't been holding on for weeks already :grumble: :frusty:

[guymsnrn]

I just got off the phone with the secretary, they will be sending letters by the end of the week. So lets just relax, take some nice deep breaths....That's the way nice deep breaths.....AHHHH!

[TSICU83]

I emailed the program director and received a short response stating that they apologize for the delay and letters should be out no later than Friday.

[lionkingfan56]

I hope it's via e-mail. Plane tickets seem to be expensive if you only buy them a week ahead of time.

[TSICU83]

Yea I wish it was e-mail but I am quite positive that it is good old fashioned snail mail. I agree that it is not very considerate of those who are from out of state regarding travel preparations. Even if the letters are sent out by Friday for sure this time, that puts the out of state-ers under two weeks away from the interview date by the time we get the letter. Airfare will not be cheap and I doubt many of us would be able to get multiple days off on short notice that would be needed for car travel.

[lionkingfan56]

Just received the letter in the mail! I have an interview on November 5th at 7 A.M. A bit early, but worth it! Good luck to everyone!

[TXGas]

Good luck Lion. Hope you nail it

[TSICU83]

Congrats Lion...I just got my letter today as well! I still need to call and schedule my time but I am definitely amped about a chance to interview. It is probably my top choice program so hopefully all goes well. Anyone know how many they interview vs. the number they accept? I have heard something like 60 interviews for 20-something slots?

[FockerRN]

Worked last night so I was sleeping this afternoon. Since the day this thread started I always keep something to check the internet next to the bed so I can check this site as soon as I wake up. Until now it has only been more waiting but today I woke at 3 and checked. Lo and behold people had started hearing so I rushed out of bed and out to the mailbox and what to my wondering eyes did I observe? A GOLDEN TICKET!! (Willy Wonka songs are streaming through my head right now and I am expecting UTC to have Oompa Loompas on staff, but I digress.)

Now that we are starting to get letters does anyone know what the interviews at UTC are like? Very clinical? Mostly personal? A little of both? CCRN questions? What are they looking for?

Congrats Lion and TS! It turns out that it was worth the wait.

Gaylord Focker, RN

[NeuroCVICURN]

After much frustration and anticipation, I received my letter today as well. :cool2: I'm with Focker, anyone know anything about the schedule for interview day?

[guymsnrn]

Congrats everyone. I spoke with secretary and asked her what type of interview, technical, social, get to know you. She was a little vague with her response. However, she was on the panel last year and stated the interview was "grueling". Also, she informed me to plan to spend the afternoon on the campus. Good luck everyone. I hope we can all meet in May. Aloha

[SuperSleeper]

To answer some of your questions, more clinical than not, and...see my posts at the beginning of this thread.

P.s. If you bring something up, know what you are talking about down to the cellular level: drugs, receptors, patho, they like the path of the swan-ganz, clotting cascade, cardiac tamponade, too. They want to see how you assimilate information and handle high-stress situations.

[TSICU83]

Got my interview scheduled for Friday morning...anyone else gonna be there on Fri?

[FockerRN]

I'll be there Friday in the afternoon.

[TSICU83]

cool...maybe i'll cya there then

[cobrastang]

I received my acceptance letter on December 16, 1998. Great Christmas present that year!

[lionkingfan56]

I'm at work right now. As soon as I get off, I'm headed to Kansas City International to fly to Chattanooga. I'm there Thursday at 7 A.M. Will I see any of you there? Best of luck to everyone (not too much luck though :salook: )

[TSICU83]

Lion-
My interview is on fri. at 0930...but I fly in on thurs around noonish I think...try to compose myself after 4 nights on. I'm at work as well with a sick as sh** trauma patient that just got swaned, maybe a good scenario to bring up for my interview this week.....good luck to all!!

[lionkingfan56]

Yeah I thought about bringing up the ECMO I had a few weeks ago, but they may ask me something I don't know, lol, they are complicated patients.

[NeuroCVICURN]

I'll be there on Thursday at 9:30am. I'm not super nervous...yet :afraid: Good luck to everyone!

[lionkingfan56]

Well, by far the most intense interview I have been in thus far. We were supposed to have 5 interview in my block, but one didn't show and they said a few interviews called to cancel due to taking other offers. The questions were asked and I feel I answered them to the best of my ability. I thought I was keeping my cool, then I picked up a glass of water to get a drink and was visibly shaking haha. Now play the waiting game :). Best of luck to everyone else.

On the other had I did drive to the Great Smoky Mountains (Simply breathtaking), and did see 2 black bears (a cub and an adult). Gatlinburg is a cool little town.

[Jack-of-All]

Well I interview there in about 2 hrs. I was coming here to find some reassurance but after reading Lion's post I wish that I hadn't. :Flush:

[lionkingfan56]

Jack, don't let my previous post scare you... It was intense, not brutal. It's a good program too.

[lionkingfan56]

Don't worry, I got flustered on a question about potassium EKG changes and flubbed up and gave the wrong answer, then agree'd with it when asked "Are you sure"..so I'm sure my spot went bye-bye.. :S

[TSICU83]

Well I don't know what to think because it was my first interview so I have nothing to compare it to. However, having said that, I did not feel like I was grilled on clinical questions like others have mentioned...I was prepared to explain drug mechanisms of action to the molecular level, modes of ventilation, swan numbers, etc...I was asked a few questions based off of a patient I presented and that was it as far as clinical. The rest focused on why I wanted CRNA and their program, as well as my shadowing experience and ACT versus independent practice. I also noticed that my interview seemed to be much shorter than others....so I'm sorta worried that maybe they didn't like me??? Or maybe they did and that was all the time they needed to make their decision??.....who knows it is all very confusing at this point. I suppose time will tell

[ethernaut]

it's been my experience that the more successful candidates are asked fewer clinical questions/scenarios.

[lionkingfan56]

Yeah they asked me why UTC and which practice I enjoyed the most of all the ones I shadowed. All-in-all it lasted maybe 12-15 min.

Sounds like you did great TSICU. Best of luck.

Honestly I think I flubbed mine up. I felt like I was stumbling, never finishing a thought and not critically thinking. After I was just glad they didn't get up halfway though and say "Get out!". I just felt like garbage afterwards and it's because I felt like I did pretty horrid thoughout the whole ordeal. Oh well, nothing to do about it now.

Best of luck to everyone though...We know some of us will get in.

[Jack-of-All]

HAHAHAHAHAHA.... I wish you all could have seen my interview. I self destructed. I have had 2 interviews prior to this and have been accepted to another program; I am normally a critical thinker, great under pressure type of person... BUT... not yesterday.

I have heard war stories from interviewees and interviewers about people that lose their composure and thought well thats not ever going to happen to me. I think that the good Lord was teaching me a lesson in humility.

I don't think I was even speaking in complete sentences, hahaha...it's not funny... but thats all I can do is laugh at myself because it is over now.

I had studied my drugs and thought that I was ready for the interview, answers were rehearsed for anticipated questions. The first clinical question was simple but it suprised me and I FROZE... I ended up trying to answer but was stumbling over my words and muddled through it and from there it was down hill.

I left there pale and clammy like I had just been in a car wreck...

What I learned:
Driving for 4 hrs prior to the interview is a bad idea, have someone drive you or spring for the hotel room.

Eat SOMETHING before you go in; I hadn't eaten 8hrs prior to the interview.

When you study be broad, do not just learn drugs, swans, balloon pumps, be able to talk about things from a broad topic. I was asked about nothing that I studied.

KNOW your anatomy and be able to verbalize anatomy not just be able to mentally picture it. Knowing is not good enough you have to verbally be able to convey that you know it.

Good luck to everyone else!

[TSICU83]

thanks ether and lion. I'm sure you guys did fine. All the students that I talked to said that everyone feels like they blew the interview when they are done so who knows. Anyway, I guess we will just have to wait and see.

[lionkingfan56]

Haha, it's great knowing that everyone gets nervous. Doesn't give such a mono feel. Jack, where have you been accepted?

[SuperSleeper]

Jack-of-all, were you in the last afternoon group on friday?

[Jack-of-All]

Lion, I was accepted into Samford, their interview process is completely different and IMO better (maybe thats just because I did well with it).

I interviewed at USC (s. carolina) it was similar in format but less clinical. I didn't get in but I spoke with one of the people on my interview panel and he told me it wasn't because of the interview process. He said I was very competitive but that I just didn't make the top 36 applicants.

But anyways. Is there a thread on here for people to share their bombed interview experience.

[Jack-of-All]

yeah... you stalking? (haha j/king) or were you around?

[SuperSleeper]

No. Not stalking. I met you. Sorry to hear you didn't feel it went well. However, only time will tell...

[Jack-of-All]

Well I'm not sure which student you are, I met 5 or 6, but THANK YOU. Everyone that I met yesterday was very nice and I thought it was very considerate of you all to take the time to meet with us.

I am curious as to who you are. Are you one of the two ladies that waited until my interview was finished? Or are you the lady that I spoke to prior to my interview? Or are you one of the guys that I spoke with? If you don't want to disclose this info I will understand but thanks anyways.

[SuperSleeper]

heh. I understand wanting to know. However, I would prefer to keep my anonymity as much as possible until after graduation. Good news for you is you are already in somewhere, so the stress of waiting to find out should be less than the others who haven't.

Good luck!

[Jack-of-All]

No problem...good luck with the rest of your education.

[HopefulCRNA]

I am glad that everyone seemed to be crazily nervous during the interview ... My interview was like TSICU's, I was one of the last interviews of the day, so I am not sure if they were just over it by then or if they just werent interested. Very few basic clinical questions, a few questions about certifications, grades, etc. but nothing really tough, no grilling and honestly I think I asked them more questions than they asked me. Other people I know who interviewed mostly said they were grilled, while another said he it was an easy interview. Who knows
I guess we will see next week.

[FockerRN]

Okay, the waiting is killing me. I realize that it has been just over a week and they promised around 2 weeks so I have no beef with UTC in any way. I'm just a child of the digital revolution, I can find just about any answer I want anytime I want on the old interweb. Information is at my finger tips so waiting is excruciating. It's good for me and it may be better to not know before the next interview....

I just need something to help me relax (:beerglass: maybe?).

[HopefulCRNA]

a little birdie told me they mailed letters yesterday....