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In my experience school directors are looking for 3 things.
1)Someone who will potentially complete their program with high marks. So just like a job interview you need to give the impression that you are perfect fit for the position. Maximize your resume (e.g. have a high GRE, be CCRN certified, PALS/ACLS, etc.)
2)Someone who knows more than just the basic ICU stuff. You have to show them you are the person that goes beyond the basics in your current position. They love to ask things to evaluate this, for example: what is the difference between nipride and NTG? What substance does the heart release to dilate the coronaries? Define SVR? (and not just the equations but what constitutes the parameter) You undoubtedly will be asked questions you don't know.... thats fine... just don't BS them. Be able to say you don't know but also try to give the question a shot... let them know your thought process when you are searching for an answer, even if your answer is wrong.
3)This is what will separate you from the rest. Directors are looking for the people in the middle ground. Not the ones who are 'hot shots' in the ER and not the 'book worms' either. The reason for this is that typically the ones that have always kept their noses in the books are complete flops in the clinical setting and visa versa for the ones who have good clinical skills and can preform tasks but cant put in the time to learn rational for what they are doing and why.
Thats my $0.02
Oh yeah, one more thing. Be personable. You potentially will be working/studying very closely with these people for the next 3ish years so they are going to want nice people who can play well with others. So let them know that you are a team player.
Good luck and keep us posted.
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