Re: 2009 Rush Gem Summer Applicants

Congrats!! I have my interview in two weeks and I am nervous! Is there anything that I should stress in my interview? Talk about anyting specific? How did you prepare for it?

Re: 2009 Rush Gem Summer Applicants

I'm a winter 09/10 applicant and she just called me to schedule an interview. They didn't seem very accommodating to people who couldn't make it on the specific day she was scheduling for. I've resigned to the fact that I'm going to do a phone interview instead because I just can't schedule a flight/take off from work and school on such short notice...

Anyway, has anyone interviewed there? I've never done a phone interview so I'm wondering how different it may be from in-person interviews. Any info would be great! Best of luck to you other Rush applicants

Re: 2009 Rush Gem Summer Applicants

First off don't stress about the interview... you have already gotten past the initial screening! so Congrats! Secondly, they ask questions like, why do you want to be a nurse? Why do you feel it is a good time to go back or continue school? What are your strengths and what can you add to the program, i.e. your diversity and skill set that allow you to be a good nurse. Tell us about X or Y, how do you cope with high stress? All I did was read over my application essays and stressed my ability to work well with others and work well independently. I also stressed my leadership and organizational skills. As long as you are being yourself in the interview, I am sure you all will do just fine. I wish you all the best and look forward to meeting you all in JUNE!!!!! Go get'em! God Bless you all!

Re: 2009 Rush Gem Summer Applicants

Hey folks!

Just wanted to say hi -- I am in the Winter 2009 GEM cohort and Rush and was in your position 6 months ago! If anyone has questions, please shoot them my way. So far so good with the program, though there are still some kinks since it's a new program. But the faculty plans to listen to our feedback and make changes for the next cohort.

Also, if anyone decides to go to Rush and needs an apartment, another GEM student and I are looking for a roommate for our 3BR/2BA condo within walking distance from school, which we are moving to in June!

Good luck to all!

Re: 2009 Rush Gem Summer Applicants

Hi Everyone,
I just found out about this program a month ago and got my application together and applied to start in June 2009. My GPA is not that impressive since I did Biochemistry from UIC. However I do have a lot of volunteering experience in health-care field. My pre-requisites GPA is about 3.4. Do you guys think I even have a chance at this?? I am so nervous and frustrated about my situation. Any advice would be appreciated.

Re: 2009 Rush Gem Summer Applicants

I, too, am glad to hear that you like Rush so far. What is your weekly schedule like? Is the program more or less difficult than you had previously imagined?

Re: 2009 Rush Gem Summer Applicants

Prachi - I would not worry about your GPA. Mine wasn't that great either (i went to northwestern and the sciences KILLED me!).

My prereq GPA was right around yours. I had Cs in inorganic and organic chem, but As in most of the other pre-reqs. And I got in fine!

I don't think they are as intense about GPAs and stuff as they make themselves out to be.

GOod luck!

Re: 2009 Rush Gem Summer Applicants

Hey Krindy,

Have you been accepted to Rush yet for June? Or are you still waiting?

This quarter's schedule is a JOKE! We had class on Monday from 9-12, then Lab from 1-4; Tuesday we had one class 9-12, and only three times during the quarter we had another class from 1-3 (it is primarily online). We had another online class. And then clinical for 6 hours either Wed or Thurs, once a week.

Next quarter though is going to be tougher -
M: 9-12
Tu: 10-12, 1-3
W: 10-12, 1-3
Th: class all day? not sure yet
F: Clinical 6 hrs

It's not as bad as they said it would be. They kind of exaggerate in the College of Nursing and make it sound way more intense than it is. I remember thinking I'd have class everyday from 9-5. This quarter has been a good balance. Online classes are a pain but lots of places are doing them now. They aren't hard - just annoying.

best,
chicagochicklett

Re: 2009 Rush Gem Summer Applicants

DI id you only apply to Rush, or did you have to decide between different school? Any advice between Rush and DePaul?

Re: 2009 Rush Gem Summer Applicants

I only applied to Rush actually (which was risky!). I forget why I didn't go with DePaul -- though it was on my list. Is there program one in which you have to choose your nurse practitioner specialty? I know that's why I didn't apply to UIC - they didn't have neonatal as a specialty for their master's entry program where you go longer and specialize.