UIC GEP 2013

Nursing Students Post Graduate

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Anyone applying to UIC's graduate entry program starting Jan. 2013? I've glanced at the threads from the past couple of year's and thought I'd start one for the next application cycle. I'm finishing up pre-reqs and taking the GRE in a month. Good luck to all who plan on applying!

I did not receive a missing credentials email this morning either. Was it sent but Julie or UIC graduate school?

Hi guys!

I was wondering what did everyones stats look like (gpa, gre, volunteer work etc)...?

Thanks!

Hi all,

I'm strongly considering to apply next year for the Spring 2014 cycle. I was wondering if anyone could give me some feedback on my chances for admission. Here's some background:

-I have a relatively low undergrad GPA (3.2) in English and Political Science. That really does not reflect my ability and I'm really regretting not putting more into it.

-I would apply to the Pediatric NP specialty. I have significant experience working with children. Most recently, I worked for 3 years at an elementary after school program; as a case manager for Big Brothers Big Sisters; half a year as a junior high special education paraeducator, and half a year as an elementary school behavior disorder paraeducator.

-I have a good deal of volunteer experience, but not in healthcare. I have volunteered for a food bank and crisis center, and for a human rights and development non-profit.

-I will have all but one of my pre-reqs done before the application deadline.

-I plan to start volunteering at a local hospital and will try to shadow some nurses if possible. I also plan to study hard for the GRE.

My main concern is my undergrad GPA. My pre-req GPA will be higher, but I'm still very worried about it. Any thoughts or advice?

Thank you!!! Sorry if this is annoying, but I could really use some input!

Wow! What a coincidence! I am from Orland Park and am planning to take the CNA course at Moraine! But I will definitely look into the place accross from Christ Hospital. That would be great if I could find something shorter and less expensive. Do you mind me asking where you work now as a CNA and do you think it would be possible to get a position as a CNA for the summers only? I know a nursing home is the most likely place that I can get a job. Thanks for your help and good luck with your admission into the GEP program!

What a small world, I'm right around where you live, too! Currently, I work as a CNA doing home health care, so I am not at an actual facility. However, during the summers I work at Mother Theresa Nursing Home. I wasn't able to still continue working there because I am still in my undergraduate years as well (a senior). So the 8.5 hour shifts were hard to fit in between my schedule and so I only worked on the weekends when school started. You will have no problem finding a job as a CNA in a nursing home! Even if it is only on the weekends or during the summer. Most facilities are in desperate need of help. You can even do the home healthcare route. It's much easier to do with a busy school schedule! And thank you for your wish of luck! If you have anymore questions, please feel free to ask. As with registering for Moraine's CNA course...register THE DAY OF and RIGHT ON TIME. All of the classes fill up within a few hours of opening. (at least the summer classes do). Best of luck!

Thanks again for the advice! I will definetely sign up as soon as I can!

Just received an email from Julie Kim stating that my application is complete. *sigh of relief* Now I just wait.

Thanks for the detailed advice! Is the Admin speciality really difficult to get in? Do you know approximately how many Admin specialty GEPer are in the current cohort? I am switching from a non-healthcare field but have 7 years of working experience. I am trying to get healthcare volunteer experience but the process is moving really slow...just wondering what else I can do.

Thanks!

Hi 328!

There are two admin specialty GEPers. I have no idea if it's because it's difficult or because it's uncommon. It's a little bit strange being one of the VERY few that are not NP track, but it's a great program! I had some healthcare experience, but not direct patient care. (It's a long story.)

Feel free to ask me anything else about it. I'm not sure how helpful I can be, but I'm happy to chat about my background and my interview. You can reach me at this name @gmail. Best of luck to everyone!

Just received an email from Julie Kim stating that my application is complete. *sigh of relief* Now I just wait.

Same here.. Waiting is the hardest part!

Hey guys!

I'm currently in the GEP 2012 class. I know that most of you, if you're anything like me, are waiting not so patiently to hear about interviews. Even though they told us it would be about a month, I waited a week and checked my email as well as this website several times a day to see if I, or others, had received any news.

Take a deep breath. Be patient. DON'T religiously check this website because people get word about interviews at different times. It's just gonna stress you out WAY too much if you hear some people got word about interviews and you haven't yet.

For those who do get invited for interviews - DON'T stress about it. I was a nervous wreck until it was my turn to interview and I ended up just having a conversation with my interviewer. You're really just chatting with someone who loves healthcare even more than you do! Every single faculty member at UIC that I have met so far has been SO nice. I did some stupid research to prep for the interview. Not. Necessary. It just made me more nervous. Just remember who you are and why you even want to be a part of the program and that's all you really need! If you're invited for an interview it already means you're qualified. You just need to prove to your interviewer that you're a good fit for the program. No problem!

Good luck!

Hello!Has anyone heard anything yet from the departments you've applied to?If so, what specialty?

I haven't heard anything yet.

Can I ask you a few questions?

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