A little frustration with my alumni school Michigan State University

nurselizk · Jul 2, 2008

If they just had interviews, they're probably really busy. Not all schools will notify you if the answer is no, most have many many applicants for each position. You might have better luck contacting them after things have settled down. Where else have you applied? What are your GRE scores?

GenXnurse · Jul 4, 2008

JC-

MSU does not send rejection letters if you don't get an interview. Apparently there were over 100+ applications submitted. Of those 100 only 27 were granted interviews (yes they did take place the week of the 23rd) Only 10 are going to get a spot. Now is probably not the time that you will be able to receive much feedback as the program directors are pretty busy. I do believe, however, that if you humbly ask for some feedback you will probably receive it. I must ask though- have you checked the MSU nursing website to check your stats against the current class that is attending MSU?

If not- here are the current stats as I recall:

Average GPA 3.77

GRE: 1100 combined Writing: 4.0

Average ICU experience: 2.9 years

This year, apparently, the competition was much, much tougher.

If your stats are close to these- then I guess I would try and pursue feedback as you are doing. Again, this year, according to one of the interviewees- there were "several" nurses with well over 10 years of ICU experience. The program was born out of a need to serve the Mid-Michigan area. As such- there are several hospitals in the area that are encouraging their best talent to apply.

Keep doing your best. I imagine that you are motivated and are going to get in somewhere.

nurselizk · Jul 4, 2008

Congrats to those who were accepted and, for that matter, who were granted interviews. Would you consider posting your stats? It gets a little old hearing "I should be OK with X GPA and Y GRE." What really tells the tale is who gets in, although I do recognize that the interview is a big part of that.

nurse122002 · Jul 4, 2008

What are your GRE scores and GPA? Looks like you only have about 1 yr of experience total? You will have a much better chance next year as long as your grades/scores are good. Also just a friendly piece of advice: make sure you are very polite about inquiring on why you didn't get interviewed and what you can do to improve you opportunity for next year (they WILL remember). You sound kind of angry with them for not letting you know that you were not going to be interviewed, many schools do this. I am sure they were much to busy last week to contact 70 some people to let them know they were not being interviewed and much more concerned with the 20 something they were interviewing. Good luck in the future!

dive.princess · Jul 4, 2008

I interviewed on June 27 and I just received a call yesterday that I was accepted into the program.

I have done other interviews, and this one was really excellent. There were 3 interviewers asking general questions: Why should we select you over other candidates? What are your strength and weaknesses? If you caught a student with fentanyl, what would you do?

There was a short test beforehand (like UM Flint). Two interviews were conducted simultaneously, so a couple of us candidates were in a hospitality room with a couple of current students--so I was able to ask them about their experiences.

CVICU80, you do sound a little angry, and they will remember it.... I had a horrible interview with Wayne State in 2003, and they certainly had an elephant memory regarding that..... (I was working agency, so my ICU wasn't considered "recent" and all of my sciences were >10 yrs old and I was in the process of retaking them...)

As far as my stats.... GPA 3.76 for nursing (I have a couple of other degrees as well and had a 4.0) GRE >1200 and I have 12+years ICU experience

Sure, those numbers got me to the door, but the interview was the clincher.... I smiled a lot and gave them the impression that I was comfortable with my person. But more importantly, I reassured them that I have a personality outside of nursing (I am a scuba instructor and avid traveler on my motorcycle) and that I get along well with others--since they are going to be stuck with me for the next 2 years!!

A coworker's husband had an interview the same day I did that went AWFUL! They raked him over the coals about his psych degree, and even said in the middle of the interview "let's break for lunch." But I get the impression that he was a little cocky, and that rubbed the interviewers the wrong way.

In any case, I hope this is helpful, and I wish you all the best of luck, those of you who are applying!

GenXnurse · Jul 7, 2008

Congrats Dive Princess!

Since you shared your stats I will share mine as well (classmate!)

3.6 overall GPA- had to repeat several sciences which were all 4.0 (Been a nurse too long)

GRE 1200 Writing: 4.5

CCRN

14 Years combined ICU experience with a little Trauma thrown in on the side.

I agree- the interview was a huge part of the process. Plus- the caliber of person applying is amazing. I feel very lucky and humbled to be included in this class.

Can't wait to meet you.

Okay JC-

Not to be direct and call you to the matts- but I guess that is what we are doing. Are you venting or are you going to share your stats with us so that maybe we can provide some feedback?

At any rate good luck to you! Hopefully you won't have to retake all of your undergrad sciences like we did. What a chore!

Best Regards.

srnamom · Jul 8, 2008

JC,

It looks like you have just the one year of experience. Keep plugging away. It takes most people more than one try to get into anesthesia school. I can tell you that the lowest GPA in the first class is over 3.6.

GenXnurse and dive.princess, I think I met both of you at the interviews. Did you both interview Friday morning? It was a lot of fun for the current students to meet the interview candidates, and we're looking forward to having a junior class.

Back to the books....

nurse122002 · Jul 8, 2008

GenX and dive princess congrats to you! I can't wait to meet you! We are so excited about having some "junior" classmates. Let us know if you need anything! Congrats again and have some fun this summer while you still can! Jan will come quickly...

cvicu80 · Jul 8, 2008

hello,

yes i do have one yr of ICu experience in Detroit. I'd like to think that I will be in the ICU less than 10 yrs before i get into crna school. my 1st degree was in physiology from MSU and my 2nd degree was a master of science in basic medical sciences from wayne state and my nursing degree BSN was from oakland accelerated 12 month. My over all GPA is below a 3.5 but over a 3.0 and GRE 1st time taking was below 1000 but over 800. I'll keep plugging away and hopefully get in somewhere.

JC

GenXnurse · Jul 8, 2008

JC-

You will achieve your goal in a short amount of time. I highly doubt it is going to take you anywhere close to 10 years.

You seem very driven- Good luck.

dive.princess · Jul 8, 2008

I had actually deleted the message, and didn't realize this made it in the post.... UGH!

I hope I don't sound like I am gloating, but I am quite ecstatic to be in the program!!! It was a great phone call to receive...and I got the packet today.... Criminal background check, drug testing, vaccines..... WHEW!

As far as my fellow classmates, I look forward to meeting you as well! And yes, my interview was on Friday--so you probably did meet me!! :coollook:

Someone at work mentioned that it takes 3 years( graduating classes) for conditional/provisional status of the program to be removed, and that I had better hope that MSU supports us students... Do you think this is truly the case? I guess this all feels so good right now, I would hate for the other shoe to drop..... Does that make sense, or do I need to get my psych meds increased?! :saint:

OK, DON'T reply to THAT!! LOL! :clown: