UIC GEP 2013

jameese · Feb 1, 2012

Oh yeah 4.5 analytic

ant87 · Feb 13, 2012

Application and Supplemental submitted. Waiting on my recommenders..

Chose the 'Midwifery/Women's Health NP' specialty. Anyone else??

one phoenix rising · Feb 13, 2012

Great advice from current GEPer's! What are the biggest speciality tracks in your class right now? Is your current class size around 60-65?

We started with 72 students-largest GEP cohort ever! Last year it was around 50. I think the biggest specialties are Family, Acute, Midwifery, and Mental Health.

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.

Hmmm... I don't think I'm going to be of much help to you. I didn't even know there was such a specialty. Do you mean doing the non-NP route of a specialty? (I forget what that abbreviation is at the moment.) If so, there's only one person in our class doing that and they regret applying for that specialty and are going to apply to switch to NP.

If you are having trouble finding volunteer positions, maybe try thinking outside of the box? There's one member of my class who volunteered at an animal hospital and he got to see the coolest things and had a bunch of practical knowledge on techniques. Also shadowing can be useful.

Good luck everyone! :)

mc88 · Feb 16, 2012

Hi Everyone,

I thought this board was really helpful when I was applying so I thought I'd offer some thoughts. I'm in the GEP 2011 Cohort finishing my 15-month portion in May.

Specialties- every year, the most "popular" or "competitive" specialty changes. I recommend applying to the specialty you actually want and not applying to one because you think it will be "easy" to get into. If you're not passionate about a specialty, they WILL notice during your interview. That said, there were people at my group interview that I did not see on the first day of class.. While it is possible to switch specialties (I just did), it can be difficult. I switched to a very similar specialty in the same department, with the exact same masters coursework. If you're looking to switch into a specialty that people are not likely to switch out of (family, midwifery, etc), it can be a much harder sell.

GRE scores, GPA- Honestly, these do not make or break your chances.. Have a solid application and letters of rec so you can get an interview.. that's when you start selling your accomplishments/ potential.

Healthcare experience- This doesn't make or break your chances either! Now, I was hoping it would help my chances as I had healthcare experience, but most of the people in my cohort did not. They got in and they are great at what they do now. Nursing school is a great equalizer. It doesn't matter what you've done or where you've been. You've never been a registered nurse before.

Full time or part time?- This is pure preference, but I will tell you that most of my classmates will probably go through the masters portion part time and try to work (full time or part time if they can find it). Attitudes about this can change as you go through the program too. Some people come in gung-ho about wanting to get through as fast as possible but then realize that years of experience as an RN as invaluable if you're planning on being an advanced practice nurse. If you're an APN and you don't want any bedside experience, prepare to explain why you don't. Also, I suggest thinking about what it is about being an APN you like vs. say, being a PA. This is not a cut at PAs. I have many friends that are PAs and are amazing. They wanted to be midlevel practitioners and did not want to do the bedside RN thing.

The faculty doesn't prefer full time over part time, as far as I can tell. I know all would agree that working as an RN will improve your critical thinking and advanced practice. They do prefer that you don't stop the program after you get your RN and never come back (NOT the point of GEP).

DNP- We have exhausted this topic as a class. This is just my opinion on it. 2015 DNP is kinda wishful thinking just like making a BSN the minimum entry-level education for nurses. I doubt it will happen the way everyone's scared of in 2015.

Focus on becoming an RN. If this happens while you're getting your MSN, tack on DNP. If you're done with your MSN and an APN by the time this DNP stuff goes down, you will probably be grandfathered in. No one know how it will all play out. Just take one step at a time.

Good luck everyone!

beeg025 · Feb 17, 2012

To all current GEPers that are offering their advice--thank you! It is much appreciated and very helpful.

I am almost finished with my supplemental app, and I am applying to the Peds track :)

I have a random question (out of pure curiosity) for a current GEP student. Does your class consist of mostly in-state students or out-of-state students? I live in a suburb of Chicago currently (~40 min south).. and I am wondering if commuting back and forth is do-able.

samdaman · Feb 17, 2012

MC88,

Thanks for your input! I'm waiting on the last of my recommenders to submit their LOR, and I'm hoping she's not totally MIA because I haven't got a response from an e-mail I sent to remind her of the deadline in 2 weeks. I'm pretty sure I have 2 solid recs, but know I need that 3rd one to meet the requirements.

-Sam

atompk2 · Feb 21, 2012

Hello,

Did anyone or someone you know get accepted to UIC GEP program with the specialty in Women's health nurse practitioner/midwife?

atompk2 · Feb 21, 2012

Hi,

Did you get accepted to the program. I am interested in applying for that specialty.

atompk2 · Feb 21, 2012

Application and Supplemental submitted. Waiting on my recommenders..
Chose the 'Midwifery/Women's Health NP' specialty. Anyone else??

Hi,

Did you get accepted to the program. I am interested in this specialty.

Jstrevy · Feb 24, 2012

Hello,

GEP hopeful here. I've been using the forums for sometime and you guys have posted some very useful information and I had a few questions about the Acute Care program.

I'm applying for Acute Care specialty and was wondering if anyone can tell me about the program? Also, is there anything you think I should know before a potential interview?

I have heard the Acute Care specialists are always on the move and generally work in relatively intense situations. I always liked challenging work that requires me to think on my feet like teaching. My friend works as an Acute Care nurse and generally agrees with my opinions and I was wondering if any of you have had any experiences or education that may support or contrast the belief that work in Acute Care is always fast paced?

Thanks again for all the great input on this forum

Kubu22 · Feb 28, 2012

Hi everyone,

I am still currently in my undergrad years, but am on course in a program that sets me up to apply to GEP programs like UIC's. What do you think are the chances that I am accepted once I apply being fresh out of my undergrad degree? I've read some of the previous posts from years past and just feel like I am way out of my league. Help Please!!??

ant87 · Feb 29, 2012

feb 28 by kubu22 feb 28 by kubu22 a member since may '11. posts: 9
hi everyone,
i am still currently in my undergrad years, but am on course in a program that sets me up to apply to gep programs like uic's. what do you think are the chances that i am accepted once i apply being fresh out of my undergrad degree? i've read some of the previous posts from years past and just feel like i am way out of my league. help please!!??

i will actually be done with my bachelor's by september and i am also working on my a&p pre-requisite at the moment. i am hoping to be accepted for 2013! the one thing i believe they stressed was 'life experience'. i would suggest getting some volunteer experience when you can. i feel like i am a little out of my league as well but i am hoping for the best!