Rush GEM fall 2022

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Hello, 

I looked around and did not see a forum for the 2022 fall GEM program at Rush University in Chicago. I just applied and received an email inviting me to interview with the school. I was wondering if there are any other people on here applying to the program and how they are feeling? ? 

I was there! Everyone seemed kind and were extremely welcoming when asking questions. I’m still crazy nervous the closer we get to interviews, how about ya’ll? 

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Hi! I just had my interview with Rush today. We will hear back with decisions on March 4th! Good luck!

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How did the interview go? Can you tell us what questions they asked you? What was the process like and did you hear anything new? 

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I think the interview went well! It was a 1 on 1 interview so it was more like a conversation if anything. Obviously, be prepared to answer why nursing/ why CNL and some situational questions. Just be yourself and I think it will be okay. It was the most stress-free hour-long interview I've had so far! 

 

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I had my interview this morning and it was wayy more relaxed than I thought it would be. I definitely stressed too much and over prepared. It really was like a casual conversation and, I feel like I came off maybe too reheorificed. They just wanted to hear more about why I was interested in nursing and attending Rush, my current background and why I'm switching careers, and some questions on qualities that make me a good candidate and future nurse. A few other questions I can't remember, but I don't recall it being anything formal or challenging. They also asked if I had any questions. I got a lot of my questions answered at First Look but I didn't want to seem uninterested so I prepared a couple  questions.

I've been interviewing for other programs so I was prepared to answer questions like, "List off your strengths/weaknesses, describe a time when... , one word to describe yourself, how would you deal with [certain situation]?" But there really was none of that.

My interview lasted about 25 minutes, it really flew by. The person interviewing me was super nice and actually did a lot of talking and shared some stories/insight so it's not like they were grilling me the whole time.

My advice is don't stress! Take a deep breath. You know yourself and you know the answers to why you want to make this transition in your life.

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I had my interview this morning and I feel that it went well. It lasted about 25 minutes as well. There were a couple situational questions like a time you overcame a challenge, talking about why you wanted to make this transition and what you could offer this program. I think that it is hard to tell exactly how it went as there are probably so many people they are interviewing. I do wonder how many were extended an interview and all we can do is wait for march 4th for admissions decisions. I wish everyone the best of luck, and hey maybe we can all look for apartments together if we are extended an offer to the program. 

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Hello, 

I recently had my interview as well and the faculty member I interviewed with was very welcoming. It made the interview fly by, it was professional yet authentic which I really enjoyed. I heard about their experiences which was refreshing, I feel like many interviews you don't get to hear much about the interviewers experiences at the institution. I am hoping to receive good news and I hope you all do as well, I am happy to hear everyone had a positive experience. ?

 

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Just wondering, what's everyones GPA's like? Has anyone had any volunteer experience in hospitals to look better for admissions? Has anyone applied to other programs and if so have you heard back from them yet?

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@futuremsncnl

I have heard back from a few but I am waiting for RUSH because it is my top choice. I have volunteered in my community and had patient care experience. Even though academic success is important I think they value experience and potential as well. Since they take a holistic approach to the application process I believe a diverse student population is admitted (ex. high GPA (3.5 and above), average GPA (3.3 and below). From what I have come to understand it is really important to show that you have a desire to be a nurse and have the ability to do well. I have had to put down some deposits for other schools which has been stressful because RUSH is where I want to go.  Have you applied to any other programs?? 

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@futuremsncnl

I haven't heard back from any programs yet, but many of them said decisions would come out in March. To be honest I don't have the most competitive GPA, but I did meet the minimum. I submitted the optional addendum because I did have an extenuating life circumstance during my fresh/soph year of undergrad that caused a major hit to my grades. I held a chair for a community service org in my undergrad which enabled me to gain lots of hours. Outside of school involvement, I also volunteered regularly at a hospital, and I got my CNA certification when the pandemic first started and have been working since then.

Rush is my top program as well, but one thing that makes me nervous is that many of the admitted students seem to be older, wiser, and have gained experience from years in other careers. I feel so naïve. I'm definitely at the younger end of the spectrum (21), I just graduated with my bachelor's this past December, and I was originally on a PT/OT track. I hope I get into any program really. I'm trying to move forward in starting my nursing career. Being a CNA is SO physically draining, and honestly Walmart pays better. The only reason I've been sticking to it is for the patient experience for these programs. But that's life :')

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@gpad_02

You sound like a competitive applicant! Having experience is invaluable, from many of the admitted students I have seen I think that their experience stands out the most. Having a solid GPA again can take you along way, but showing your work ethic makes you competitive. From the past forums and some LinkedIn stalking (LOL) I have seen a lot of diversity in the admitted students, so don't be too hard on yourself! I wish you the best of luck and would hope to see you both on the campus! It is such a nerve racking time but it helps me to remember that these are highly competitive programs and a rejection is not a reflection of our ability to be a good nurse. Did anyone apply to UIC as well?? 

 

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8 hours ago, gpad_02 said:

@futuremsncnl

I haven't heard back from any programs yet, but many of them said decisions would come out in March. To be honest I don't have the most competitive GPA, but I did meet the minimum. I submitted the optional addendum because I did have an extenuating life circumstance during my fresh/soph year of undergrad that caused a major hit to my grades. I held a chair for a community service org in my undergrad which enabled me to gain lots of hours. Outside of school involvement, I also volunteered regularly at a hospital, and I got my CNA certification when the pandemic first started and have been working since then.

Rush is my top program as well, but one thing that makes me nervous is that many of the admitted students seem to be older, wiser, and have gained experience from years in other careers. I feel so naïve. I'm definitely at the younger end of the spectrum (21), I just graduated with my bachelor's this past December, and I was originally on a PT/OT track. I hope I get into any program really. I'm trying to move forward in starting my nursing career. Being a CNA is SO physically draining, and honestly Walmart pays better. The only reason I've been sticking to it is for the patient experience for these programs. But that's life :')

I agree I have been a CNA throughout my undergrad and though it can be mentally draining it can also be rewarding at times. It is actually the reason I fell in love with nursing. My GPA may not be stellar but I do have the work experience and heart to be a nurse. I pray a school see's my passion and takes a chance on me rather than just view my undergrad grades though from experience even schools that say they don't care so much about grades do. But as I previously stated, my heart is in nursing and I have a tremendous passion for it in which I PRAY the admissions boards sees. I think having a passion for nursing goes a long way especially with you sticking through with working as a nursing assistant. I live in California and CNA's do get paid pretty well, I would like to say even better than Walmart. We are only 10 days away from decisions and it has definitely left me in nerves as it is the program I want above all others. I love the volunteer work they do and the networks the program provides with hospitals. 

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