For those who have applied or are interested in applying to Rush University's Generalist Entry Master's (GEM) Program, I'm here starting a thread so that we can get to know one another and keep each other informed throughout the application process.
I submitted my application December 20th through NursingCAS and completed the supplemental application on the morning of December 21st.
I was e-mailed almost 3 hours after I submitted my supplemental application for an invite to interview for the month following the application deadline (February) since the deadline is January 4th.
Has anyone else already received an invite for an interview?
I'm coming from Bay Area CA, so I'm hesitant as I'm quite unfamiliar with the area. I've heard Chicago is an awesome city to live in, so please feel free to chime in on your experiences with this area as well as I'd love to hear about it. Also, if there are any people currently going through this program, any comments/advice would be much appreciated!
If I end up in Rush, I either would want to live in the University Village area/Little Italy/Wicker Park or maybe even Lakeview. It seems that the apartments are cheaper in lakeview even though it is a bit farther.
vpet & corey, have ya'll heard back from Depaul yet? I know that some people have. I applied to their MENP Program as well as this program. Keeping my fingers crossed.
Good to hear VPet! It is definitely getting down to the nitty gritty! Let's do our best to keep some positive vibes, energy, and hope as our decision date comes in just two weeks! It is still nerve wracking though to think about the acceptance rate and the fact that one interviewer can make or break the decision. Best of luck to everyone. have you guys applied to other schools? I also applied to DePaul as well for their MENP program although Rush is definitely my first choice.
Best of luck to everyone's quest for nursing school. I also applied to a few other programs but didn't apply to DePaul because I didn't have the O-Chem prereq finished and wasn't planning on taking it. I also applied to Samuel Merritt University ABSN, Samuel Merritt University ELMSN-Case Management, Samuel Merritt University - FNP, University of San Francisco MSN-CNL, University of San Diego MSN-CNL, CSU San Marcos ABSN, UC Davis MEPN, Drexel ABSN, and CSU East Bay BSN.
So far I have gotten into Drexel ABSN and Samuel Merritt University ABSN. Still waiting on the rest... Anyone else considering ABSN programs? I know there are other allnurses threads on ABSN vs MEPN/ELMSN, but which would you choose and why? I know the CNL role is brand new (only started in '08), and I think it's growing? However, idk how much the industry is really pushing it right now. As a new grad BSN or MSN, you would ideally be applying to the same jobs and I guess the major difference is the CNL and EBP curriculum. The ABSN allows you to practice much sooner yet no Government financial aid is available because you already have one bachelors. If any of you got into both the GEM and an ABSN program you applied to (only if you applied to one), which would you choose?
Hi KO_1219. I also have applied to two other ABSN programs here in Philadelphia. I was accepted to Drexel as well, and Thomas Jefferson University. The reason why I want to go to accelerated MSN programs is because of the financial aid aspect. The Accelerated BSN's, although they are quick and you receive a BSN in a year, almost all the programs offer ZERO financial assistance and their tuition alone is between 40-50k alone, of which you have to use private student loans often at higher interest rates compared to federal loans. Even though both are great schools, I am really hesitant about having to have private loans since I have only used federal in the past. It sounds like you are full of options like myself! It is always good to be prepared and to have many options. I am currently taking organic chemistry as we speak because my ultimate goal is to be a CRNA, and most programs require that course.
@NBS11- Both VPET and I are in the same boat as you. We are anxiously awaiting Depaul's decision. Apparently, they accept way more people than Rush. I think we are supposed to find out by March according to the admissions coordinator. We will keep our fingers crossed for you. We have yet to hear back even though I applied to their program in September as well. I'm starting to get on pins and needles here. Best of luck to all.
@ corey, ugh i definitely understand the feeling. This last week and next couple weeks have been torturous. I've been so anxious. For DePaul, i've been checking campus connect like crazy. I wish we had a set date for when we will find out like we do for Rush's program.
Hi KO_1219. I also have applied to two other ABSN programs here in Philadelphia. I was accepted to Drexel as well, and Thomas Jefferson University. The reason why I want to go to accelerated MSN programs is because of the financial aid aspect. The accelerated BSN's, although they are quick and you receive a BSN in a year, almost all the programs offer ZERO financial assistance and their tuition alone is between 40-50k alone, of which you have to use private student loans often at higher interest rates compared to federal loans. Even though both are great schools, I am really hesitant about having to have private loans since I have only used federal in the past. It sounds like you are full of options like myself! It is always good to be prepared and to have many options. I am currently taking organic chemistry as we speak because my ultimate goal is to be a CRNA, and most programs require that course.
Yeah I definitely agree on the zero financial aid offered for a second baccalaureate program. That may just be the deciding factor for me. The cost of the ABSN program that I was accepted to here in NorCal is 71k, and with all of the other fees included, I would need to take 80k through private loans. I don't really like that figure, and a lot of masters programs are about the same cost or only slightly more. Ahh I guess we'll see. Just want to see all of the admission decisions for the each of the programs already. Only a couple more weeks!!!
That is such a scary number! For real especially since you can't consolidate private with federal! That's an insane amount. It would be the same here in Philly like $60k at least. Cheers to hoping that we will get into Rush!!
That is such a scary number! For real especially since you can't consolidate private with federal! That's an insane amount. It would be the same here in Philly like $60k at least. Cheers to hoping that we will get into Rush!!
Thanks for bringing that point up! Didn't know you couldn't consolidate private with federal. I think that also means that private loans are ineligible for the public service loan forgiveness program, which I was planning on taking advantage of. Definitely something to keep in mind when decision time comes!!!
For sure @KO-1219! You definitely cannot consolidate federal and private loans. Essentially you will be paying two different payments with different interest rates. Also, private loans DO NOT qualify for loan forgiveness via the government. Even if you join the military, private student loans are hard to receive any benefits. It is definitely worth it for the direct entry MSN programs. I can't wait to get an answer soon. But it is definitely not a wise financial decision to attend the Accelerated BSN programs unless you didn't use any loans in undergrad which is extremely rare these days.
ekells
14 Posts
Any ideas where you'll be living if you end up at Rush?