Hi, anyone else applied to the Rush GEM program for Spring 2018 yet? I know the deadline isn't until August but I had all of my items completed so I figured why not?
Question - does everyone who meets their minimum requirements get invited for the interview or do they actually screen the applicants before they invite them for the interview?
I would be curious to know how many people get accepted if they have limited "hands-on" experience. I have all of my pre-reqs completed and my gpa is pretty good 3.8 but I have no experience in the clinical setting. I wonder how experience or lack there of is looked at when in consideration for the program. Any input would be greatly appreciated! :)
Congrats everyone who got accepted! I'm ranked 2 on the wait list so I'm very hopeful of getting in :) Quick question though, for everyone who was accepted into the program, is there a deadline to let the admission committee know your decision? Thanks!
Here's the type of info I was looking for when applying, so hope this helps. If you have any other questions, feel free to reach out.
SCHOOL: Undergrad GPA was 3.69 and grad school GPA was 3.46. My prior education was completely unrelated to health or science. GPA was 4.0 in all pre-req/science classes.
WORK: Prior to applying I received a CNA certification (but never worked as a CNA), and I did administrative work at a healthcare facility.
INTERVIEW: My interview was in-between casual and formal, very similar to what a job interview at a smaller company feels like. I thought the interview went well, but not fantastic. The questions asked were fairly predictable, ex: why would you be a good fit for Rush, why do you want to be a nurse, explain a difficult situation that you overcame, etc. At the end, the interviewer mentioned she would put in a "strong recommendation" for me, but also made a point to say that the program was competitive and there was no telling if I'd get in.
I failed chemistry the first time, retook it and got a B, retook Microbiology to improve my C to a B. So don't put all of your weight into grades, I struggled but worked hard to improve this area.
Work: Navy Diver for 7 years, Government contracted diver 5 years.
Shadowing: 100 hours in Burn ICU
Volunteer work: Big brothers big sisters (6 years), Operation clean sweep, some other community events.
My letters of rec came from a Math professor, my former Master Chief, and a councilor from community college.
I was wait listed and eventually rejected at USD my first time applying, 2nd time around I was accepted to Rush, USF, and Johns Hopkins (Where I ultimately chose to go after a very tough decision between Rush and JHU).
My best advice to for reapply would be to strengthen the areas you struggled, do community service, and shadow a nurse if possible. If you make this strong effort, you will get in.
Hi @yhi1991! As I'm sure you'll see in this and other threads, accepted applicants come from a very wide range of backgrounds.
I have a BS in Biological Sciences, 3.88 GPA (4.0 prerequisite GPA), and applied to the Spring 2018 program right after graduating. During undergrad, I worked part-time as a waitress, completed research in a biochemistry lab, volunteered in a few hospitals, and went on a medical brigade to Nicaragua. In total, I had about 400 volunteer hours but no real clinical experience. I was also heavily involved with Relay For Life throughout undergrad and was the president of the organization my junior and senior years.
My letters of recommendation came from a biology professor, a chemistry professor who I researched under, and my staff advisor from the American Cancer Society. I worked closely with the professor I researched under to perfect my essays, CV, and application materials.
During my interview, I emphasized how much service has played a role in my life and how I plan to take those skills into nursing. They are looking for your unique story and why it makes you passionate to go into nursing (not just that you want to "help people"). I recommend to just relax, be yourself, and show them what brought you to this program/why you know you're a great fit. Best of luck!
sciencenotsilence
18 Posts
I was accepted as well!!! Congrats everyone, so excited!