Rush University Nurse Anesthesia Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) - 2026

Updated:   Published

What Members Are Saying (AI-Generated Summary)

Members are discussing the status of their applications for a nursing program, sharing information about the interview process, timelines for hearing back, and the status of their applications in the system. Some members have received interview invitations, while others are still waiting to hear back, expressing hope and curiosity about the process.

Didn't see a thread started for 2026. Just submitted my application. 

Specializes in Neuro ICU/MICU Trauma Level II, CCRN.
thewestface said:

Did the email give any reasons why or provide further insight? Thanks!

No they did not unfortunately. And I immediately replied back to the email asking if they could provide more insight on how I can be a stronger applicant for the next round but they said they could not provide any more information. 😟 They just said less than 10% of applicants received interviews, which is odd because I made note in  the info session that the director said last year 20-30% got interviews. I just feel so lost because besides an average GPA (3.45, I've been in college since sophomore year of high school) I feel like I am pretty competitive otherwise, 3 years current high acuity ICU at Level II Trauma Center, involved in unit-based initiatives, CCRN, preceptor, mission trip in Asia, weekly volunteering, planning to take advanced Patho at Rush online this fall (said so in my resume), etc., so I was hoping for at least an interview... I just feel so defeated I don't know why I can't even land an interview yet 

Specializes in 3yr NeuroICU 3yrs NeuroIMU.
heart-on-CRNA said:

No they did not unfortunately. And I immediately replied back to the email asking if they could provide more insight on how I can be a stronger applicant for the next round but they said they could not provide any more information. 😟 They just said less than 10% of applicants received interviews, which is odd because I made note in  the info session that the director said last year 20-30% got interviews. I just feel so lost because besides an average GPA (3.45, I've been in college since sophomore year of high school) I feel like I am pretty competitive otherwise, 3 years current high acuity ICU at Level II Trauma Center, involved in unit-based initiatives, CCRN, preceptor, mission trip in Asia, weekly volunteering, planning to take advanced Patho at Rush online this fall (said so in my resume), etc., so I was hoping for at least an interview... I just feel so defeated I don't know why I can't even land an interview yet 

I was told the same thing. I even asked for a one on one meeting with the admissions specialist because I would like to see what I could improve on for the next application cycle but I was only told "we are unable to discuss further details regarding admission decisions". I wasn't asking what they were looking for 😞 I only wanted to know if I should even apply for the next cycle. My stats are similar to yours besides a mission trip. 

Specializes in Neuro ICU/MICU Trauma Level II, CCRN.
nobrainner said:

I was told the same thing. I even asked for a one on one meeting with the admissions specialist because I was like to see what I could improve on for the next application cycle but I was only told "we are unable to discuss further details regarding admission decisions". I wasn't asking what they were looking for 😞 I only wanted to know if I should even apply for the next cycle. My stats are similar to yours besides a mission trip. 

I'm sorry to hear you are in the same boat as me. I just sent another email but will probably either be met with the same or no answer. I haven't received an interview at any CRNA school I have applied to yet and I really don't know what I am missing, I am scheduling a one on one meeting with someone with CRNA school prep academy and see if they can identify any gaps in my applications

Specializes in 3yr NeuroICU 3yrs NeuroIMU.
heart-on-CRNA said:

I'm sorry to hear you are in the same boat as me. I just sent another email but will probably either be met with the same or no answer. I haven't received an interview at any CRNA school I have applied to yet and I really don't know what I am missing, I am scheduling a one on one meeting with someone with CRNA school prep academy and see if they can identify any gaps in my applications

Do you have to pay for the one on one meeting with someone at CRNA prep?

Specializes in Neuro ICU/MICU Trauma Level II, CCRN.
nobrainner said:

Do you have to pay for the one on one meeting with someone at CRNA prep?

Yes, different people have different prices though so you can shop around. Services can be found at the TeachRN part of the CRNA School Prep academy website 

Specializes in 3yr NeuroICU 3yrs NeuroIMU.
heart-on-CRNA said:

Yes, different people have different prices though so you can shop around. Services can be found at the TeachRN part of the CRNA School Prep academy website 

Thank you! I'm going to look into scheduling a meeting as well. 

Specializes in Neuro ICU/MICU Trauma Level II, CCRN.

I'm mostly struggling with the fact they won't provide personal feedback, because how would I ever know if it's like an issue with a recommendation? Because I could see my manager being supportive upfront but switch up in her letter, because if that's the case I'll never know and I'll keep applying everywhere with no luck. I would feel so much better if I knew where I could specifically improve 

Specializes in 3yr NeuroICU 3yrs NeuroIMU.
heart-on-CRNA said:

I'm mostly struggling with the fact they won't provide personal feedback, because how would I ever know if it's like an issue with a recommendation? Because I could see my manager being supportive upfront but switch up in her letter, because if that's the case I'll never know and I'll keep applying everywhere with no luck. I would feel so much better if I knew where I could specifically improve 

I agree. I've noticed a lot of programs don't provide feedback anymore. It's kind of disheartening. Especially for applicants like us who have applied to several programs. Applications are not cheap. I thought that Nursingcas would allow us to see our LOR after the application cycle was over but I haven't been able to view any of mine. 

Good luck everyone who has an interview today!

Specializes in ICU.

Did anyone feel like they did okay on their interview?

thenursebae said:

Did anyone feel like they did okay on their interview?

It's really hard to say. I prepared for it as best as I could but they definitely asked me questions I didn't expect. But I guess the reality of interviews is that some things will catch you off guard and you have to answer on the spot. How do you feel yours went?

Specializes in Peds CVICU.
thewestface said:

It's really hard to say. I prepared for it as best as I could but they definitely asked me questions I didn't expect. But I guess the reality of interviews is that some things will catch you off guard and you have to answer on the spot. How do you feel yours went?

Hi! Curious to know if the questions were more EI or clinical/pharm questions. I have my interview coming up and I'm feeling a bit nervous. Would you be willing to share any advice or tips from your experience?

+ Join the Discussion