UIC vs Depaul Graduate Entry Programs

nishalb · Dec 12, 2004

Is DePaul University in MO?

Gennaver, MSN · Feb 6, 2005

Does anyone know much about the new UIC direct entry graduate program? I know that Depaul has had a program for a couple years, does anyone have an opinion on it? UIC?
I'm in the process of applying to programs and am originally from Chicago and those are the 2 schools in the area. Does anyone know how well they compare to other areas?
thanks

Hello,

I am in the process of applying to UIC, (also at a junior college for backup) and also applying to DePaul.

There are differences I noticed in just the application process:

-UIC requires letters of recommendation, a supplemental packet filled out and the pre-reqs include 6ch of English, 8ch of A&P, 4 ch of Bio101 or gen chem, 6 hours of humanities, 6 hours of social sciences and a minimum gpa on your final 60 hours of undergrad at a 3.0 out of 4.0, also the gre scores are being pushed higher due to competitiveness but so far they require a minimum of 500 on the quantitative

-DePaul requires no letters of recommendation, only a goals statement, your GRE at 500Q+500V+4.0A, a minimum undergrad gpa at 3.0 out of 4.0, and also that your pre-requisites include everything like UIC except added microbiology and Organic chemistry, (I think?)

UIC has their first group starting this January and has an intense first 15 month program for NCLEX-RN preparation and they only start every January whereas DePaul starts every winter and spring and the NCLEX preparation is a four semester in two year format.

UIC is a state school and is lots cheaper.

What I found out at the information session for UIC is that the deadline is March 1st. That was originally the early deadline with June 1st as the final but, due to high volume of applications the changed the early deadline to the final. So, if you are thinking of going there you have to apply by March 1st.

Last I read on this forum there were abou 80 applicants at DePaul for around 45 slots whereas at UIC I heard they were anticipating almost 300 applicants for the 40 available slots.

Yeah, that is when I took a look at DePaul and decided to start that application process!!

Good luck,

Gennaver

prenault · Mar 23, 2005

Hi Gennaver,

I actually just found out about UIC's program tonight (I had no clue they had the grad-entry program despite having actually graduated from there with an English degree). I'm a Chicago native who's living in California now, but I most likely will be moving back within the year. Your info was really helpful, but I honestly have no clue about the GRE...Is 500 an extremely high score? Is it just the general GRE they require? Not an additional specialized area one?

Thanks!

Hello,
I am in the process of applying to UIC, (also at a junior college for backup) and also applying to DePaul.
There are differences I noticed in just the application process:
-UIC requires letters of recommendation, a supplemental packet filled out and the pre-reqs include 6ch of English, 8ch of A&P, 4 ch of Bio101 or gen chem, 6 hours of humanities, 6 hours of social sciences and a minimum gpa on your final 60 hours of undergrad at a 3.0 out of 4.0, also the gre scores are being pushed higher due to competitiveness but so far they require a minimum of 500 on the quantitative
-DePaul requires no letters of recommendation, only a goals statement, your GRE at 500Q+500V+4.0A, a minimum undergrad gpa at 3.0 out of 4.0, and also that your pre-requisites include everything like UIC except added microbiology and Organic chemistry, (I think?)
UIC has their first group starting this January and has an intense first 15 month program for NCLEX-RN preparation and they only start every January whereas DePaul starts every winter and spring and the NCLEX preparation is a four semester in two year format.
UIC is a state school and is lots cheaper.
What I found out at the information session for UIC is that the deadline is March 1st. That was originally the early deadline with June 1st as the final but, due to high volume of applications the changed the early deadline to the final. So, if you are thinking of going there you have to apply by March 1st.
Last I read on this forum there were abou 80 applicants at DePaul for around 45 slots whereas at UIC I heard they were anticipating almost 300 applicants for the 40 available slots.
Yeah, that is when I took a look at DePaul and decided to start that application process!!
Good luck,
Gennaver

Gennaver, MSN · Mar 23, 2005

Hi Gennaver,
I actually just found out about UIC's program tonight (I had no clue they had the grad-entry program despite having actually graduated from there with an English degree). I'm a Chicago native who's living in California now, but I most likely will be moving back within the year. Your info was really helpful, but I honestly have no clue about the GRE...Is 500 an extremely high score? Is it just the general GRE they require? Not an additional specialized area one?
Thanks!

Hi,

UIC just got the final okay about three weeks before this Jan 2005 class! So, I am trying to get in for the second group that starts Jan 2006. So, no wonder you didn't hear about them.

You may want to check out applying to the regional sites also as that is supposed to help up the odds of acceptance, (the 20 slots are only for the Chicago site) although, ALL sites use the Chicago campus for the pre-NCLEX portion.

500 is not great at all but, it is generally considered a minimum score. At UIC they told me that 500 was applicable (500Q +500V) for the very first cohort, but that the comptetition was pushing up the GRE scores fast.

Everything I have heard about the gre is that taking the practice class, (about a thousand dollars) would raise your scores about a hundred each or more). I have also heard that spending a few months reviewing would also do a great job of raising the scores. I spent about a week reviewing myself before jumpin in to take the test. I didn't know until the last minute that I needed it. I think its much better to review proper to get a good number than to try to retake it, (when you re-take it they only average both scores anyway).

I hope you check the website.

Also, there is a long thread in the pre-student nurses forum about direct entry programs, how hard to get in. Apparently UIC Chicago is ranked number 8 in the nation, (with midwifery at #).

There is lots of information shared in that long thread...come and join us!!

Good luck!!

Gen

prenault · Mar 23, 2005

12

Hi,
UIC just got the final okay about three weeks before this Jan 2005 class! So, I am trying to get in for the second group that starts Jan 2006. So, no wonder you didn't hear about them.
You may want to check out applying to the regional sites also as that is supposed to help up the odds of acceptance, (the 20 slots are only for the Chicago site) although, ALL sites use the Chicago campus for the pre-NCLEX portion.
500 is not great at all but, it is generally considered a minimum score. At UIC they told me that 500 was applicable (500Q +500V) for the very first cohort, but that the comptetition was pushing up the GRE scores fast.
Everything I have heard about the gre is that taking the practice class, (about a thousand dollars) would raise your scores about a hundred each or more). I have also heard that spending a few months reviewing would also do a great job of raising the scores. I spent about a week reviewing myself before jumpin in to take the test. I didn't know until the last minute that I needed it. I think its much better to review proper to get a good number than to try to retake it, (when you re-take it they only average both scores anyway).
I hope you check the website.
Also, there is a long thread in the pre-student nurses forum about direct entry programs, how hard to get in. Apparently UIC Chicago is ranked number 8 in the nation, (with midwifery at #).
There is lots of information shared in that long thread...come and join us!!
Good luck!!
Gen

Gennaver, MSN · Apr 14, 2005

Just went through a big portion of the direct entry MSN thread...I think I'll still end up applying to UIC, because they go on the last 60 GPA hours of your degree, but it looks like all other direct entry programs are out (b/c of my low cumulative GPA)...Man, if only I knew back then how much all those C's in science classes and other gen eds would impact my future....
I was looking at Loyola's ABSN and is it correct to say that they consider all college coursework completed in the GPA? Not just your Bachelor GPA, but also GPA in the prereqs you've done since then? That would definitely be a good thing. Rush seems to be another program worth considering, too...
Good luck with UIC!

Psst!

UIC is still accepting applications to ~some~ specialties and will continue until June 1st!! Prenault, hurry! Check out their website then go to prospective students, then to graduate entry program admissions and applications-to see which specialties are still open, (NOT omen's health, nor midwifes, nor family np, nor pediatric) good luck!!

Gen

p.s. post back and let us know!!

Maxs · Apr 16, 2005

I am so glad that I got admitted to UIC's BSN program for the fall of 05, I wonder when will you guys find out for the MSN?

Maxs

Gennaver, MSN · Apr 16, 2005

I am so glad that I got admitted to UIC's BSN program for the fall of 05, I wonder when will you guys find out for the MSN?
Maxs

Hi Maxs,

Congrats again!!

If it weren't for not having my organic chem, I would have applied for the BSN, (it is higher ranked for a NHCS scholarship than is the ADN or MSN). I am really glad still, that I decided to check out UIC and came across the direct entry because this could work real well too.

However, even though I've been told I made it to the interviews for the MSN, my specialty isn't doing the scheduling of them yet.

May 15th is the anticipted final decisions.

Waiting,

Gen

Maxs · Apr 16, 2005

Gen, I hope you get in and thanks for the earlier support you have shown.

Max

crazylilkelly · May 2, 2005

Hi Gennaver,
I actually just found out about UIC's program tonight (I had no clue they had the grad-entry program despite having actually graduated from there with an English degree). I'm a Chicago native who's living in California now, but I most likely will be moving back within the year. Your info was really helpful, but I honestly have no clue about the GRE...Is 500 an extremely high score? Is it just the general GRE they require? Not an additional specialized area one?
Thanks!

Hey,

This might be redundant b/c I didn't read many of the postings but I know if you get a certain GPA in your undergrad nursing program (I think it's a 3.25, I may be wrong) then you don't even have to take the GREs!!!! Unless you plan on going into the CRNA program or for a Dr in nursing research/ed.

Gennaver, MSN · May 22, 2005

I am so glad that I got admitted to UIC's BSN program for the fall of 05, I wonder when will you guys find out for the MSN?
Maxs

Hello Maxs,

They sent out the letters on Tuesday, May 17th. I got an email reply saying that I was not accepted.

It took me a day to get over it but, am over it and realize the weak spots in my application. It is a good idea to make certain that your essay lists a very specific and definitive interst, (I think mine looked to broad as my interests are broad.)

I applied for adult health and really should have made my application to community health.

Good news is that I am going to give it a full hearted try for DePaul.

They are more expensive but are also the oldest Master's entry program in the area and really do know what they are doing. :)

Gen

p.s. they make their decisions I think by this May 27th!! (yeah, I will be flying up there this week with my completed essay and application check!)