Samuel Merritt University ELMSN-CM Fall 2013

U.S.A. California

Published

Hi Everyone,

I started a thread a couple of days ago but the title was vague so I hope this attracts more readers and future SMU applicants! I am applying for the Fall 2013 cohort for case management and wanted to start a thread like other cohorts to meet other applicants and support each other during the "waiting period"! :) This is my first time applying to grad school/nursing program so everything is new, exciting, and terrifying! I am finishing up my BA in Human Development and hope to continue on towards my dreams by getting into this program.

Hi, I'm currently in the program. Let me know if you have any questions. I'm pretty busy though, so I'll try my best! =)

Hi xzalense

What cohort are you in CM or FNP? Are you in your first year and if so what is your schedule like and how flexible are the in class and clinical schedules?

I'm in case management and interviewed for both FNP and CM. I am, indeed, in my first year. The academic schedule is pretty rigorous, especially in the first semester. In the first semester, you're pretty much spending time in the classroom A LOT. Assignments upon assignments and tests are pretty common but I still have plenty of time to go out with friends and family (albeit less than before) and I'm currently pulling A's. Some people are studying 24/7 and worrying a lot, but let me give you one piece of advice: nursing school test questions are designed to be NCLEX style. This means that you'll often narrow your answer down to a 50/50 chance and you'll have to learn how to choose the right one. You can study as much as you want, but if you don't know how to answer these questions, you won't do well.This semester, we have three days of class, one day of lab and one day of clinical. It's supposed to be the hardest semester, but I don't have much to compare it with. Next semester, it'll be two clinical, one lab and a day or two of class. The course is designed to be intensive... I don't know many people who work while going to school and I advise against it.Flexibility is very narrow. You get to state your preference in clinical sites but that's about the extent. They choose all the classes for you and everybody is in the same classes.

Thanks for the insight. I have browsed through other SMU threads before to try and get a better idea! In will be anxiously waiting to hear back from SMU into the new year but then it's figuring out loans and how to pay whomp whomp! One step at a time I suppose. How was the financing part for you? I hear most take out all loans for the for the first year anyways.

From what it sounds like, most if not all people took out some sort of loan. I pulled out a loan solely for the cost of tuition for the first year. My living expenses and such are luckily supplied by my husband. Otherwise, I would need to pull out more. Pulling out a loan is rough, but think about it this way - when you get out, you'll be making a LOT and you'll pay it off in no time!

If there's one thing that's great about this school, it's that you are really paying for the education. This means teachers are mostly approachable, there are tons of resources for you to utilize and they REALLY prepare you to pass that NCLEX (90%+ pass rate). The teaching style here really clicks with me and was totally worth the extra money.

Hello Everyone!

Thank you driven2012 for starting this thread. I, too, applied just in knick of time for SMU's ELMSN-CM Program. I am really excited and hope that they start contacting us soon! I have a BS in Health Science and can't wait to start nursing school! :nurse:

Does anyone have any ideas as to when they will start to contact the applicants and how is it via e-mail or phone?

Thanks:D

Hey Frangipani25

I have a BS in Health Science too..what school did you go to? They should start contacting us mid December or possibly early January and it's via e-mail. Pretty much letting us know when the interview are..then they may call by phone to schedule an interview...

Yay more people Hi Franjipani glad you made the deadline! Similar to what lalalove said above, I have read in previous threads that emails start to go out in early january concerning interview dates which start the end of Jan. and go into the whole month of Feb. Last year a lot of people heard back end of Feb and early March about acceptance/rejection. It seems like a long wait but with the holidays I am sure it is going to breeze by!

Hi Everyone,

I didn't see a forum for ELMSN-FNP, but just wanted to say hi to everyone that is applying for the CM. I'm pretty sure I've asked the counselor twice, but I've been so anxious, I forgot what she said. Regarding the last 60 semester units, are post-baccalaureate classes counted as part of the last 60 semester units? Or do they only count the last 60 semester units from your undergrad college from where you received your degree? Depending on what the answer is, my two GPA varies by a lot. Thanks in advance!

Hey ScoobyWong!

I think this thread can act as both for the ELMSN we all applied at the same time so we should all be on the same timeline relatively. The admission counselor I spoke with said the last 60 semester or 90 quarter units begin with the most recent and count back. Hope that clears things up a little!

Thank you for replying driven2012! That's what I thought too. Even though I prepared myself for this long wait, the anxiety has already kicked into overdrive and the information the counselor informed me is already slipping out of my mind. LOL!! Nice meeting you :)

Thank you for replying driven2012! That's what I thought too. Even though I prepared myself for this long wait, the anxiety has already kicked into overdrive and the information the counselor informed me is already slipping out of my mind. LOL!! Nice meeting you :)

There is one for FNP, but it is not popular comparing to this post. I was accepted for FNP to start in Jan at Sac campus, so if you have question feel free to ask since the application process is the same for both term.

Just some additional information, Fall is a popular term comparing to Spring entry. If things do not work out due to whatever reasons, you can always ask them to re-consider you for Spring entry which saves you the application fee. We just had our new student orientation. The staffs are very friendly and we have current students to talk about their school life and encouraging words from faculties. The Sac director also said that their pass rate for NCLEX past year first time taker was 98% for Sac campus. She also said that 95% of their students of ELMSN and ABSN programs have job offers within 6 months after graduation. If you are looking at their expensive tuition, they said they had 0% default rate in loans. That means students will be able to pay back all the loans they have after school.

I know people will definitely ask about interview. For CM program, the interview is one faculty to one candidate. For FNP, it is a group interview which 2 faculties interview from 8 to 16 candidates at the same time. Hope those information help to release some of your nerve wracking feelings. Enjoy the holiday season as you may not hear from SMU for a while now. Good luck everyone.

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