Hi! It's awesome to see someone else is interested in Samuel Merritt's ELMSN program!
Originally Posted by modoc
Less than 2 weeks ago, I applied to Samuel Merritt ELMSN for Case Management. Even though it was after the priority deadline, I talked to the admission office and they encouraged me to apply anyway, saying the process wasn't "closed" yet, but was "closing" very soon.
I actually submitted my application before the priority deadline, as did all of the interviewees who went with me, but they did mention that they are still accepting applications on a rolling basis... so don't worry! They received a lot of applications, and it takes them awhile to go through the files and make sure that everything is there.
How did your interview go? What was the format like? Was it interactive or did they just throw questions at you? Did they tell you when they would be getting back to you?
The interview was actually one of the most unique, unusual, but fun interviews that I've ever been to... and believe me, I've seen my share over the past few years (I had to go through four interviews just to apply for the place I got my undergraduate-- and 3 were panel interviews with government officials). To tell you the truth, the interviews made me want to go to Samuel Merritt even more... in a way, it was a great learning experience because it pushed all of us out of our comfort zones... and apparently, you can't really predict what's going to happen because it's different from everything I've heard from other people I've spoken to. The best way to describe it is: take it as it comes. It's better to go into it unprepared because it lets them see how you adapt to different situations and interact with other people.
One of the great things I noticed about the faculty is that they have a lot of passion for advanced practice nursing and nursing education... you can see it in the way they talk about the school, its current programs, and the future things they want to implement into the program.
We also were able to talk to some students and go on a campus tour with them, and the students were very honest about the program... in general, they like the program, and while it's challenging, it provides you with so many learning opportunities. They said the faculty is great and helpful as well.
*edit: I forgot to add that they mentioned that they make many of the acceptance decisions in March... but some people are offered early acceptance if they really stood out overall. To tell you the truth, everyone at the interview impressed me A LOT... so just about anyone who went to the interview has a good chance of getting in*
My biggest concern is that I haven't finished all the prereq yet. I need to complete my final 2 or 3 in summer school, including anatomy, so my concern is that they may not consider me. Did you have all your prereq's completed?
I have all of my prereqs for this program completed (I'm also applying for the ABSN program)... but I'm sure if they're confident that you're capable of finishing those prereqs (and finishing them well), then it shouldn't be too much of a problem. You might want to actually try asking one of the admissions counselors about your application and situation. I've kept in touch with the Sacramento one (because it was easier for me to visit her office than the Oakland one... I live near Sacramento), and she's always been extremely helpful every time I've asked her a question.
Good luck!!!! And if the prereqs are an issue now, always remember that they have a Sacramento program that starts in the Winter/Spring (and I've actually heard that some Sacramento-area students can eventually transfer to the Oakland campus later on in the program... I think probably once you get into your advanced practice specialty). =)
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