[davisgirl9]

I am applying to the ABSN program at Samuel Merritt this month and I am running into some trouble with the writing sample. Is there anyone that can give me some advice/help?... I have a very rough draft complete but I'm not confident with it. Should the writing sample be very structured and 'formal' (like a section for what motivates me and a section for my preparation) or should it be somewhat creative so I stand out in comparison to other applicants? Are they looking more at content or writing skills?.... Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[bethin]

Welcome! I can't really help you with your question as I haven't a clue what they want. But whenever I've written an admittance essay they are looking for somewhat formal but what they want is to get to know you. Last time they gave me a few ideas: farthest you've been from home, describe where you want to be in 10 years, etc. But I wouldn't go with my reply only. Wait for some others. I would hate to lead you in the wrong direction. Good luck!!

[RNedit]

I am not familiar with what you need the writing sample for. Is it for them to evaluate your writing ability, or is it just an essay for them to get a feel for who you are?
If it is your writing ability they are looking at - I would err on the formal side. Keep it correct as you would any essay you are writing for college. Watch your puncuation, have a opening, closing and body. Lay out the points of your essay. If they have not given you a subject - you can be creative - but don't get crazy. Avoid sibjects that are sensitive (euthanasia, capital punishment, etc)
However, if it is like an interview on paper, you would want to be more creative - but it is about you. You still need to watch your punctuation, spelling, and the way your essay flows.
I found that I always wrote a better essay when I asked others to read it first. Then, if they had to ask for clarification, I knew what I was trying to say was not clear and it should be revised. Most essays should be written with the readers in mind, not the writer.
Hope this helps.

[ayu4]

hi davisgirl
i have been accepted into samuel merritt's fall absn program. for my essay, it was not very formal. i just answered the questions with emphasis in why i wanted to go into nursing. just be yourself and try not to worry too much

[Rianna1]

hi ayu4,
will you be able to let me know your stats for entering the program? last 60 units gpa and science gpa and net score? just wondering as i will be applying to the absn program for may 2008 and want to know how competitive scores need to be. You can pm me if you don't want it seen on the discussion board. also, congrats on getting in!

[deann52]

To everyone trying to get into the Oakland campus your stats have to be higher, if you want into SF or southbay it is NOT hard to get in!! Just do well and make sure you have all your stuff in the app and you will do fine!

I am in the ABSN if anyone has questions you can ask, hope that helps!

[crisbiss]

Originally Posted by deann52

To everyone trying to get into the Oakland campus your stats have to be higher, if you want into SF or southbay it is NOT hard to get in!! Just do well and make sure you have all your stuff in the app and you will do fine!

I am in the ABSN if anyone has questions you can ask, hope that helps!

Hey there!
Which campus are you at? Would you mind telling us your stats? Also, id love to here what your first semester schedule was like.....and if you feel the quality of instruction is in proportion to the program cost. Are your instructors availible to you? Are you supported? Are the nursing student pitted against each other, or encouraged to work together?

Thanks!

[Rianna1]

Hi Criss,
Did you apply for 2008 for ABSN? Which campus did you apply to? I saw in your previous posts that you were trying to get into the local cc's in the bay area. Napa and Solano have waiting lists of two years. You do have to wait, but at least it's not lottery and you know you'll eventually get in. Not sure if those cc's are too far from you...

[crisbiss]

Originally Posted by nathanielandarianna

Hi Criss,
Did you apply for 2008 for ABSN? Which campus did you apply to? I saw in your previous posts that you were trying to get into the local cc's in the bay area. Napa and Solano have waiting lists of two years. You do have to wait, but at least it's not lottery and you know you'll eventually get in. Not sure if those cc's are too far from you...

Hi,
I did apply for the 2008 ABSN....you too?
I tried just the cc's in the east bay last year: Merritt and Contra Costa. At Contra Costa i was number 200 something on the wait list and because they draw a new lottery every year i knew that even if i waiting i would very likely never get in. Merritt college is the most disorganized of any school i have applied to ( it may be a good thing i didn't get in) but i have heard through the grape vine that the program itself is good. Speaking of which, is anyone on the board a student there? Can you tell me a bit about it?
My application was disqualified there because a requirement to include your high school transcripts was instituted a month before the deadline and because i went to a private school out of state, that is closed, my transcripts were not on time ( a week late). Of course, this year they see that that requirement is a waste of time and have dropped it! D'oh! I haven't decided if i am going to reapply or not.

Cris

[Rianna1]

Yes, I applied to the ABSN program at Sam Merritt. I, too, applied at Contra Costa and was number 194. LOL such a joke! So I am wait listed at Napa College. I don't know anything about Merritt. I was thinking of applying there also. I'll be applying to LMC also. I just hope we hear from SMC soon.
Was Oakland your first choice at SMC?