Anyone Applying to Samuel Merritt ABSN April, May, June 2009?

Amanda1985 · Feb 1, 2009

Hello everyone!
I just found this thread. I posted an original thread, but haven't received much feedback. Anyways, does anyone know of an alumni from SMC who attended the ELSMN-FNP program in Sacramento? I'm currently taking Comm St. 3 right now and studying for the NET. Hoping to take it in March or Aprial. I'm applying the ELMSN-FNP program in July. And also, the ABSN program in Jan. as a back up. Anyone else looking to apply to SMC (Sacramento)??? If so, maybe we can keep in touch on here! Good luck!

I am looking to apply for the ABSN program....thought about applying to the ELSMN program as well, but the deadline is March 1st and I don't think I will have all my documents in on time.

EM-RN · Feb 3, 2009

How does everyone that applied to Samuel Merritt for this summer feel about the current new grad job climate...

It's tough, having spent so much time & energy to get to where we're now, just to realize that the hardest parts of our career goal still lie ahead of us. We're talking about big money here; money that could be used instead to buy up some dirt-cheap foreclosed home, or be put into the bleeding stock market -- alternatives foregone if we decide to use the $$$$$ on SMC ABSN.

Compared to local CC's and state U's, SMC is costly but fast and more "user-friendly". I've heard horrendous stories about how CC instructors, under the premise of graduating only the fittest, degrade students, often with threat of removal from the program. The question is: how much are speediness & ease of going through the program worth to you?

Regrets may start piling up when it comes time to repay the loan. Just hope that we're healthy enough to work beyond the usual retirement age. Besides, staying active mentally & physically may slow aging.

Yes, the job market is unwelcoming now. But don't let it deter you if working as a nurse is what you want. A part of my choosing nursing is because of its relative competitiveness, which tends to bring out the best in me.

dmskoka · Feb 3, 2009

very true. I have seen the Samuel Merritt instructors I think they are great... I am taking a cna course now taught by a nurse that went to cal state 20 years ago said it was bruttle.. I have applied to several schools... waiting to hear from them all then will have to decide.. It is a big decision and unfortunately the money situation does have to be taken into account..want a good school where I will be successful otherwise it is all void but don't want to be paying back for 20 years.. ahh decisions.. guess will see what happens- then have to make a decision.. At least there are options and everyone has a different situation but it so nice to be able to communicate here and get different ideas.. Some people have come up with some great strategies and I enjoy hearing them all.... Good Luck to everyone!!!Hopefully we will hear soon...

hatingthewaiting · Feb 4, 2009

I'm due to graduate this June from Samuel Merritt and while my education has been pretty good for the most part and I am beginning to second guess spending quite so much on my education. There was a program down in San Marcos I was considering that was 17 months (only 5 months longer) and although I know not much else really about it, I bet it's much cheaper. We are being told that we may have to work in nursing homes because the new grad situation here is pretty saturated. I am considering moving down south just to avoid being unemployed, but with my student loans so high it's going to be pretty tough because they pay around $10 less/hour. Some hospitals up here have hiring freezes and don't want to spend any money on new grads, further shrinking the market. I don't mean to discourage you, I just wish someone had posed these realities when I first considered going here and before I took out so much debt. I figured I'd have my pick of jobs, but the truth is even where there is a nursing shortage, that's experienced nurses, not new grads. Good luck in your decision, I know it's not an easy one.

dmskoka · Feb 4, 2009

I'm due to graduate this June from Samuel Merritt and while my education has been pretty good for the most part and I am beginning to second guess spending quite so much on my education. There was a program down in San Marcos I was considering that was 17 months (only 5 months longer) and although I know not much else really about it, I bet it's much cheaper. We are being told that we may have to work in nursing homes because the new grad situation here is pretty saturated. I am considering moving down south just to avoid being unemployed, but with my student loans so high it's going to be pretty tough because they pay around $10 less/hour. Some hospitals up here have hiring freezes and don't want to spend any money on new grads, further shrinking the market. I don't mean to discourage you, I just wish someone had posed these realities when I first considered going here and before I took out so much debt. I figured I'd have my pick of jobs, but the truth is even where there is a nursing shortage, that's experienced nurses, not new grads. Good luck in your decision, I know it's not an easy one.

Thank you soo much. Yes I got accepted down south .. I am just worried if Kaiser decides to not offer their scholarship.. They interview after you start. If you are accepted and they say most get one.. they have 25 of them then you work for them for 2 years.. The pay is 10 dollars lower and rents just as high or higher!!The school I don't think has quite the rep of Samuel Merritt.. I have one more question if I may.. Is there a certain % that you have to get in a class to pass? If you don't pass are you thrown out???

And good luck with everything!!!!

hatingthewaiting · Feb 4, 2009

You need to get 70% to pass your classes. If you don't pass a class, you cannot continue and must wait until its offered again, which may be at a different location, so I'm not sure how that'd be handled. However, its not been a problem for anyone yet. If you can get in, you can get through if you apply yourself. I don't know if you're applying to the Kaiser scholarship at the school down south or up here, but I know they offered $25k for 2 years commitment to those who earned the Kaiser scholarship in my program. I'd think these students would get priority when being hired since Kaiser has already invested money in them.

starburstlvr · Feb 7, 2009

i got my acceptance letter today for the san francisco location!!! did anybody get it too?? please update me!

RN2be.... · Feb 7, 2009

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!

You are one step closer to becoming an RN! I wish you the very best in your journey and hope that you enjoy the challenges and rewards! I applied to Oakland for Summer of 2009, and am still waiting for a response! CHEERS!!!!

That_Girl_2 · Feb 8, 2009

Long story but I'm out of the country so when I saw your post about acceptance letters going out I called home immediately to see if I had an envelope or not. Whew, I did! I was accepted at the San Francisco campus as well so I'll see you on April 17 for orientation. I'm really looking forward to meeting everyone and getting started. Now to change my airline ticket to get home in time...

RN2be.... · Feb 8, 2009

VERY COOL!!!! I bet you are thrilled! Sounds like the San Francisco letters are being sent out first! There are 48 very happy people out there right now!!!! Enjoy your trip!

EM-RN · Feb 8, 2009

i got my acceptance letter today for the san francisco location!!!

:ancong!: :yeah:

I was accepted at the San Francisco campus...

:ancong!: :yelclap:

IF notificaton goes by start-of-program date, then the Oakland applicants will receive acceptance letters before the San Mateo applicants do.

NuRsesRocK08 · Feb 9, 2009

:yeah:Congratulations to both starburstlvr & That_Girl_2 for your acceptance to SF! Latebloomer, if notices are going out by start date of the program, then, we've got some waiting on our hands since we're hoping for san mateo. did you apply to any of the other 2 locations too? i have sf as my 2nd and oakland as my 3rd.