CA: Samuel Merritt ABSN Applicants Out There??

Testa Rosa, RN · Apr 27, 2006

Hello: I will be applying to SM Oakland Campus this coming Fall. Am curious to find out from those of you accepted what your GPA's/NET scores were. I am an older student, mom of three (one with special needs) and breast cancer survivor. Am worried this info as it's bound to come out during the interviews and reference letters may hurt my chances. I already have a BS degree in business so I have my eyes on the ELMSN Case Mgmt...did you guys apply to both programs? Good Luck on your Nursing School--May all go well!

KMBrooks · Apr 27, 2006

Hey Bertolozzi:

I don't believe your medical condition would hurt your chances, if anything you can shine a positive light on it and have it improve your chances. I have a BA degree in business information systems. Here are my numbers:

Overall GPA: 3.78

Science GPA: 3.83

Net Score: 85

Volunteer experience: Tutoring anatomy

Work-related experience: 1.5 years in an Allergy, Asthma & Arthritis Center

Luckily they only count the last 60 units, I started out my college career with several semesters of Ds and Fs, it was only when I found nursing that I actually went into 'serious' mode about school. I honestly believe I wouldn't have gotten in without my grades. I've heard countless people with a lot of medical experience and volunteer experience who were denied admission, so if there's one thing I'd suggest it's get your GPA as high as possible prior to admissions.

Give yourself plenty of time for the essay, focus on your strengths and what you have overcome to be where you are today and how it will make you a better nurse. Also, attend a preview session, there's one next weekend I believe and they have one in the Fall. At the session they will give you a better idea of what they do and don't want to see in the essay.

Goodluck!

Sincerely,

Kristen

karmyk · Apr 27, 2006

I am an older student, mom of three (one with special needs) and breast cancer survivor. Am worried this info as it's bound to come out during the interviews and reference letters may hurt my chances.

I don't think this information will necessarily hurt you... BUT, given the fact that you have three children (one with special needs), you might want to show (maybe at the interview or through your essay or reference letters) that you'll be able to handle the heavy courseload (and the financial demands of going to a private school) successfully, despite having a lot of responsibilities at home. That's the only thing I think you'll need to worry about.

iwannabeanurse06 · Apr 30, 2006

Hello: I will be applying to SM Oakland Campus this coming Fall. Am curious to find out from those of you accepted what your GPA's/NET scores were. I am an older student, mom of three (one with special needs) and breast cancer survivor. Am worried this info as it's bound to come out during the interviews and reference letters may hurt my chances. I already have a BS degree in business so I have my eyes on the ELMSN Case Mgmt...did you guys apply to both programs? Good Luck on your Nursing School--May all go well!

Hi Bertolozzi,

I'm a mom also to just one toddler for now! With your life experience I think you'd make a great nurse! During my interview we talked about support during an accelerated program. I don't have family in the area but I highlighted my DH, daycare, and friends. The fact that you are a survivor gives you a wisdom that can't be taught. These facts about your life will only hurt you if you think they will (at least that's my opinion)! You can even highlight them and how they contributed to your desire to be a nurse.

Also I was wondering why reference letters would hurt you? I asked current professors to write letters. Are you taking any classes now? Volunteering or working in the field?

I only applied to ABSN. My undergrad gpa is 3.2. I don't know my science gpa but when I started this process I had 10 prereqs to complete and so far I only have 1 B. My NET was 79. I didn't have any recent volunteer experience (only from undergrad which I did in English) or healthcare experience for that matter. Though I did attend a couple of amazing births and that is what started all this!

Good luck!