Fall 2013 BSN Samuel Merritt University

U.S.A. California

Published

Hi everybody,

A week ago I mailed my application for the Fall 2013 BSN program at Samuel Merritt University in Oakland, Ca. Anyone else want to wait for results with me? I am currently taking 3 courses in progress until mid May! I am so nervous !!!

--marykdarling, thanks for the info! How do you like it so far? I actually just visited the campus for the first time the other day and it wasn't what I expected. It doesn't really look like a "college/university". What do you have to say about that? Is it because the students will mostly be in clinicals and all that good stuff so the classrooms aren't the prime focus for Samuel Merritt? I'm not really looking at the total "college life like in the movies" experience, I had that at a cal state, but I just want to make sure the campus feels homey, you know what I mean?

This is one of the things that's keeping me from for sure choosing Samuel Merritt (I'm still waiting for a letter) vs. U of San Francisco- which is a way more expensive and longer program. Plus the area could be a little iffy at night.

Just want to hear some thoughts!

Thank you!

Hi! So, I love the program. The teachers are all awesome, the facility is so state-of-the-art, and the school has a great reputation. I'm really happy at SMU and would recommend it to anyone.

The campus is definitely not traditional whatsoever, but honestly, it doesn't bother me at all! We spend almost our entire day in two different classrooms, so it's not like you're walking across "campus" to get to your classes; they are right next to each other. Once you get the hang of it, it's not bad at all IMO. It has everything that I need, including good food within walking distance and an awesome library. I definitely wouldn't let the campus away your decision. Instead, look at NCLEX pass rates between the colleges ;) honestly, I wasn't willing to pay more money and spend one extra year at USF, but it is a great option for some people.

In your second semester you will spend a lot more time in clinical at the hospital. First semester looks like this: 4 classes from jan-April, 2 classes from April-may, and one day of clinical a week.

Let me know if you have any other questions!!! Good luck!

Thank you so much for your support!!! How do you like the program so far?

:) check my comment below!

MaryKDarling, thanks so much for taking time out to reply and give me your input!

There are definitely some pros and cons about both schools that I have to weight. I just received the letter of acceptance into the USF BSN program so that's great news, but won't hear from SM until mid June, which is a killer! I have taken into account the NCLEX pass rates, and Board of RN NCLEX pass rates page is like my best friend right now :yes:. But the fact that SM is only two years and is def cheaper than the 3.5 years I'd be at USF and the 100k+ I'd be spending is looking mighty fine - just gotta hope to get into the program, first. If not, then I'd try again for Spring. Here are my new questions if you have the chance -

1. Do you live in Oakland? If so, how do you like it? If not, how is commuting?

2. I would be living in the Colma/Daly City area in the fall of this year, so if I were to get into SM, then I would be commuting. ---what are your opinions on commuting while in the nursing program?

3. I know this is a personal question, so If you choose not to answer it - it's all good! How are you paying for this program? If i were to get in, I'd be taking out loans, and it sounds really scary to take out around 80k in loans. I'm not stressing out so much about paying it back, it's just being able to even accumulate and be approved (on my own) to take out big amounts in loans that is.

4. Does the program carry over into the summer? Or is it strictly just a fall/spring program?

That's pretty much it, for now! Hope this didn't take too much of your time.

Thanks again

MaryKDarling, thanks so much for taking time out to reply and give me your input!

There are definitely some pros and cons about both schools that I have to weight. I just received the letter of acceptance into the USF BSN program so that's great news, but won't hear from SM until mid June, which is a killer! I have taken into account the NCLEX pass rates, and Board of RN NCLEX pass rates page is like my best friend right now :yes:. But the fact that SM is only two years and is def cheaper than the 3.5 years I'd be at USF and the 100k+ I'd be spending is looking mighty fine - just gotta hope to get into the program, first. If not, then I'd try again for Spring. Here are my new questions if you have the chance -

1. Do you live in Oakland? If so, how do you like it? If not, how is commuting?

2. I would be living in the Colma/Daly City area in the fall of this year, so if I were to get into SM, then I would be commuting. ---what are your opinions on commuting while in the nursing program?

3. I know this is a personal question, so If you choose not to answer it - it's all good! How are you paying for this program? If i were to get in, I'd be taking out loans, and it sounds really scary to take out around 80k in loans. I'm not stressing out so much about paying it back, it's just being able to even accumulate and be approved (on my own) to take out big amounts in loans that is.

4. Does the program carry over into the summer? Or is it strictly just a fall/spring program?

That's pretty much it, for now! Hope this didn't take too much of your time.

Thanks again

Congratulations! I also got accepted to USF! So happy! But I'm going to wait till June to hear from SMU, because it is my #1 choice. Hopefully we will be admitted! :-)

MaryKDarling, thanks so much for taking time out to reply and give me your input!

There are definitely some pros and cons about both schools that I have to weight. I just received the letter of acceptance into the USF BSN program so that's great news, but won't hear from SM until mid June, which is a killer! I have taken into account the NCLEX pass rates, and Board of RN NCLEX pass rates page is like my best friend right now :yes:. But the fact that SM is only two years and is def cheaper than the 3.5 years I'd be at USF and the 100k+ I'd be spending is looking mighty fine - just gotta hope to get into the program, first. If not, then I'd try again for Spring. Here are my new questions if you have the chance -

1. Do you live in Oakland? If so, how do you like it? If not, how is commuting?

2. I would be living in the Colma/Daly City area in the fall of this year, so if I were to get into SM, then I would be commuting. ---what are your opinions on commuting while in the nursing program?

3. I know this is a personal question, so If you choose not to answer it - it's all good! How are you paying for this program? If i were to get in, I'd be taking out loans, and it sounds really scary to take out around 80k in loans. I'm not stressing out so much about paying it back, it's just being able to even accumulate and be approved (on my own) to take out big amounts in loans that is.

4. Does the program carry over into the summer? Or is it strictly just a fall/spring program?

That's pretty much it, for now! Hope this didn't take too much of your time.

Thanks again

No problem! I had a few friends who went to SMU so I was able to pick their brains and it really helped me. It can be so overwhelming so I want to try to help as much as I can. Feel free to ask me whatever you want; I'm an open book!

Congrats into your acceptance at USF! It's so nice to know the ball is in your court!

1. Nope, I actually live in ROSEVILLE if you can believe it!! I found three guys online on this carpool website. Basically we drive from sac to the pleasant hill BART, and then I take it to McArthur. A lot of people take BART because the campus is less than 1 mile away and there is a shuttle that comes approx every 10 min that will take you right there. Most people in my class actually commute, but I think I have the craziest/longest drive! It's not bad though, I study on the way. It definitely does make it a little more difficult, but I would take BART or any time of public transport you could. That way you avoid what can often be unpredictable traffic. Honestly, all of us in the program have something that keeps us a little busier. Some people work more, others have children. I have a 5 hour daily commute plus a 10 month old. What I'm trying to say is that if you've made it this far, you'll make it work :)

3. LOANS!! Private and federal!! You will qualify for more than you need. I'm taking out more than most because of child care expenses and my commute/mortgage. The way that I saw it was I would be losing nursing income if I waited 2-3 years (which seems to be the average for lottery programs). So I'm not stressing about loans. Also, there are scholarships. I got 4k off a semester from a SMU scholarship which I didnt even apply for! It was just a surprise when I got my bill.. They offer students a scholarship for their GPA. I think for 3.8 or above, it's 4k off a semester (16k total!!) for other, lower GPAs you get less money. To my understanding, I think the lowest is 1k off a semester for a GPA of 3.5, but I may be wrong on that. Again, you'll make it work and won't care when you're making that nursing salary! Hehe. And my private loans are for living expenses.. A lot of people with out families/living at home take out a lot less than me too :)

4. The BSN program is 4 semesters, only during fall and spring. The ABSN (accelerated BSN) goes through the summer and is for students with an undergraduate degree (non-nursing)

Hope that helps! Lmk if you have any other questions!

Congratulations! I also got accepted to USF! So happy! But I'm going to wait till June to hear from SMU, because it is my #1 choice. Hopefully we will be admitted! :-)

Wow! Congrats!!! :)

Specializes in Cardiology.

Hey Everyone!! I also applied for Fall 2013 BSN program. Im crossing my fingers and toes :) my TEAS score sucked and I have 4 classes in progress but science GPA of 3.75 and overall around 3.5. I have worked as a MA for group of 5 Cardiologists the past 5 yrs and I submitted 3 strong letters of recommendation- from my office manager, head nurse and a physician- I hope that helps me. June seems so far away. This waiting is going to kill me. I just got the confirmation email that they rec'd my application. Good Luck to Everyone :)

Hey Everyone!! I also applied for Fall 2013 BSN program. Im crossing my fingers and toes :) my TEAS score sucked and I have 4 classes in progress but science GPA of 3.75 and overall around 3.5. I have worked as a MA for group of 5 Cardiologists the past 5 yrs and I submitted 3 strong letters of recommendation- from my office manager, head nurse and a physician- I hope that helps me. June seems so far away. This waiting is going to kill me. I just got the confirmation email that they rec'd my application. Good Luck to Everyone :)

Hi! I wouldn't worry too much about that TEAS score. It sounds like you've got excellent experience and a strong GPA. My TEAS score wasn't too great either, but I made it for with with my letter of recommendations & GPA... They really do look at the whole picture at SMU! I really hope you get accepted. This is a great school! 2 weeks away from finals and I can say that they have really prepared me so far..

No problem! I had a few friends who went to SMU so I was able to pick their brains and it really helped me. It can be so overwhelming so I want to try to help as much as I can. Feel free to ask me whatever you want; I'm an open book!

Congrats into your acceptance at USF! It's so nice to know the ball is in your court!

1. Nope, I actually live in ROSEVILLE if you can believe it!! I found three guys online on this carpool website. Basically we drive from sac to the pleasant hill BART, and then I take it to McArthur. A lot of people take BART because the campus is less than 1 mile away and there is a shuttle that comes approx every 10 min that will take you right there. Most people in my class actually commute, but I think I have the craziest/longest drive! It's not bad though, I study on the way. It definitely does make it a little more difficult, but I would take BART or any time of public transport you could. That way you avoid what can often be unpredictable traffic. Honestly, all of us in the program have something that keeps us a little busier. Some people work more, others have children. I have a 5 hour daily commute plus a 10 month old. What I'm trying to say is that if you've made it this far, you'll make it work :)

3. LOANS!! Private and federal!! You will qualify for more than you need. I'm taking out more than most because of child care expenses and my commute/mortgage. The way that I saw it was I would be losing nursing income if I waited 2-3 years (which seems to be the average for lottery programs). So I'm not stressing about loans. Also, there are scholarships. I got 4k off a semester from a SMU scholarship which I didnt even apply for! It was just a surprise when I got my bill.. They offer students a scholarship for their GPA. I think for 3.8 or above, it's 4k off a semester (16k total!!) for other, lower GPAs you get less money. To my understanding, I think the lowest is 1k off a semester for a GPA of 3.5, but I may be wrong on that. Again, you'll make it work and won't care when you're making that nursing salary! Hehe. And my private loans are for living expenses.. A lot of people with out families/living at home take out a lot less than me too :)

4. The BSN program is 4 semesters, only during fall and spring. The ABSN (accelerated BSN) goes through the summer and is for students with an undergraduate degree (non-nursing)

Hope that helps! Lmk if you have any other questions!

---------

Thank you so much marykdarling! :) yes. I'm so glad the ball is in my court, I've decided not to say yes to usf because I really want to go to SMU and would love to finish in just two years. I don't know though, because I do hear its harder to get in during the fall. My stats are, 3.4 in pre-reqs, 3.1 in cumulative, I've been volunteering at Stanford hospital since last June, and LPCH since January. I also work as a caregiver at a senior assisted living center. All this I included in my essay, so im hoping all of these factors will help me out. Even if I don't get in for the fall, which I really hope I do, I'd still reapply for the spring. My teas was okay, I got a 90% on the reading and about 80% on the math- I know these are the main two they look at.

I commend you for sticking with that long commute. If that isn't determination, I don't know what is :) I wish you the best of luck with your finals!

Specializes in Cardiology.

Thanks for the response @Marykdarling! It is very nice of you to take the time and share your experience thus far with all of us. It is much appreciated!! Good Luck with finals :)

Hello everyone! I also applied for Fall 2013 BSN. Does anyone know if an interview is part of the application process for the BSN program? Thanks!

It is not, it only applies to the Master programs they have. :)

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