Interview with Samuel Merritt for ELMSN Fall 2008

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Hi all. I just got a call today inviting me to an interview on March 8th for the ELMSN program for Fall 2008. Anyone else interviewing on March 8th? Anyone who has interviewed that has any words of advice as I prepare for the interview? I understand that Samuel Merritt may not wish for those who have already interviewed to be sharing specific details but anything that prior interviewees could share to help me prepare would be much appreciated. Thank you! ;)

I wish I had the MONEY to go to Samuel Merritt, they are super expensive yikes! I have the grades, but I am not sure about getting into debt of that magnitude. I do envy those who will go there, I believe they have a very high NCLEX passing percent, that means they do put out great Nurses!

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I wish I had the MONEY to go to Samuel Merritt, they are super expensive yikes! I have the grades, but I am not sure about getting into debt of that magnitude. I do envy those who will go there, I believe they have a very high NCLEX passing percent, that means they do put out great Nurses!

i know! the money is crazy! but i don't really have a choice because it doesn't look like i have much of a chance getting into my school of choice :cry:

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They are expensive. I have been trying to find information on the average financial aid package that students receive and I have found nothing yet.

$877 per credit is pretty steep. I wonder if you can even borrow enough to cover it? I might get some money from the VA as I am a Vet, but I know it will come nowhere close.

I was even considering a scholarship that paid everything + a monthly stipend in exchange for serving an underprivileged area...but go figure I do not even qualify because they will not support "bridge" programs...RN to BSN, BSN to MSN, Direct Entry, etc.

I do not even know why I am worried at this point as I have not even been accepted, but I am a planner and I like to know what I need to worry about next ;).

Only 4 more days! No more caffeine for me...I will miss the white mocha...nectar of the gods. :D

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First allow me to address your initial questions:

1- How long was the interview?

The interview is scheduled for 1 hour, but my interview ran a little long for the faculty member and I worked ourselves into a hearty conversation. At the end I had to do a writing assignment choosing 1 out of 3 topics and creating an essay in 30 minutes. But do not worry, the topics are down to earth and very manageable.

2- Was it a group or single interview? Both?

My interview was a single interview with just one faculty member in her office. Very informal and personal. Not having a desk separating us allowed for a more conversational connection and dispelled the dreaded intimidating factor that usually accompanies interviews.

3- Did you interview with one or a few people?

As above, it was just her and myself. Simply be yourself and shine through your true passion for the profession.

As for the tuition, I also agree that it is very steep. But I have a friend who is in her 4th semester in the Sacramento campus and she is managing finances quite well. It is an investment in your future and from the NCLEX results of last year and from word of mouth, I hear that the Samuel Merritt program is a very good one, preparing its nurses at a top notch level. I did not initially have Samuel Merritt as my first choice, but ever since my interview it has jumped to the forefront.

Also, I was able to find some financial aid information and it looks as if it roughly costs $50,000 per year INCLUDING living expenses. Through Stafford Loans and Graduate Plus Loans it appears as if financial aid may be able to fund most, if not all, of the cost.

Personally I am working my rear end off to save up as much as I can before the beginning of the semester to shave off some of the loan costs.

Hope this helps, and good luck to you all!!!

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i'm so nervous! i had so many dreams about the interview last night!

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I'm also going to be at the March 8th interview for the FNP program. Definitely suuuuper nervous. Good luck everyone!!!!!

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good luck to everyone this saturday! hopefully we'll all make it in! :nuke:

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I just wanted to wish everyone good luck tomorrow. I hope we all receive good news. Sleep well! I look forward to seeing you all in the AM.

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I got in!!! I got a call right after I got home from the interview...then my hubby and I went out for a celebratory snack. :p

I wish you all the best of luck as we continue to find out who our fellow classmates will be.

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Congrats!!!!!!!

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Congrats!

I hope to be one of your classmates!

Crisbiss

ps. I PM'd you

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Just wanted to see if anyone knew whether they will be calling the rest of the people they are accepting as they did with the early admits? Or if they will just mail everyone's out to them? Getting really anxious !

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