Merritt College ADN Program Fall 2010 - What does "Alternate" mean????

[sheilam]

Hello, everyone:

I am hoping someone can help me - I just received notification from Merritt College (NOT Samuel Merritt) that I "have been selected as an alternate for admission". When I called to find out exactly what this means, they were not clear. I asked what number I was on the lottery list so that I could get an idea as to how likely it would be that I could get in (e.g. 1 on the alternate list vs. 10) - they said they didn't use numbers.

When I asked how they decided which alternate would get in if a spot opened up, they could not answer at all.

Does anyone know how this works? Was anyone an alternate to Merritt who did or didn't get in?

Any help would be GREATLY appreciated - I've already been rejected from one school, am anxiously waiting to hear back from two, and just got this "alternate" letter, so am kindly teetering on the verge of insanity!!!

[kay26, BSN]

i just got my letter today. i got in. i think it means that when someone does not show up during the orientation, you take their spot. but im not sure. and then if not enough alternates show up, they look at their lottery list. not sure. you should go to the orientation. you never know. I was going insane too. i feel you.

:)

[sheilam]

Thanks Kay26. It's just such a nervewracking time, and it would really help to at least know I have some chance of getting into a program.

Congratulations on your acceptance - I'd be lying if I said I wasn't jealous! :)

[wannabe an rn]

Alternates are the "stand by" list, which means it's the list of applicants they use to fill any openings. If any of the accepted applicants fail the drug testing or background check for instance, or if they have another offer and decide to go elswhere.

[sheilam]

Thanks wannabeanrn- but how do they decide which alternates to use?

[wannabe an rn]

The list of alternates is typically the next group of applicants from the lottery generated list. The person at the top of the alternate list would be offered any space vacated from an accepted applicant who either turned down the offer or failed the drug test/background check.

[sheilam]

That's what I thought but they told me that thy did not assign numbers based on lottery; they said "other factors" are involved but they wouldn't elaborate.

[wannabe an rn]

If they won't elaborate, and they're looking at "other factors", then they are likely looking at race, to ensure it's an ethnically diverse class.

[kay26, BSN]

thanks sheilam!

i heard some bad reviews about this program. so im scared n worried. i dont know. just gotta work harder ! :)

see you orientation?

[craizy_man]

Hey Kay,

Congrats to you, I also got my letter. I'm worried now, I keep reading post after post of negativity about this program. From having no support from teachers to just plain unorganized, to lack of adequate supplies or hands-on on clinicals. Now, most of the comments are form a year to 2 years ago, I just wanted to ask you what your thoughts were? I understand any program is difficult, but I don't see so many negative comments about other programs. Especially when more than half are dropped before the second semester, thoughts?

Please if anybody can help us new students, reply!!

[sheilam]

I've heard that too, kay26 - but I believe if you work hard and really want it, it will work. :) (though i'm starting to think that doesn't quite apply to lottery situations!)

I'll definitely see you at orientation - if I get in (cross your fingers for me!) maybe we could get together? :)

See you then!

[craizy_man]

I can understand it will take everything out of me, and I'm prepared, but you can only do so much as a student of there is no support organized system to teach the material. I need some answers from this last class! I think whats really bothering me is only 24-25, people graduated and there were 100 that started..