This is a new thread for anyone that has applied to the Mount St. Mary's College Accelerated BSN program in Los Angeles for 2010 entry.
This is my second application for admission since I wasn't offered admission for Fall 2009. Did anyone hear anything back yet for Spring 2010? Is there an interview process? I have read conflicting information on this topic. I also applied to Samuel Merritt in the Bay Area (also turned down twice to 2 programs for Fall 2009 entry). They wont be sending out admission offers until February for March start dates!! Would love to hear from fellow nursing school hopefuls )
Specializes in RETIRED Cath Lab/Cardiology/Radiology.
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I am writing from New Orleans. We have good nursing programs here, but they are competitive also. There is only one Accelerated BSN that is 18months. I am applying to the accelerated BSN for the fall semester.
Last year, I noticed Mount St. Mary's College and since I attended Catholic University had all of the religions and philosophy requiremnts. THEN, I noticed the tuition for the one year program at Mt. St. Mary - $50,000. That's an expensive B.S.N! How do you all deal with such high tuition? What is the average GPA accepted here and at Sam Merrit?
Specializes in Mother/Baby; Postpartum, Newborn Nursery.
Hi Tigerlover from New Orleans.
From what I have read the nursing programs all over the U.S are competitive b/c there is a shortage of instructors and also with the economy the way it is, many people are going back to school. I read an article not too long ago that said in 2008, more than 50,000 qualified applicants were denied admission to nursing programs due to the fact there are not enough instructors. The statistics for acceptance is something like 28% all across the nation. It's kind of discouraging, but those numbers made me reconsider how much money I would pay for that BSN.
When I first looked into Mount St. Mary's College and Samuel Merritt, I couldn't believe how expensive they were. I immediately took them off my list of schools to research b/c of the high cost of tuition. But the more I compared them to the less expensive programs offered at state schools, I realized there are some major benefits to applying to these schools. They offer the same quality education as any other nursing program (because they are accredited), excellent clinical opportunities, small classes, and high NCLEX passing rates.
So how do I justify the expensive tuition?
1. These programs take less time to complete (12 months vs. 2 years or more) so I will be working that much sooner and earning the money to pay back my loans. And there are always opportunities for tuition repayment plans, where you promise you will work an X amount of time with a certain hospital or in a certain area in turn for repayment of your student loans.
2. These particular schools offer admission more than once a year. MSM has 2 entries a year (Spring and Fall), and Sam Merritt has 4 campuses with classes starting 3 different times in one year. So even though the cost is high, it can be justified by having more of a chance of getting in. If I didn't get into a state school, I would have to wait an entire year to apply again. I currently live in Central Oregon, where there is only one 2 year nursing program in a 3 hour radius. It's an Associates Degree program that uses a lottery/point system for admission. I know people who have waited over 4 years to get accepted (or not, so they give up) b/c they will not move to go to another school.
Admission at both schools is still very competitive. Both require a minimum of a 3.0 GPA to apply, but the competitive applicants have a 3.5 or higher especially in the Science courses. Sam Merritt requires a minimum score on the TEAS test too, which changes every year - this year it was 79% but I heard they prefer 83% or higher.
And even with the more expensive tuition, these schools are still as impacted as the state schools. MSM's recieved over 200 applicants for 40 spots for their Spring 2010 cohort and Sam Merritt received over 350 for 75 spots.
I applied to both schools twice. I still haven't heard back from Samuel Merritt but found out today I was accepted into MSM's, which was actually my first choice. :) So I am pretty excited.
No wonder you got accepted, bestyct. Very well written explanation.
On another note, still no word from MSMC and no change in status online. I knew I would find out on the very last day possible. I live in West LA, about 12 minutes from either campus, so it's not the fact that the mail is taking a long time. I'm really not sure what to think at this point. I know that making an appointment to meet with a counselor for reactivation was the right thing to do, however, I'm just confused now why it's taking so long to let me know anything. You don't want me, you don't want me...that's fine. I can handle that and take steps to move forward, but why make it take so long when others have received the dreaded "letter"? What kills me is that I never even got asked to come in for an interview.
I feel like I've shared so many emotions on this forum with you all, and really hope that I can join you in May. However, if that is not the way it will pan out, than I may miss out and will need to make connections elsewhere. **sniff sniff** I'm hanging on, and will give you the beat by beat updates as they come in. Rally on to those who are in the same boat. We will succeed!
Specializes in Mother/Baby; Postpartum, Newborn Nursery.
Sugarlips, I know how discouraged you must feel right now but it's not over yet. You have to think that everything will work out and it will, as long as you are persistent. I didn't get an interview the first time around either to Mount St. Marys or Samuel Merritt. And I didn't even get a response until months after the deadline. But don't give up and try to think positive. MSM's offers a second admission in Fall. When you meet with a counselor for reactivation, ask them what you can do to improve your chances the next time around and how you can make your application more competitive. Rocky said that is what she did b/c she also didn't get an interview the first time around. But she took their advice and got in this time around. It's only a few months away for the next start date. At least you don't have to wait another year!!
Did anyone that didn't get in, receive a letter saying they didn't get in? From what I have read on older posts, some people didn't even get offered admission until a few weeks prior to the program start date. The school probably offered admission to the first group that they interviewed. And they will see how many actually accept and pay the deposit. Then they will know how many seats are left.
Just think to yourself "if I don't get in this time around, I WILL get in for the Fall cohort" The other day when I was stressing, I mentally prepared myself for the worst and came to the conclusion that if I didn't get in for May, it will be OK b/c I would probably get in for August or I could have reapplied to NYU. It put my mind in a more positive place and I was able to relax.
I do hope you can join us in May, but if not, you will join another group, that will be just as supportive in the fall. :redpinkhe Try to smile. You will succeed!!!
) 
kkinla
43 Posts
Congrats betsyct!!!!!