smiley616

I would like to think so, considering that the ABSN is supposed to be more competitive than the BSN program.

It doesn't hurt to apply when you some have pre-reqs in progress. Some of my peers got accepted into the Samuel Merritt ABSN program with 3 pre-reqs in progress, so it's definitely possible to get into the program while you have pre-reqs in progress. However, it's always good have pre-reqs done at the time of your application to increase your chances, but having pre-reqs in progress do not hurt you.

My gpa (science, pre-req, previous degree, overall) was about 3.5-3.6 when I got accepted! When I first came on this forum, I was very discouraged by the high gpas, but don't fret. There are schools that look at your overall application and not just your grades. Volunteer experience, personal statements and letters of recs really do make a difference!

Where are you from? I took my CPR class from Safety Training for $80 in sf. They have multiple locations. But it sounds like Brandie got a really good deal!

I read 03/21 as a date. If you are #3, I think you have a great shot!

What number are you on the waitlist? From past cohorts, it looks like waitlisters have a good chance on getting in! Don't give up hope!!

Since you're supposed to send in your transcripts to them, they will see if you had failed a class. Some nursing schools require a B- or higher in a pre-req. Some schools will average the 2 grades, some schools will look at the most recent grade you have from the course (if you've re-taken it). UC Davis won't let you re-take a class that you've received a passing grade in. Since it's finals week, see if you can ace the final and get a B in the class or something. Take this with a grain of salt and see what you think is best. My friend intentionally failed a course and she re-took it later on and got a better grade in the course.

tlsmith29, I applied to the San Mateo campus. It seems like they are notifying the San Mateo applicants. Not sure why though...since Oakland starts before the San Mateo one.

I received my acceptance email at 2 in the morning. I am excited to meet you all and so glad that the wait is over. I wish the best to those who haven't heard back yet!

Looking through last year's thread for the San Mateo cohort, applicants heard on 3/22. They received calls during the evening time? They may notify us in the evening, so keep your ears peeled!

No word yet... We might as well enjoy the weekend! I really hope we receive good news next week.

It's a hybrid course so it does have in-class labs and such. I would think that most nursing schools would accept it, but then again, some nursing schools may have a different take on what's an appropriate course. I think they usually specify if they do not want an online course, but as always, double check with the school you're applying to. I had taken physiology, pharmacology and pathophysiology from Samuel Merritt. Some of my peers had taken the anatomy course from Samuel Merritt as well. The physiology class wasn't as in-depth as I would've liked it to be, but I did learn quite a bit. It's fast-paced and you're expected to study a bit on your own (since you don't have lecture every week). My friends seemed to like their anatomy class but it was a lot of work. But then again, anatomy and physiology are two very challenging courses. If you aren't able to get into any of the classes at the community college (much cheaper), and is able to pay for the courses (no financial aid available) then Samuel Merritt is definitely an option. I really liked their pharmacology and pathophysiology courses though. You really integrate the knowledge you learned from physiology and apply it!

I hope those who applied to ABSN Oakland hear soon! That way...they can move onto San Mateo :)

I definitely understand how hard it is to get into anatomy/physiology classes. It's a never-ending waitlist! Samuel Merritt offers anatomy & physiology but it's sorta of pricy though ($500+/unit). It's a hybrid class meaning that you'll meet for in-class lecture & lab every now and then.

If I get accepted, I'll be commuting from SF. I wish you well in your last pre-req!

I noticed for the academic calendar for ABSN Oakland and ABSN San Mateo (June cohort) that registration dates are the same 4/15/2013-4/19/2013. I hope we all find out soon! I've been checking my email constantly and made sure to always have my phone on me.

I'm also a UCD alum with a B.S. in biology. I took the majority of my pre-reqs at UCD. The science classes aren't easy and some of them are quite impacted. MIC101 includes lab so you can opt out of MIC102+MIC102L. Anatomy is really difficult to get into and it's one of the toughest class I ever took in my life (but it was definitely worth it to take it at UCD; their anatomy program rivals no other! It's almost the equivalent to the one that med students take). A couple of my friends had graduated with a HDE major and went onto nursing programs. What I like about UCD was its connections to the UCDMC...there are so many opportunities to volunteer in the health care setting. I've taken a few pre-reqs outside of UCD and it was much easier than UCD. With that being said, I know it's a tough economy and the tuition at UCD isn't exactly cheap. I was fortunate enough to be able to get by with financial aid. Think about what you want... I wasn't sure about nursing until my senior year, but looking back, I would still finish my degree and then proceed to apply for the nursing program. With that being said, there are a lot of HDE majors who are pre-nursing at UCD. I suggest signing up for the listserv for internships and getting involved with the pre-nursing society. I'm currently to hear by from Samuel Merritt for the ABSN program. Good luck!

My friend who applied (1st choice) to the June cohort got an offer to be in the April cohort for San Mateo. Did anyone else get this??

I'm so anxious to hear the results...I think I'd have to wait 3 more months to hear back about the decisions since I applied for the June cohort. In the meantime, I'm temporarily working as well-- seeing that the tuition is $$$.

"Your application has passed the SMU Admission review and has been found complete. It will be further forwarded to the Nursing department for the next evaluation process." I had received this email about 2 days ago. I guess we still have a couple of months of waiting left... *I applied for San Mateo.

I am a pre-nursing student in the 19-21 age group. I am curious as to wonder...all these people who applied with gpa with 4.0. Did you guys come from a community college? To me, it's a bit discouraging because I am a pre-nursing student who goes to a UC and it's quite difficult to get all straight A's in the pre-reqs and overall. This is why I am going to community college after graduation so that I can boost my gpa to make myself more competitive. I am trying to get into an ABSN program in CA. Any insight?

I hope this thread is still alive. For the ABSN program, how does admission look at your GPA? I know that a lot second degree students apply for the ABSN program and from reading various threads in this forum, the GPAs seem to be really for some. Will admission take into account where you're taking your pre-reqs at? For example, if you received a degree from a UC and took your pre-reqs at a UC...but your grades aren't as great... do they take into account where you took the pre-reqs from? Or do grades matter despite where you took them? Thank you.