Samuel Merritt ABSN Summer 2016 Cohort

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Hey Everyone!

I've used this forum for quite a while to get a point of reference on how competitive I am to eventually obtain offers of admission to several nursing programs throughout the country.

One of the programs I really want to get into is Samuel Merritt's ABSN! Being that I have not seen any threads for those of us applying to SMU for the Summer 2016 Cohort, I thought I'd start one since the application deadline has passed (unless they've extended it passed the original app deadline of 9/1/15).

Let's stick together through this nerve wracking process, get to know one another, share some stats, experiences, and key information as it arises.

Degree: BS in Health Sciences, Pre-Clinical Option at CSU East Bay in progress and projected to graduate March 2016.

Average GPA (Last 60 Semester Credit Units or 90 Quarter Units): 3.90

Cumulative Undergraduate GPA: Current is 3.39

Average Science GPA (prerequisites only): 3.58

Microbiology: A

Anatomy: A

Physiology: A

Chemistry: C+

TEAS Adjusted Total Individual Score:89.3%

TEAS Reading:88.1%

TEAS Math: 96.7%

TEAS Science: 87.5%

TEAS English: 90.0%

Key Work/Volunteer Experiences: I currently work at the Department of Veterans Affairs in Mental Health Administration in Palo Alto, CA for over a year and a half, and I volunteer at the Emergency Department of Kaiser Permanente Medical Center in San Leandro, CA (over 150 Hours worked and counting).I hope to hear from the rest of you, and good luck to all those who have applied or plan on applying!

Other Programs Applying To: Samuel Merritt University ELMSN-Case Management, University of San Francisco MSN-CNL, University of San Diego MSN-CNL, CSU Los Angeles ABSN, CSU San Marcos ABSN, CSU Northridge ABSN, CSU Stanislaus ABSN, Western University of Health Sciences MSN-E, CSU East Bay BSN, University of Colorado-Denver ABSN, Rush University GEM, and potentially a few others.

The $119k budget total includes everything (i.e. estimated living costs, supplies, etc). Please see below.

[TABLE=width: 195]

[TR]

[TD]Budget Category[/TD]

[TD]Amount[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD]Tuition[/TD]

[TD]71,107[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD]SBA[/TD]

[TD]50[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD]Lab Fees[/TD]

[TD]840[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD]HESI[/TD]

[TD]718[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD]Graduation Fee[/TD]

[TD]130[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD]Books & Supplies[/TD]

[TD]2,055[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD]Personal[/TD]

[TD]4,200[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD]Room[/TD]

[TD]14,400[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD]Transportation[/TD]

[TD]9,000[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD]Board[/TD]

[TD]5,052[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD]Loan Fees[/TD]

[TD]188[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD]Health[/TD]

[TD]7,136[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD]Uniforms[/TD]

[TD]500[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD]Utilities[/TD]

[TD]3,000[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD]PEXM[/TD]

[TD]500[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD]Other[/TD]

[TD]150[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD]Budget Totals[/TD]

[TD]119,026[/TD]

[/TR]

[/TABLE]

Thank you, KO-1219!

Great info. Not to deter anyone, but does anyone here think it is worth it to get an ABSN for close to $120k? I'm really worried about the amount of student loan that I have to take out.

Any insights?

Thank you.

Specializes in Anesthesia.
Thank you, KO-1219!

Great info. Not to deter anyone, but does anyone here think it is worth it to get an ABSN for close to $120k? I'm really worried about the amount of student loan that I have to take out.

Any insights?

Thank you.

I'm heavily considering the ABSN route, but I may choose to opt for one of the MEPN programs I got accepted to due to the availability for federal loans and since this program costs as much or more than a masters program. If you're lucky enough to be accepted into a new grad nursing residency programs in the Bay Area at places like UCSF, VA, Stanford, Kaiser, etc, you will start at approximately $43-$52/hour plus any OT, holiday, etc. With only a year set back from this program, you have the opportunity to begin making a comfortable salary in a profession you'd be proud to represent. There are employment tuition repayment options available in certain cases, however, being that ABSN programs are typically paid via private lenders, you would have to check with your employer if the type of loan you have can be repaid. For example, the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program is only eligible to people who have federal loans. Have you looked into nurse corps scholarship? It's competitive but could cover the whole program if you are accepted and complete two years of service at a critical shortage area (there are several critical shortage facilities in the Bay Area if you choose to stay local). If you live frugally for a few years after completing the BSN, you could pay the loan significantly down with a Bay Area nursing salary from what I've heard. My cousin works in the ED at walnut creek kaiser as a Clinical Nurse 2 and makes $70 an hour plus differential, holiday pay, and OT. Just wanted to provide some insight on what I've heard regarding the topic, though I know that number in the budget sure is intimidating :unsure:

Hi guys,

I was wondering if someone could help answer a question for me. I actually applied to the ABSN fall cohort in San Mateo but since there isn't a thread yet, I thought I would ask you guys.

On your TEAS score report, what does it say under "Program Type"? Mine says ADN, but I'm not sure why since I never specified I would be applying for ADN programs. I'm pretty sure it wouldn't affect my overall score but maybe my national percentile ranking?

Anyone have any insights? Hopefully it doesn't negatively impact my application process for SMU...

Congrats to those that got in and good luck to those still waiting to hear back! :)

Specializes in Anesthesia.
Hi guys,

I was wondering if someone could help answer a question for me. I actually applied to the ABSN fall cohort in San Mateo but since there isn't a thread yet, I thought I would ask you guys.

On your TEAS score report, what does it say under "Program Type"? Mine says ADN, but I'm not sure why since I never specified I would be applying for ADN programs. I'm pretty sure it wouldn't affect my overall score but maybe my national percentile ranking?

Anyone have any insights? Hopefully it doesn't negatively impact my application process for SMU...

Congrats to those that got in and good luck to those still waiting to hear back! :)

Doesn't affect your score. I'm assuming you took the TEAS at a junior college? i.e. Napa Valley College, etc? If so, the Teas report will automatically default to ADN. The "Mean-Program" will be only slightly different versus taking the Teas at a traditional 4-year school. The "Percentile Rank-National" will not be affected by you taking the TEAS at a junior college, as that accounts for all TEAS test takers from both junior and 4-year colleges. With that said, SMU will only look at your Adjusted individual total score and then your adjusted individual scores for Math and Reading. Feel free to call and double check with them though. Hope this helps!

Thanks KO_1219! I see now how it breaks down percentile ranking for both national and program type. I guess since my program type is ADN, I won't be able to see how I stack up against those that took the test for BSN programs. The average scores and my percentile ranking for both national and ADN program type were very close/pretty much the same on my report.

I actually took took the TEAS at a PSI center in SF. I have a friend who took the test at Napa College and his report also says ADN. I called SMU to double check and they said it wouldn't be a problem and they're not sure why that happens. Phew!

My TEAS report also says ADN and I took it at a PSI testing center in the East Bay!

I want to retake it and resubmit scores to SMU even though the application was due on March 1. They said we should expect a decision around July for San Mateo ABSN. When do you think is the latest I could retake it and have my scores be considered with this application? Does this make sense?!

Hi sfbayyay,

Your question definitely makes sense. I'm not sure of the answer though since this is my first time applying for the ABSN program. :-/ Unless someone in this forum has done it in the past, I think your best bet is to call SMU and ask them to clarify if you can re-submit new TEAS scores after the deadline. It took me a few minutes to talk to a live person - but when I did, everyone was super helpful. Hope you find the answer you're looking for.

Specializes in Anesthesia.
My TEAS report also says ADN and I took it at a PSI testing center in the East Bay!

I want to retake it and resubmit scores to SMU even though the application was due on March 1. They said we should expect a decision around July for San Mateo ABSN. When do you think is the latest I could retake it and have my scores be considered with this application? Does this make sense?!

I actually retook my TEAS after the application deadline and after I had already submitted. The application was due 9/1, but my retake of the TEAS test was on 9/24. I called afterward, and they said I can send the official transcript and after a few days, call A*** S*** or E****** B******, and have them add it to my application. I also emailed both of them regarding this asking if my new and improved TEAS score would be considered. E****** B****** said it would be considered and that she added it to their database. I ended up getting accepted for their April ABSN cohort, so I'd say retake it asap if you plan on doing so, and if satisfied with scores, send the official transcript to them and follow up to see if they received it and can add to your application. Hope this helps!!

My TEAS score report also said ADN, because I took it at Napa Valley College. It was fine.

I'm so anxious!! So for those who might not know, there was an application extension sent out to people's emails (I don't know how I got on this list) in mid January for a deadline of January 29th for the summer cohorts (I had about 15 days to "throw" my application together). Obviously that means that they've (NursingCAS) only had my application for a month and Samuel Merritt just received the application from NursingCAS. It makes me wonder how long it will actually take to hear back! If they don't accept you, they still send an email out at a decent time right? Or if you're going to be on the wait list? I guess I shouldn't worry until another week or so. I hate waiting but I know it's not realistic to hear back as early as everyone else since they haven't had my application for as long but still :cyclops:

Nicoleyr and other candidates,

I received my acceptance letter for the May cohort on March 8th.

Timeline:

NursingCAS Application submitted: Jan 18th

SMU's initial application evaluation: Feb 5th

Acceptance e-mail: Mar 8th

Good luck to everyone!

Im in! Still waiting to hear back from a couple other programs but I have put down my deposit as a seat saver for now if no other opportunities arise! congrats everyone :) p.s I tried joining the FB group!

Congrats!

thank you for putting down the timeline since you submitted your application until you heard back.

I'm still waiting to hear back for June cohort. Very anxious and just getting harder to stay calm.

Nicoleyr and other candidates,

I received my acceptance letter for the May cohort on March 8th.

Timeline:

NursingCAS Application submitted: Jan 18th

SMU's initial application evaluation: Feb 5th

Acceptance e-mail: Mar 8th

Good luck to everyone!

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