**Samuel Merritt ABSN Summer 2011**

[thebread]

So, who applied?

[bubbles313]

tell me bout it.. i'm worried bout the same things - if i'll even get approved! like you've mentioned, i don't have a cosigner either

[ashleew84, BSN]

Hey guys,

I am in the ABSN program in San Mateo. If you have schd. questions or general program questions, I would be happy to answer them...

[bubbles313]

hii ashleew84 thanks so much for offering! i actually do have a question about the scheduling - i understand that the schedule changes every 5 weeks? how are they in organizing that- do they tell you ahead of time? or is it as chaotic as most rumors mentioned that you may not know until the week of for clinicals and such.

the reason why i ask is because i still want to pick up some hours at work even if it's one or two days a month. but we usually have to put in our schedule up to a month in advance & wanted to see how difficult that would be.. thanks any input would be greatly appreciated! and hope all is going well in your school!

[ashleew84, BSN]

hii ashleew84 thanks so much for offering! i actually do have a question about the scheduling - i understand that the schedule changes every 5 weeks? how are they in organizing that- do they tell you ahead of time? or is it as chaotic as most rumors mentioned that you may not know until the week of for clinicals and such.

the reason why i ask is because i still want to pick up some hours at work even if it's one or two days a month. but we usually have to put in our schedule up to a month in advance & wanted to see how difficult that would be.. thanks any input would be greatly appreciated! and hope all is going well in your school!

hi bubbles,

the schedule does change every 5 weeks, sometimes for the better, sometimes not. i have a 2+ hour drive to school each way, so i was glad it changed from 5 days a week 8am to 5pm (commute hours), to less hectic hours. however, it depends on the rotation. and you do get to let them know your preference, like weekends, days, nights, etc. yes, it can be chaotic and sometimes it can be frustrating, but all in all, i believe it is manageable as long as you are flexible. i recorded my lectures and listened to them on the way home, so it never felt like i was wasting my time in the car... there are ways to make the schedule changes work for you. just try to do little things to make the program work for you. several of my classmates work part-time and i believe one or two work full-time, so that is certainly possible. i volunteer for 16 hours a week, and i make it work as well. don’t worry! you will get through it and be glad you did!

[MalRey729]

@ashlee: If I am accepted into the San Mateo Cohort I too will be commuting about 2hours and its nice to see that its possible! I am waiting to hear from --- about what my current status is on the wait list and if changing my priority to San Mateo will increase the likelyhood of getting in!!! The waiting game is killer. But hopefully I'll hear some sort of news soon.

Thanks for your insight!

[ashleew84, BSN]

MalRey729,

Do you know where you are on the waiting list? The commute is possible. I know the WAIT is sooooo, terrible!!! I remember that!!! The San Mateo campus is smaller, but way, way better than the other ones. Its worth the wait . They love the students and always have their best interest in mind.

[tiss]

ashleew84 thanks for the information you posted, am glad that l switched to San Mateo. Just knowing that they do care about the students makes me feel really good. Am thinking of renting a place there beause am coming from Sacramento; l don't know if l can do the everyday drive, will see.

[MalRey729]

@ashlee: the last time I checked with --- I was 12 on the waitlist and this was about two weeks ago? I am just dying to find out!!! Its hard to get answers as to what the outcome may be?? I am just hoping it comes sooner than later!!!

[ashleew84, BSN]

12 is not bad!!! That is not a bad place to be at all. You won't get answers. The admissions office is just too dang busy with all four places. Sometimes, it is not until right before the program starts. I know someone who was 60 and she got in!!! She was notified the day before our orientation day, so it can be really, really close to the deadline. Just hang in there! I know how hard it is, but still. The San Mateo campus does not require you to pay for parking!!! So worth it! You could rent a place a little closer, but you might want to see where people are driving from. We had people driving from all over that were able to ride together.

[ashleew84, BSN]

Oops, I meant to post the driving/renting info for tiss...Sorry, I got caught up in writing.

[ashleew84, BSN]

Just as a heads up...it helps to figure out now what your learning style is. This will help you tremendously once you start the program. It will save you so much time studying and understanding the material. Also, review your PATHO... If you are not solid on cardiac and renal patho, start reviewing now. You really won't have time to catch up learning or reviewing in the program. That was some advice given to me before I started, and it was very, very helpful in getting through the program. Just FYI...

[bubbles313]

Thanks for the tip on what to be prepared on. Are students allowed to have their computers in class? Also, can you share where your clinical sites have been located in? Since youre 2 hours away were u able to request For places close to your home? Thanks again ashlee!