Samuel Merritt ABSN Summer 2013

[kmleonard4]

I haven't found a thread for this yet, so I figured I would start one! I am applying in August, after I have my grades from my summer courses. I was wondering what stats other applicants have as well :) I still have to complete human physio lab, general chem and lab, nutrition, and psych so I am not sure if I will get in this time around, but it can't hurt to apply!

Pervious major: Cell and Molecular Biology

Last 60 GPA: 3.4

Prereq GPA (so far): 3.9

TEAS Adjusted Individual Score: 92.7%

TEAS National and Program Percentile Rank: 99

Im excited to connect with other prospective students :)

[biscuit1987]

yedwards -- (Tried to PM you, but can't because I have not posted enough. Can you PM me?) -- Thanks again for your kindness =) The coping strategies you list are the same ones, basically, as the ones Samuel Merritt lists. They are BIG on self-care.

The way you feel now is the way I felt, and once the program starts, you'll get this flood of even more emotions! But take comfort in the fact that you have about 45 other people feeling the same way you do!! I think that's one of the most important things everyone should remember: You ARE NOT alone. Not even close to it.

I know everyone here will be super successful and compassionate nurses!

[yedwards42, BSN, MSN]

Hi Biscuit1987,

I sent you a PM. Thank you for your post and inspiration to me and our cohort - it means a lot! Chat with you soon.

[biscuit1987]

Hi yedwards,

I tried to respond but I can't because I haven't posted enough. Can you PM me with your email, and I'll respond that way.

Sorry everyone for spamming this forum with this side conversation =)

[yedwards42, BSN, MSN]

Sure, Biscuit1987. Chat soon.

[MissBeee]

Hello all! I've been reading this thread for the past few months and I finally decided to leave a comment in hopes of some help!

I'm a currently a student finishing up my BA and working on prereqs. After graduating I plan on applying to SMU ABSN in the Bay Area, hopefully by 2014. Would those of you either accepted, waitlisted, or already done please share more about your application stats (GPAs/TEAS scores/volunteer work)? I am pretty intimidated from what I have read! I'd love to hear some success stories that may give me some hope!

Best wishes to all of you!

[yedwards42, BSN, MSN]

Hi MissBeee,

Just some general information regarding your post and my tips on applying to SMU.

If you have a GPA of atleast 3.0 or higher on your last 60 units I encourage you to apply to SMU. Of course, the higher your GPA the better your application will stand out. Also, I HIGHLY recommend you do a few volunteer activities, at least one in the healthcare field (hospital, clinic, etc.) and your church, library or something else. You can go to SMU's website and download the BSN or ABSN application to see what is required to apply. The BSN program (I believe) has a lower GPA requirement at 2.5 though it's still competitive. Also, keep in mind the Oakland campus is the most sought out (applications are generally triple or more for the 48 available seats) so you may want to be flexible in other campuses (San Mateo and Sacramento). Also, I believe SMU reviews the "entire candidate profile" so while grades are important, they also review and consider your TEAS score, three well-written essays, two/three letters of recommendation, any healthcare experience you have, volunteer experiences, academic honors/activities, resume, etc..

[oaklander]

ABSN is not hard

[oaklander]

I will be graduating this month. staffs are very nice and supportive. make sure you guys help each other

[BrandieRN2014]

Oaklander - congrats! The Oakland cohort class of 2014 attended orientation yesterday and have another one today. And I at least am a little nervous about the workload. But if you say ABSN isn't hard - than I will gladly take your word for it. :) happy job hunting!

[MissBeee]

Thanks for the reply yedwards! This is very helpful information! Sometimes I think it's impossible to get into the program but maybe if I start volunteering now and getting my GPA up I'll have a chance. I have a GPA of 2.9 and I have two more semesters in my Bachelors program to go. I'm pretty worried that my GPA is too low but I'm determined to raise it if that means a chance to get into the program. It's kind of my only plan after graduation. I had my heart set on Oakland because it's only 20 mins away from my house but I can be flexible. Luckily the program is only a year long. Thanks for the little glimmer of hope!

[yedwards42, BSN, MSN]

You're welcome Miss Beee! Your plan sounds good. Do as well as you can in your remaining classes (and if you can take another easy course or more to increase your GPA by all means do so). Volunteering and excellent letters of recommendations will be very helpful. Applying to one or more cohorts/start dates will give you an advantage too - though I understand you live in Oakland and commuting to other Bay Area SMU campuses (San Mateo or Sacramento) would be a stretch. Overall, work hard and go for it! Definitely keep us in the loop about your progress/applying to SMU.

[Rachelynn]

I will be applying to the ABSN program in September. I was wondering how you did with the writing samples. It seems like the ask for you to have A LOT of experience. In one sample they ask about community/school activities, academic honors, cont ed, and publications and then another sample on volunteer work and/or work experience. What all did you have? I have work and volunteer experience but for the second sample regarding community activities and such I have no idea what I am going to write about. Any advice would help! Thanks!