Hi Everyone! I know this is a bit early but I will be applying to SMU for the ABSN program of Summer 2014 (Oakland Campus). I am currently finishing my Bachelor's degree in health science at CSUEB right now and I will be done in the fall. I just wanted to start a discussion on this topic and get to know some people who are applying to the program for summer 2014. Let's get to know each other, share our stats, etc.
Here are my estimated stats that they look at:
Last 60 units GPA: 3.5
Pre req GPA: 3.4
Teas: 83 but I am re taking it in a couple of weeks
Experience: I am a CNA and Med tech currently. I volunteer at John Muir hospital and at American Red Cross.
I hope to hear from some prospective applicants soon!
Ok, that sounds like what I'm doing. I'm applying for the June San Mateo cohort, but am also applying to their FNP program. I just haven't done patho/pharm but won't be needing them if I get into other programs. What about you?
I'm also applying to the San Mateo campus. I am taking pharm, physio and micro right now and patho next semester... I'm hoping it won't count too much against me. Do you have a lot of healthcare experience? How was the TEAS for you?
My TEAS are posted above. I worked in a clinical testing laboratory for a company that made an intranasal flu vaccine for 3 years. Not directly health care, so only semi-relevant. I've been volunteering at a local hospital since April of last year, so that's my major experience. Back in college, I volunteered for a needle exchange program and helped out with screenings for STD testing.
I don't think your in-progress classes will count against you if you have a proven track record of success in your courses. If your grades are all over the place, they may have less confidence in what you will produce in the next couple semesters. However, if you've been receiving respectable grades, they'll assume you'll stay on the same track and will take that into account when reviewing your app.
Dyumul, I don't think we have to provide any proof that we will be graduating soon but I know that we have to be done by dec. I just put my estimated degree date on the app like they asked. What cohort are u applying to? I just submitted my app and so I haven't gotten any email updates quite yet
To everyone: my essays are definitely not 200-350 words. I saw that note after I was done writing them and they are way over. I was told by an advisor to submit them the way they are.
Dyumul, I don't think we have to provide any proof that we will be graduating soon but I know that we have to be done by dec. I just put my estimated degree date on the app like they asked. What cohort are u applying to? I just submitted my app and so I haven't gotten any email updates quite yet
To everyone: my essays are definitely not 200-350 words. I saw that note after I was done writing them and they are way over. I was told by an advisor to submit them the way they are.
Hi Rachel! Thank you for replying I was told we didn't have to. I applied to Sacramento and I haven't heard if my app is being forwarded to the faculty. I'm so worried. Which one are u applying to?
I wanted to say "good luck" to everyone applying to SMU for 2014! I'm currently in the ABSN program (started this Summer at Oakland) and thought I'd offer a little advice on what I hear (and what worked for me).
SMU looks at the entire application - your degree, jobs held, work or volunteer experience in the health field and/or your community, GPA, TEAS scores, reference letters, essays written for the application, etc. I'd say you definitely have an edge up if your grades are excellent, TEAS scores, and you have healthcare experience (volunteer or otherwise) and excellent recommendation letters. Recommendation letters from previous healthcare Managers, professors, volunteer directors, RN you've known for years, etc.
For reference, I have a B.S. in Health Science (minor in Finance) and worked at several Bay Area hospitals in Finance for sixteen years. My recommendation letters came from some healthcare VP's and a volunteer Director. SMU also strives (this is my opinion though I believe this to be true) to accept a variety folks who have demonstrated competence, commitment to becoming an RN and are determined. Each person selected (48 students per site) brings to the program several unique and some similar traits.
I'm in my 4th month of the program and will say it's kicking our butts! The first term (each term is either 5 or 10 weeks) was relatively easy. Demanding though not too hard. I've heard months 3-6 seem to be the hardest, especially through MCA III (Med Surg III) and this is true! During some of term 2 (atleast 5 weeks) expect two 12 hour school days, two 8+ hour days at clinical and one Skills lab day (back at the school campus). This leaves you with two days to try to catch up a little extra sleep (most days I get 5-6 hours), study and do the many assignments. Honestly, I was miserable. It's not the difficulty of the work - it's the exuberant amount! Now, I'm in month four (finishing term 2) and the load is "slightly lighter". Whew - I'm in a much better place.
Keep in mind nursing school is very demanding. I hear these feelings are normal (i.e. feeling overwhelmed and doubt why you started in the program in the first place). Don't get discouraged. Have support systems in place. Also, if you scored A's in your classes previously, be open to getting potential B's in a few courses (and working your butt off for the B). Tests are hard and questions NCLEX style. I will say professors are fair and provide you input on what to study. The professors also look at each others calendars, and coordinate tests/assignments to not be too numerous for the same day (very nice :) ) Teachers also review test scores, and will allocate extra points if many students score poorly (i.e. item analysis). Overall, you need 73% (C-) to pass any course. The classes are engaging, informative and students great, and if you're disciplined to study (give 110%) you will do well. However, if you want to party with your friends/family or try to work a part-time job you will struggle (or get lower grades).
I wanted to give you the good, bad and ugly so you know what to expect. I've spoken to several ABSN grads (2012) and while they tried to "warn me" with good/bad aspects, you really don't know what they are speaking about until you are "living it". Very true! SMU is an amazing school (with a tremendous reputation) and while I'm enjoying the program, it's very challenging. I know once our cohort hits the "six month mark" we will feel more relieved as the hardest part will be behind us. :)
Best of luck everyone!! Feel free to ask me any questions.
Oh, one more thing regarding the TEAS... If you didn't score too well, just above the national average, you may re-take it and submit your results to SMU. My first test was a little over the national average, however, this was due because there was a disturbance while I was performing my test and was unable to finish! I took my test a week later (at a different site), and scored well. I re-submitted to SMU my updated score. If you plan to re-take for whatever reason, let SMU Admissions know and don't wait too long.
calinicumurse
137 Posts
Ok, that sounds like what I'm doing. I'm applying for the June San Mateo cohort, but am also applying to their FNP program. I just haven't done patho/pharm but won't be needing them if I get into other programs. What about you?