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!
yedwards, just wondering where you get your information on their reputation? I'm obviously applying to the program so I think it's at least a respectable program, but tremendous is a big word. US News ranks them #127
SMU has a great reputation among Bay Area hospitals. Some hospitals prefer SMU grads. Also, know many hospitals that are rated among the best in the nation or our "magnet" designated hospitals strongly prefer and are increasingly hiring BSN or above for nursing positions. While there are other fine nursing schools in the Bay Area (SF state and UCSF) I chose SMU as many of my employers consider the school and students highly regarded and marketable. SF state and UCSF are great schools with excellent reputations too.
I chose SMU because of their reputation, curriculum and small private school appeal. Though I've been in the program a few short months I will say the school/professors know you on a first name basis and do go above Nd beyond in providing you the support you need to be successful in the program. For example, a few students were struggling last quarter with their grades and had one:ones with staff. The department chair also is very involved with every cohort and values our concerns and input.
Hope this helps. Good luck in you academic pursuits!
Are we supposed to get notified when it does? I applied for Oakland first choice. Wait... I thought for summer that the only options were San Mateo and Oakland?
Anyone else notice the new application system in place? I went to try to see my status of my application and it said one hasn't been submitted and I noticed a new application format. I know it was submitted because I was charged the app fee and got an email saying it was submitted
The clinicals for our cohort are: Kaiser Oakland, Kaiser Walnut Creek, John Muir Walnut Creek/California Pacific Medical Center (SF), Kaiser Richmond, Sutter-Eden hospital, Sutter-Alta Bates/Children's Hospital Oakland. These are generally the hospitals SMU-Oakland ABSN students go to. SMU places you at the hospital closest to where you live or if you are carpooling with someone (you can let the department chair know of this and you can be placed at a hospital more convenient). I don't know how other schools sort students for clinicals, though will say SMU does a great job in placing you at locations convenient to your residence. I have John Muir/California Pacific Medical Center. I love it! Also, once you're at the clinicals often instructors will ask you/your classmates to decide which units you want to start at. For example, in term 2 you begin clinicals for Medical Surgical. However, when you go to the facility (each facility is different) you may have several options for example: Medical Surgical, Rehabilitation, and Renal/Dialysis. You/your classmates can sort who wants to go where and then the next rotation (every five weeks) you switch and different departments become available. Our instructor wants us all to have exposure to as many units as possible and will "float" us to other departments. Very ideal.
Our acceptances to SMU came late this year - in April. There were some delays (new faculty/administrators) coming on board and final decisions were a little later than previously. You will hear tid-bits of news from Admissions as your application is moving through the approval/review process and as you submit updated grades (courses completed) for your application. The delay was a little nerve-wracking though it was cool when we all found out. Generally, you receive an acceptance email (I did) and then right after you accept (or decline) you receive additional confirmation news. Oakland is the most sought out - I've heard they receive a few hundred applications for 48 spots. The other locations (San Mateo and Sacramento) seem like they are less impacted. However, know if you don't get accepted initially, you may be on the wait list and as folks decline (they may have applied to more than one school). Once decisions came out, I received my acceptance. Shortly after, folks who were on the wait list received acceptance notices. A few people were added to our cohort just a few days before classes officially started too!
I'd say if you live closer to Oakland - consider that location. I actually was considering taking a spot at San Mateo (earlier this year) though I'm glad I waited for Oakland. While the San Mateo site is right off the freeway, I would have regretted the LONG commute to/from home daily. Keep in mind you're at school and clinicals for long hours - you don't have hours at a time to sit in grid-lock! Of course, if you're willing to relocate to San Mateo or Sacramento - then by all means these can be options. The facilities are nice - Oakland is the main campus and does have more simulation rooms, large library and amenities since it's the main campus.
If you have periodic questions about your application/Admissions you can e-mail the contact person for an update. These folks are reviewing your application (and making sure everything is in order to send your file to the Nursing faculty for their review). The Nursing faculty performs a few file reviews of all candidates - especially when all your data is complete (all prerequisites and grades are in). Be nice to Admissions; they are you're best friend. :)
SMU has a great reputation among Bay Area hospitals. Some hospitals prefer SMU grads. Also, know many hospitals that are rated among the best in the nation or our "magnet" designated hospitals strongly prefer and are increasingly hiring BSN or above for nursing positions. While there are other fine nursing schools in the Bay Area (SF state and UCSF) I chose SMU as many of my employers consider the school and students highly regarded and marketable. SF state and UCSF are great schools with excellent reputations too.
I chose SMU because of their reputation, curriculum and small private school appeal. Though I've been in the program a few short months I will say the school/professors know you on a first name basis and do go above Nd beyond in providing you the support you need to be successful in the program. For example, a few students were struggling last quarter with their grades and had one:ones with staff. The department chair also is very involved with every cohort and values our concerns and input.
Hope this helps. Good luck in you academic pursuits!
If I didn't include a resume does that hurt my chances? I worked and volunteered and mentioned it in my essays, but i didn't include a resume and now im worried that will hurt my chances.
If I didn't include a resume does that hurt my chances? I worked and volunteered and mentioned it in my essays, but i didn't include a resume and now im worried that will hurt my chances.
I would say that it's never a good idea to leave out a portion of the application...
calinicumurse
137 Posts
yedwards, just wondering where you get your information on their reputation? I'm obviously applying to the program so I think it's at least a respectable program, but tremendous is a big word. US News ranks them #127
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