Samuel Merritt ABSN Summer 2015

[redandgold]

Hi Everyone,

I couldn't find any threads on Summer 2015 cohorts for the ABSN program at Samuel Merritt (San Mateo campus is my #1 choice), so I thought I'd start one! I was just curious to know anyone's opinion on how heavily they weigh each category of the application process. I have strong references, a solid work history including *some* health care (working with autistic adults for 3 years, except it isn't my most recent experience), and decent stats, although they could be stronger:

Sciences: 4.0 (so far, still in progress)

Overall: 3.6

TEAS: 89.3 (first try, but plan on taking again if needed)

I was really surprised to learn that they mostly look at Reading and Math scores from the TEAS, and not science (which was my highest score). Does anyone know if they rely on the classification? I was "advanced", but obviously would like to be "exceptional".

I am currently finishing up my writing samples, which I am finding the most challenging since it is hard to fit in all I want to say in 250-300 words. (CRAZY)

I am working on my application due September 1st, but am nervous since I still have classes in progress this Fall. Does anyone know if they really frown upon this? I know they say that it is suggested they are all finalized, but its okay if they are in progress. I am so anxious to get started in the program and learn!!!

Any advice is much appreciated!

[nguyent]

congrats to everyone who got in! I just received my acceptance for the April start yesterday morning! I have a friend who received her acceptance for the June start last week. There's still hope! Can`t wait to meet everyone (:

[snarindray]

Hi Vera16! I got an email saying I was accepted as well! congrats! i haven't received any login info yet either, have you? I just want to make sure I am able to pay in time!

[snarindray]

Congrats dmalk1229!! Just recieved word that I got into April :)

[vera16]

Hi snarindray! Congratulations on your acceptance!! I called them and asked why i haven't received my username/password information. In my case, I signed up for the patho/pharm class with SMU last year but decided not to take it there so they already created an account for me. the helpdesk said they needed to merge two accounts which is why they didn't send me my info. Just give them a call and they'll be able to assist you right away!! I'm trying to defer my enrollment to June because clinicals are in the south bay for that cohort and I live in union city right now.

[vera16]

Congrats to everyone!! What is everyone doing before the april start/june start? I'm reviewing my patho information right now since i didnt really take the online class that seriously but I'm getting anxious of knowing all the full logistics of the program!! For those who haven't heard yet, stay positive! From previous threads, admission counselors really try to get all of the people on the waitlist at a location... I guess that's why they ask for your 1st, 2nd and 3rd preferences! Good luck everyone!

[eastbayabsn]

Congrats to those of you that have been accepted and/or waitlisted! I remember this time fondly and was on this board constantly this time last year. I am a current ABSN student in Oakland and I promised myself I would check back around this time to offer advice and support. Know this...A LOT of people get in off the waitlist. I think I was #11 and I found out about 4 weeks before the program started that I was in. Quite a few ppl after me also got in. Maybe some ppl ahead of me decided to go to other schools, I'm not sure, but it seems like at least 15-20 in my cohort were on the waitlist. With that being said, each year/cohort is different. Bottom line, don't give up hope! Good luck to everyone!

[vera16]

Hi eastbayabsn! I had a question regarding patho and pharm. Did you have a good understanding of these classes when you entered?

I took them online and don't feel as confident and I know these are the foundations of nursing. I'm reading my patho book to review the material.

[titatremblay]

I just received acceptance to San Mateo for April on 2/18, so there's no real method to how the decisions are being delivered. My notice came weeks after some received theirs.

[eastbayabsn]

I had a good understanding of patho, but not pharm. Don't worry about reviewing too much, even though the program moves fast, there is still enough time to go back and looks things over if need be. You will go over pharm mostly in the clinical setting and you will be tested on very little, at least that's been the case with my cohort.

[msshawnamarie]

Hi Eastbayabsn,

I am currently waiting to hear back from SMU Oakland & was wondering if a car is necessary for clinicals or were they primarily accessible by public transportation? I own a car but definitely prefer public trans. Thank you for coming back to this forum and offering support! That's awesome!! Oh, and because acceptance decisions are made so closely to the program starting, I am a bit worried about financial aid (I do not have that kind of money laying around). Any advice on that? THANK YOU!!!

[eastbayabsn]

Hi msshawnamarie,

It all depends on where you end up. Personally I used a car for all of my rotations except for one. I know ppl that relied mostly on public transport and/or carpooling and they were able to make it work. You will need about 4-6 weeks to apply for financial aid. As long as you start working on it right when you find out you should be fine. I hope this helps!!

[kevans127]

Hi all! Congrats to everyone!! I am anxiously awaiting an admissions decision for the Oakland cohort...However, I'm just thinking more an more about actually attending the program for a year and not working, meaning NO income. I was wondering if anyone in the program or a fellow attendee can shed some light on loans and how much the program actually costs. I see the Tuition and Fees page that the tuition is 65,000, plus some lab fees, medical insurance, graduation and test fees = upwards of 70k. Not to even mention living expenses...anyone who is going for loans or has loans now because they're in the program - how much do you have to even consider, is this a realistic expectation? Are you scared of paying it off? How is the job market after graduation to secure a job to actually make a DENT in this loan? I'm scared!! Please, please share some wisdom.