Samuel Merritt University ELMSN Program vs UCSF

Boomer MS, RN · Mar 4, 2017

Hi everyone, I was wondering if you could give me some input? I got into the FNP-ELMSN program at Samuel Merritt University, but I wanted to find out what you all think regarding its program, reputation, etc.
Would it be worth it to apply to UCSF? Is it really that much better than SMU?
For instance, since UCSF is a high-ranked school would it make a huge difference regarding job prospects?

What I know about Samuel Merritt is that it is a fine academic institution, but I am a UCSF graduate, CNS tract. The reason UCSF is rated so highly is because of their faculty and their programs. I cannot say, however, if a person would be hired having graduated from UCSF over Samuel Merritt. Why not apply? If you are an in state student, UCSF's tuition should be less, but I know that UCSF's tuition has increased considerably since I was there. They do not receive the state support like they did in the past. If you're asking about UCSF's MEPN program (direct entry master's program), as opposed to their traditional master's program, it is extremely competitive to get into. UCSF has monthly information sessions; check their website for that information. Good luck.

bsorce · Mar 4, 2017

I have checked UCSF out and no I am not in state. I am all the way from the east coast. I 100% would have applied but I didn't have my GRE prepared in time to take the class I needed to take to meet the 1 year in advance deadline. Ugh. So for instance if you want to apply for September 2017 you would have had ton apply in September 2016. SMU takes around 60-70 out of 300 for its cohort and USCF takes 60/300. So is getting into SMU still selective and an accomplishment? Are there advantages to going to SMU? I'm just confused if I should apply to UCSF for the hell of it for next year if it's really that prestigious and advantageous. I'm a competitive applicant, but I don't know if it makes that big of a difference to go to SMU vs UCSF? Again, not from the area or coast so I am in the dark. Also SMU is SO expensive 150k for 3 years and UCSF is similar around 150k as well for out of state? Ahh

Trauma Columnist · Mar 4, 2017

Moved to Student NP forum

Boomer MS, RN · Mar 5, 2017

I live in the Bay Area and do think well of SMU, although I do not know about their specific programs. I have one friend who precepts for and another friend who went through the nurse anesthesia program at SMU. Yes, both programs are horribly expensive. I know one faculty person in UCSF's MEPN program (first year) and am familiar with others on the faculty who were there when I was there. I'm wondering if you live back East why you have not considered any programs there. The school I am most familiar with is the U of Maryland, where I received my BSN. There certainly are others but don't know where you are located.

Having been accepted to SMU, you could start soon, where as applying to UCSF and getting accepted would delay your goals. You really have to decide what you want to do. I think SMU is a fine school. No, it doesn't have UCSF's reputation, but that doesn't mean that you won't get a very good education. The main complaint I have heard of all the NP programs from NPs I spoken with is that there are not enough clinical hours. My daughter graduated from the U of Washington in the ACNP program, rated #1 at the time and still may be. But she feels strongly that she did not get nearly enough clinical training. This is not to discourage you at all. Both programs are going to be quite challenging, in my opinion. I wish someone who has graduated from SMU would post here.

I always say, "Nothing ventured, nothing gained", so waiting another year in order to apply to UCSF would not be a mistake. The decision is yours, but I guess you have to let SMU know soon of your decision. There are many variables to consider that only you can break down. Good luck!