Samuel Merritt University ELMSN Program Fall 2024

AnxiouslyHopeful1 · Apr 1

Na just the NP since I know that's for sure what I wanted to do. Thinking about it now, I rather do CRNA though. Might have to start from the bottom and work my way up.

Tiger Lilly · Apr 1

bananaslug2022 said:

Hey love! Unfortunately it is a waiting game and it's anxiety inducing but the wait is worth it. I had my fair share of panic attacks after waiting to hear back (LOL). But just be patient and they will reach out or keep checking your portal to see if you got in. I didn't even get an official email at first, I checked my portal and it said I got in. I got the official email on April 10th. So y'all are almost there!

Got the rejection letter yesterday. It sucks, but I have no choice but to move on and come stronger in the next application. Thank you, bananaslug2022, for your kindness and words of encouragement. Congratulations to everyone who got in.

Tiger Lilly · Apr 1

AnxiouslyHopeful1 said:

Na just the NP since I know that's for sure what I wanted to do. Thinking about it now, I rather do CRNA though. Might have to start from the bottom and work my way up.

That's the way to go. Aim higher and stay strong. The sky is the limit. I am also rethinking and reevaluating the next steps.

CareFNP · Apr 22

Hi everyone,

I got accepted into both the CM and FNP programs for this upcoming Fall 2025 but I declined CM to pursue FNP.

I wanted to share my stats with you guys and perhaps offer some encouragement with my own journey. I graduated from UCSD in 2016 with a GPA of 3.0. I worked as an EMT from 2016-2019. I decided to apply to PA programs in 2019, including SMU's program alongside 22 other programs. At the time of my PA application, I had letters from a PA I shadowed and two letters from volunteer coordinators, however, the letters were very generic. To my disappointment, I was rejected from all programs, not a single waitlist. I got a job as an ER Tech from 2019 to present. I decided to apply to direct entry Masters in Nursing programs and put in 5 applications: SMU's CM and FNP programs, USF, SFSU and University of Pacific. After getting rejected from PA school, I decided to make myself a more competitive applicant and retook a bunch of pre-requisites at my local CC while working as an ER Tech. I excelled in those courses and got a glowing letter of recommendation from my professors. I got A's in all my pre-requisites I retook which brought my GPA up to 3.3. I also got letters from my manager (who's also a nurse), I befriended a RN Case Manager (and fellow SMU alum of this same program) who wrote me a glowing letter and I received another letter from one of the doctors I work alongside in the ER. I highly recommend getting some experience in the ER. My ER experience has been invaluable and I am grateful for it. I got accepted into all programs I've applied for and have decided to move forward with SMU's FNP program. I hope this helps someone! My journey took 10 years and there's no shame in taking the longer path...the years of experience will allow you to build relationships which will lead to glowing letters and years of experience is invaluable. During my FNP interview, I personally feel like I didn't stand out so I was very much surprised on the acceptance. I believe they went over everyone's applications again after the interviews and looked over any and all experiences before making their decisions. Having more years of experience never hurts!

AnxiouslyHopeful1 · Apr 22

Congratulations! I can see why you were accepted. Do you mind if I ask your age? I'm pushing 35 and feel my clock is ticking 😭 . I was thinking of starting from scratch and doing all my science prereqs over since they are out by 7- 8 yrs and investing in CNA school, so I can get experience in the health care field. I'm just scared of wasting time since my oldest kid is 13 yrs old, so I'm feeling like I need to get in asap.

CareFNP · Apr 22

AnxiouslyHopeful1 said:

Congratulations! I can see why you were accepted. Do you mind if I ask your age? I'm pushing 35 and feel my clock is ticking 😭 . I was thinking of starting from scratch and doing all my science prereqs over since they are out by 7- 8 yrs and investing in CNA school, so I can get experience in the health care field. I'm just scared of wasting time since my oldest kid is 13 yrs old, so I'm feeling like I need to get in asap.

I totally get you! I just turned 32 😅 if your prerequisites are that far out, I strongly recommend you retake some of them, especially anatomy and physiology since most programs have a recency requirements for those two courses. Is RN or FNP your end goal? FNP was always my end goal but RN is also a good career, just wasn't for me. You can take those pre-reqs and apply for ABSN programs that are only one year long. Though CNA is a great way to get experience, I highly recommend getting your EMT for free at a local CC and trying to get a job as an ER Tech. Working in the ER will allow you to see a lot more of healthcare and also gain expansive knowledge to a variety of healthcare issues. It's kind of like a "crash course" to healthcare since you really see everything.

WhiteCoatFNP · Apr 27

Has anyone gotten any updates on the waitlist?

adclyss · Apr 27

WhiteCoatFNP said:

Has anyone gotten any updates on the waitlist?

I got off the waitlist for ELMSN CM! 😭😭😭😭😭 I feel a weight lifted off my shoulders! (but also nervous and anxious yet happy!) I believe their waitlist moves quickly. If anyone got accepted to the ELMSN CM in Oakland please feel free to message me!

CareFNP · Apr 27

WhiteCoatFNP said:

Has anyone gotten any updates on the waitlist?

I know someone who got off the waitlist and was notified sometime last week so I think it's definitely moving 🙂

WhiteCoatFNP · Apr 29

CareFNP said:

I know someone who got off the waitlist and was notified sometime last week so I think it's definitely moving 🙂

I'm debating emailing them to ask for an update. I haven't heard anything besides the initial email of being put on the waitlist. But I remember the email saying do not reach out 😕 Its been almost a month since!

CareFNP · Apr 29

WhiteCoatFNP said:

I'm debating emailing them to ask for an update. I haven't heard anything besides the initial email of being put on the waitlist. But I remember the email saying do not reach out 😕 Its been almost a month since!

Does the Admitted Student Portal give you any updates? Or is there no number system...just "waitlist"?

WhiteCoatFNP · Apr 29

CareFNP said:

Does the Admitted Student Portal give you any updates? Or is there no number system...just "waitlist"?

No the portal just says that my application was submitted. No updates on waitlist or number. I only received an email regarding my waitlist position on April 1.