SFSU A-ELMSN,Spring 2017

Sweetmemi, BSN, MSN · Nov 18, 2016

I got accepted too!!

rkern · Nov 18, 2016

Hey! I just accepted my informal letter as well. Congratulations to everyone! See you guys at orientation!

rkern · Nov 18, 2016

Hey guys! CONGRATS on getting interviews! I hope they go very well!

I'm applying to the Fall 2017 cohort for their ELMSN program. Do you mind if I asked you guys about your stats? I'm so nervous about applying and have been second-thinking it just because I've been reading a lot of other threads that mention hundreds of people applying, but only like 20 getting accepted. That number is crazy!

My GPA is decent, definitely at least a 3.0 but I have a lot of health care experience, so I'm hoping that could make up for it. I've done 100 hours of volunteer work at Seton Medical center and have done a few volunteer events at Laguna Honda hospital. I've worked at a skilled nursing facility as both a receptionist and medical records assistant for over 3 years and now work at Kaiser, as well.

What were your guys' strongest qualities for the application do you think? And what did you get on the GRE, and how did you study for it?

Sorry for all the questions, I'm just so nervous during this whole application process for all the schools I'm applying to. SFSU is definitely one of my top 3 choices.

I have the most anxious person for the last 4 months. I got my undergraduate degree in 2010, with a seriously below average GPA. SO from 2011-now, I went back and took the science core (chem, biochem, and calc), and a few extra courses in anatomy, pathology, and pharmacology. I wanted to look really competitive. So my last 60 credit GPA is now 3.8, instead of the 2.4 coming out of undergrad. My science core GPA is a 3.85. I have worked in a hospital since 2010, in medical records () then as a phlebotomist, then as a pathology technician, as well as volunteered for shelters and the coroner's office. I have lived alone since I was 17 and had to work to live throughout my entire adult life.

I think the strongest quality was definitely my history and experience. I have ill family members who run non-profits for diseases, I have advocated for AIDS/HIV in low income communities and I have worked in in the ER for virtually every socio-economic group that visits the hospital. From the homeless populations of pacific islanders in Hawaii to the upper-middle class in Walnut Creek. I also work at Kaiser, and they give really strong references! I was nervous. I was distraught. I still kind of am, but just do it! Do SFSU, do SMU, do USF! Your experience and passion will shine through :)

smags · Nov 19, 2016

Hi @mariaangela. thank you! But yes... I understand applying to nursing programs is certainly an arduous process... but honestly trust the process. If you have the passion, drive, and determination, it will show on paper and in person during an interview! That's what I think I like about Masters Direct Entry programs is that you have a really diverse cohort entering the program, with great diversity of experiences and backgrounds! I know it's easier said than done, but try your best not to compare yourself to others, because each person applying to these programs have something unique and special to add to a nursing school.

I can share a bit of my background though. I graduated with 2 Bachelors degrees in Public Health and Psychology. I had health care related experiences throughout college, involved in research, some leadership positions in organizations, taught abroad in a Spanish speaking country for 2 years immediately upon graduating my undergrad, and gained more experience in the local community in SF. Most of my experiences were with underserved and diverse populations. My undergrad GPA wasn't the best, but I strove to improve academically and got high grades in my pre-req courses. As for GRE, SFSU says it only looks at the writing score, so just get at least a 4 on that. As for LOR, make sure you get different recommenders to speak to your abilities in different areas. i think a good strategy would be one from academics (professor), one from professional (work), and one from health care experience (mandatory from SFSU Nursing admissions).

I think throughout the process, it's important to me clear that you understand what it means to be a nurse and that you understand the advance practicing role for nursing is as well.

best of luck!!! :)

sfchick415 · Nov 20, 2016

Congrats!! Waitlisted and keeping my fingers crossed

amckinn · Nov 22, 2016

I also got accepted last week!! I don't normally post on these forums, but was an avid reader during my application process as a stress reliever. So hoping my comment will help give some advice/hope to others :)

to @mariaangela:

For me, my undergrad GPA was pretty low (2.7) and that also included some low pre-req grades. Upon graduating I realized the best thing I could do to make my application appealing was to progress!

i had 300+ volunteer patient care hours in college but decided to further that by gaining a job in the hospital to show commitment to the healthcare field. During my gap year I retook all my low pre-req's; I made sure to do my best to show an upward trend/academic success.

I think a strength for me were my letters of rec. Since my grades weren't stellar, and I hadn't been out of school long enough to gain ample experience, this was where I chose to focus my application. I made sure to build strong relationships at work and with an academic professor to get quality letters.

I think everyone has nerves in applying because nobody is perfect BUT if you are passionate and work hard toward the profession I'm a true believer it will show in your applications! Good luck!

sfchick415 · Nov 22, 2016

For those who got accepted, is there a deadline in which you have to accept by? I'm trying to estimate when they'll start pulling from the waitlist....thanks!

NewRN864 · Nov 23, 2016

Hey sfchick415 I believe we had 5 days to respond 'yes or no' one of the online invitation forms. Hope this helps! (:

sfchick415 · Nov 23, 2016

Hey sfchick415 I believe we had 5 days to respond 'yes or no' one of the online invitation forms. Hope this helps! (:

That is super helpful! Thank you. Let the countdown begin...í ½í¸¬

NewRN864 · Nov 27, 2016

Hey for those of you also planning on attending the A-ELMSN program in the Spring:): Are you already living in SF or moving in from a different city for the program? (If you live in SF is your neighborhood near the campus?)

Sweetmemi, BSN, MSN · Nov 27, 2016

Hey for those of you also planning on attending the A-ELMSN program in the Spring:): Are you already living in SF or moving in from a different city for the program? (If you live in SF is your neighborhood near the campus?)

I live in Oakland so I will be commutting

mariaangela · Nov 30, 2016

@rkern, @smags, @amckinn,

THANK YOU so much for getting back to me. It is honestly a RELIEF to hear your guys' stats and backgrounds upon applying and eventually receiving an acceptance. I was thinking about stopping my whole application process because I felt like my stats were not completely "stellar", but you guys totally changed my mind. I guess it doesn't hurt to give you dreams another try. I am beyond excited for you guys and everyone else who got accepted to this cohort. I can tell you guys are going to be some amazing nurses with backgrounds and experiences that are going to help advance our health care system. Extremely happy for you ALL! And thank you again for answering my questions. Now, all I have to worry about is taking that dreadful GRE...