Admission Events and Counseling
Is Samuel Merritt University right for you? Find out by attending one of our upcoming admissions events or schedule a personal appointment.
We’d Love to Get to Know You
We’re happy you’re interested in SMU! Our friendly admission team is ready to help you learn more about our programs, locations, faculty, student life, and hands-on learning opportunities. You can start getting to know us by visiting our events calendar for details about upcoming info sessions, campus tours, college and university visits, conference exhibits, and more.
Attend a Webinar
We offer a variety of general and program-specific webinars throughout the year to help you prepare for admission.
Attend a Virtual Q&A
Have a question about one of our programs? Admission staff host hour-long virtual Q&A sessions catered to each program. Visit our Events page for upcoming sessions and additional details. No RSVP is required.
Attend a Virtual Student Panel
Virtual student panels offer the opportunity to speak with current students from our BSN, CRNA, or DNP-FNP programs. (This is currently available for prospective BSN, CRNA, and DNP-FNP students only.)
Schedule an Admission Counseling Appointment
We can meet one-on-one by phone or Zoom to review and discuss your transcripts and provide additional information. We’re available for appointments virtually Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Appointments last 20-30 minutes. We encourage you to attend an information session or webinar prior to a counseling session.
To schedule an admission counseling appointment, visit the Calendly link for your program of interest (listed below).
NursingCAS Application Virtual Q&A Drop-In Session
Join SMU admission staff for a NursingCAS application virtual Q&A session. Prospective students are welcome to virtually “drop in” and ask quick, general questions related to the NursingCAS application. This is for Q&A only; there is no formal presentation. Q&A sessions are hosted periodically throughout the year.
Preview and RSVP for the next scheduled session from the full list of admission events in the link below.
Nursing Success! Seminar
Underrepresented students (low-income, first-generation, and underrepresented minority students) who are interested in Samuel Merritt University’s BSN, ABSN, and ELMSN programs are encouraged to attend our three-day Nursing Success! Seminar. Students learn about the admissions process; meet current students, faculty, and staff; and tour the Health Sciences Simulation Center (HSSC) during this semi-annual event.
During the Nursing Success! Seminar, you will:
- Explore the profession of nursing
- Participate in organized lectures covering relevant topics in nursing, such as reducing health disparities, international nursing, and the nursing profession today
- Learn about the SMU admission process, financial aid, and the HESI A2 exam
- Tour SMU’s state-of-the-art Health Sciences Simulation Center
- Meet and speak with SMU nursing students, faculty, and staff
Visit the Nursing Success! Seminar webpage for the next event’s details, dates, and application deadlines.
Questions? Please contact:
Evan Razor
Assistant Director of Admission | College of Nursing
Samuel Merritt University
Applying to SMU in the future?
While attending the SMU Nursing Success! Seminar will not guarantee you admission into the BSN, ABSN, or ELMSN programs, we hope it will ease some of the stress of the application process. There will be some additional benefits to you should you choose to apply to SMU after your participation in the seminar. These will be discussed during the seminar.
 | Alyssa Doggett
| Doctor of Nursing Practice- Anesthesia
| Oakland |
| Brooke Wilson
| Master of Science in Nursing- Psychiatric Mental Heath Nurse Practitioner Doctor of Nursing Practice Online- Psychiatric Mental Heath Nurse Practitioner Psychiatric Mental Heath Nurse Practitioner Certificate | Online |
| Joe Schaffernoth jschaffernoth@samuelmerritt.edu
| Accelerated Bachelor of Science Nursing
| SF Peninsula |
| Kimberly Duarte | Master of Science in Nursing- Executive Leadership Doctor of Nursing Practice Online – Post-Master’s Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate | Online |
| Mariana Hernandez
| Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing Bachelor of Science in Nursing Registered Nurse to Bachelor in Science Nursing Entry-Level Master of Science in Nursing – Case Management Entry-Level Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner | Oakland, Online |
| Michael Greenbury | Master of Science in Nursing – Case Management Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner Doctor of Nursing Practice Online- Family Nurse Practitioner Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate | Sacramento, Online |
 | Teyler Mosley | Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing Entry-Level Master of Science in Nursing – Case Management Entry-Level Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner | Sacramento |
 | Vanesa Sierra | Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing | Fresno |
Occupational Therapy Immersion Day
Join us for this special event on the SMU Oakland campus (in-person) to learn more about our outstanding Occupational Therapy program. Attending one of the SMU OT Immersion Day will qualify you for a $500 participation incentive.
While the agenda is still being finalized, we expect to feature/highlight:
OT Information Session
Student panel with currently enrolled OT students
Meet OT Faculty
Experience interactive OT labs
In addition, there will be an opportunity to schedule follow up phone or zoom appointments to review transcripts for academic prerequisites (bring unofficial copies of college transcripts with you). Advance registration is required, and lunch will be provided. See our 2024-2025 schedule below and register today!
Friday, October 25, 2024 9:00AM -3:00PM | RSVP Here
Friday, January 24, 2025 9:00AM -3:00PM | RSVP Here
Friday, March 14, 20259:00AM -3:00PM | RSVP Here
*A finalized agenda will be sent to registered guests
 | Amanda Robertson
| Bachelor of Health Sciences Master of Health Administration Master of Social Work | Oakland, Sacramento |
| Anne Seed | Doctor of Physical Therapy Occupational Therapy (Master/Doctorate) | Oakland |
| Hali Loyd | Master Physician Assistant
| Oakland |
College of Podiatric Medicine (CPM) Enrichment Program
The College of Podiatric Medicine Enrichment Program has been created for undergraduate or graduate students who are interested in podiatric medicine and surgery. This program is held annually in July and January takes place at Samuel Merritt University’s Oakland campus. Attending this program will give you the opportunity to:
- Explore the profession of podiatry
- Shadow current CPM students and faculty in a variety of clinical settings*
- Learn about the Basic Sciences department and its partnership with CPM
- Participate in an MCAT workshop
- Learn about the admission process, financial aid, and scholarships
- Participate in cast making and suturing
- Learn sports medicine taping techniques and more
*Shadowing experiences may be subject to change depending on clinical availability. Space is limited for this program.
When applications are open, you may apply on the Enrichment Program webpage.
FAQ
How does one qualify for the workshop?
To be considered, complete and submit the application and documentation using the application link found on the webpage above.
How many students are accepted to the workshop?
Participation is limited to 15-20 participants.
Where does the Summer Enrichment Program take place?
The program will be held at Samuel Merritt University’s Oakland campus, 3100 Telegraph Ave, Oakland, CA 94609. Meeting room details will be announced to accepted participants at a later date.
Are there scholarships available for program participants?
Scholarships are not available for this event. However, $400 in reimbursement for flight and accommodations may be available. Visit the Enrichment Program page for details.
Will there be other out-of-pocket expenses I can expect as part of the program?
Participants may need to arrange and pay for a portion of their own flights, hotel accommodations, daily transportation to and from the event, and parking, if applicable. Parking on the Oakland campus is $28/day.
The University may have travel accommodations available via a travel agency partner. Details will be shared with admitted participants.
How do I apply for the Summer Enrichment program?
Applications can be submitted online at the Enrichment Program page.
Where can I find the letter of reference form?
The letter of reference form is located in the application.
When is the application deadline?
Please visit the Enrichment Program page for deadlines and other details. These dates are subject to change.
When will I know if I’ve been accepted to the program?
Successful participants will be notified by email. This usually happens in mid to late June.
Questions? Please contact:
David Tran, DPM, MS
Assistant Professor and Associate Dean of Admission
College of Podiatric Medicine
510.879.9218
dtran@samuelmerritt.edu
| Ashley Shilling
| Doctor of Podiatric Medicine | Oakland |
We’d Love to Get to Know You
We’re happy you’re interested in SMU! Our friendly admission team is ready to help you learn more about our programs, locations, faculty, student life, and hands-on learning opportunities. You can start getting to know us by visiting our events calendar for details about upcoming info sessions, campus tours, college and university visits, conference exhibits, and more.
Attend a Webinar
We offer a variety of general and program-specific webinars throughout the year to help you prepare for admission.
Attend a Virtual Q&A
Have a question about one of our programs? Admission staff host hour-long virtual Q&A sessions catered to each program. Visit our Events page for upcoming sessions and additional details. No RSVP is required.
Attend a Virtual Student Panel
Virtual student panels offer the opportunity to speak with current students from our BSN, CRNA, or DNP-FNP programs. (This is currently available for prospective BSN, CRNA, and DNP-FNP students only.)
Schedule an Admission Counseling Appointment
We can meet one-on-one by phone or Zoom to review and discuss your transcripts and provide additional information. We’re available for appointments virtually Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Appointments last 20-30 minutes. We encourage you to attend an information session or webinar prior to a counseling session.
To schedule an admission counseling appointment, visit the Calendly link for your program of interest (listed below).
NursingCAS Application Virtual Q&A Drop-In Session
Join SMU admission staff for a NursingCAS application virtual Q&A session. Prospective students are welcome to virtually “drop in” and ask quick, general questions related to the NursingCAS application. This is for Q&A only; there is no formal presentation. Q&A sessions are hosted periodically throughout the year.
Preview and RSVP for the next scheduled session from the full list of admission events in the link below.
Nursing Success! Seminar
Underrepresented students (low-income, first-generation, and underrepresented minority students) who are interested in Samuel Merritt University’s BSN, ABSN, and ELMSN programs are encouraged to attend our three-day Nursing Success! Seminar. Students learn about the admissions process; meet current students, faculty, and staff; and tour the Health Sciences Simulation Center (HSSC) during this semi-annual event.
During the Nursing Success! Seminar, you will:
- Explore the profession of nursing
- Participate in organized lectures covering relevant topics in nursing, such as reducing health disparities, international nursing, and the nursing profession today
- Learn about the SMU admission process, financial aid, and the HESI A2 exam
- Tour SMU’s state-of-the-art Health Sciences Simulation Center
- Meet and speak with SMU nursing students, faculty, and staff
Visit the Nursing Success! Seminar webpage for the next event’s details, dates, and application deadlines.
Questions? Please contact:
Evan Razor
Assistant Director of Admission | College of Nursing
Samuel Merritt University
Applying to SMU in the future?
While attending the SMU Nursing Success! Seminar will not guarantee you admission into the BSN, ABSN, or ELMSN programs, we hope it will ease some of the stress of the application process. There will be some additional benefits to you should you choose to apply to SMU after your participation in the seminar. These will be discussed during the seminar.
| Alyssa Doggett
| Doctor of Nursing Practice- Anesthesia
| Oakland |
| Brooke Wilson
| Master of Science in Nursing- Psychiatric Mental Heath Nurse Practitioner Doctor of Nursing Practice Online- Psychiatric Mental Heath Nurse Practitioner Psychiatric Mental Heath Nurse Practitioner Certificate | Online |
| Joe Schaffernoth jschaffernoth@samuelmerritt.edu
| Accelerated Bachelor of Science Nursing
| SF Peninsula |
| Kimberly Duarte | Master of Science in Nursing- Executive Leadership Doctor of Nursing Practice Online – Post-Master’s Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate | Online |
| Mariana Hernandez
| Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing Bachelor of Science in Nursing Registered Nurse to Bachelor in Science Nursing Entry-Level Master of Science in Nursing – Case Management Entry-Level Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner | Oakland, Online |
| Michael Greenbury | Master of Science in Nursing – Case Management Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner Doctor of Nursing Practice Online- Family Nurse Practitioner Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate | Sacramento, Online |
| Teyler Mosley | Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing Entry-Level Master of Science in Nursing – Case Management Entry-Level Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner | Sacramento |
| Vanesa Sierra | Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing | Fresno |
Occupational Therapy Immersion Day
Join us for this special event on the SMU Oakland campus (in-person) to learn more about our outstanding Occupational Therapy program. Attending one of the SMU OT Immersion Day will qualify you for a $500 participation incentive.
While the agenda is still being finalized, we expect to feature/highlight:
OT Information Session
Student panel with currently enrolled OT students
Meet OT Faculty
Experience interactive OT labs
In addition, there will be an opportunity to schedule follow up phone or zoom appointments to review transcripts for academic prerequisites (bring unofficial copies of college transcripts with you). Advance registration is required, and lunch will be provided. See our 2024-2025 schedule below and register today!
Friday, October 25, 2024 9:00AM -3:00PM | RSVP Here
Friday, January 24, 2025 9:00AM -3:00PM | RSVP Here
Friday, March 14, 20259:00AM -3:00PM | RSVP Here
*A finalized agenda will be sent to registered guests
| Amanda Robertson
| Bachelor of Health Sciences Master of Health Administration Master of Social Work | Oakland, Sacramento |
| Anne Seed | Doctor of Physical Therapy Occupational Therapy (Master/Doctorate) | Oakland |
| Hali Loyd | Master Physician Assistant
| Oakland |
College of Podiatric Medicine (CPM) Enrichment Program
The College of Podiatric Medicine Enrichment Program has been created for undergraduate or graduate students who are interested in podiatric medicine and surgery. This program is held annually in July and January takes place at Samuel Merritt University’s Oakland campus. Attending this program will give you the opportunity to:
- Explore the profession of podiatry
- Shadow current CPM students and faculty in a variety of clinical settings*
- Learn about the Basic Sciences department and its partnership with CPM
- Participate in an MCAT workshop
- Learn about the admission process, financial aid, and scholarships
- Participate in cast making and suturing
- Learn sports medicine taping techniques and more
*Shadowing experiences may be subject to change depending on clinical availability. Space is limited for this program.
When applications are open, you may apply on the Enrichment Program webpage.
FAQ
How does one qualify for the workshop?
To be considered, complete and submit the application and documentation using the application link found on the webpage above.
How many students are accepted to the workshop?
Participation is limited to 15-20 participants.
Where does the Summer Enrichment Program take place?
The program will be held at Samuel Merritt University’s Oakland campus, 3100 Telegraph Ave, Oakland, CA 94609. Meeting room details will be announced to accepted participants at a later date.
Are there scholarships available for program participants?
Scholarships are not available for this event. However, $400 in reimbursement for flight and accommodations may be available. Visit the Enrichment Program page for details.
Will there be other out-of-pocket expenses I can expect as part of the program?
Participants may need to arrange and pay for a portion of their own flights, hotel accommodations, daily transportation to and from the event, and parking, if applicable. Parking on the Oakland campus is $28/day.
The University may have travel accommodations available via a travel agency partner. Details will be shared with admitted participants.
How do I apply for the Summer Enrichment program?
Applications can be submitted online at the Enrichment Program page.
Where can I find the letter of reference form?
The letter of reference form is located in the application.
When is the application deadline?
Please visit the Enrichment Program page for deadlines and other details. These dates are subject to change.
When will I know if I’ve been accepted to the program?
Successful participants will be notified by email. This usually happens in mid to late June.
Questions? Please contact:
David Tran, DPM, MS
Assistant Professor and Associate Dean of Admission
College of Podiatric Medicine
510.879.9218
dtran@samuelmerritt.edu
| Ashley Shilling
| Doctor of Podiatric Medicine | Oakland |
College of Nursing
Prelicensure Nursing Programs
A Prerequisite Evaluation Request Form is required for ABSN, BSN, and ELMSN appointments; click link below for details.
BSN, ABSN, and ELMSN: https://samuelmerritt.tfaforms.net/217785
ABSN Fresno: https://samuelmerritt.tfaforms.net/f/fresnoabsn
RN to BSN
RN to BSN: https://calendly.com/rn-to-bsn
Postlicensure Graduate Nursing Programs
MSN-EL: https://calendly.com/doctoral-and-certificate-nursing/executive-leadership-msn-program-1-1
MSN-FNP: https://calendly.com/doctoral-and-certificate-nursing/family-nurse-practitioner-programs-1-1
MSN-PMHNP: https://calendly.com/doctoral-and-certificate-nursing/psych-mental-health-programs-1-1
*For licensed nurses only - students without a license please select ELMSN.
DNP: https://calendly.com/d/432-9h5-wkz/doctor-of-nursing-practice
DNP-FNP: https://calendly.com/doctoral-and-certificate-nursing/family-nurse-practitioner-programs-1-1
DNP-PMHNP: https://calendly.com/doctoral-and-certificate-nursing/psych-mental-health-programs-1-1
DNP-A: https://calendly.com/nurse-anesthesia-crna-dnp
College of Podiatric Medicine
DPM: https://calendly.com/smu-college-of-podiatric-medicine
College of Health Sciences
BHS: https://calendly.com/d/cpmn-qyd-76y/bachelor-of-health-sciences-bhs-1-1-virtual-session?month=2024-10
MHA: https://calendly.com/mha-1-1-brief-session-20min/mha?month=2025-01
OT: https://calendly.com/occupational-therapy-1
PT: https://calendly.com/physical-therapy-1
MSW: https://calendly.com/master-social-work
MBS: https://calendly.com/d/cnxg-jkw-xsc/master-of-biomedical-sciences-mbs-in-depth-1-1-s
PA: One-on-one appointments not available; see note below.
Due to the number of applicants to SMU’s Physician Assistant (PA) program, it is not possible for us to meet with each prospective student one-on-one. However, we want to make sure you have ample opportunity to learn as much as possible about the program and SMU, and to ask any questions you may have. We offer preview days, virtual Q&A sessions, and webinars for applicants to the PA program.
Students with Disabilities
Accommodations may be requested by emailing the Disability Resource Center at drc@samuelmerritt.edu. Please provide as much notice as possible to allow ample time for setup.
Featured Events
SMU Experience
Our nearly 2,800 students range in age from 18 to over 35, come from every ethnic background, and bring different life experiences to their education. One thing they have in common, however, is a dedication to serving local communities and underrepresented populations.
Learn MoreOur information sessions, seminars, and campus tours offer you a glimpse into the SMU experience.
