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.
 | Brenda Guzman-Hernandez bguzmanhernandez@samuelmerritt.edu
| Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing | Oakland |
| Brooke Wilson | Doctor of Nursing Practice Online - Post-Master's Psychiatric Mental Heath Nurse Practitioner Certificate Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate | Online |
| Joe Schaffernoth jschaffernoth@samuelmerritt.edu
| Bachelor of Science in Nursing Entry Level Master of Science in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner Accelerated Bachelor of Science Nursing | Oakland
|
| Mariana Hernandez
| 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 Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia | Online
|
| Michael Greenbury | Master of Science in Nursing – Case Management Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner Doctor of Nursing Practice - Family Nurse Practitioner
| Sacramento (MSN-CM) Online |
| Sandra Pina Juarez | Registered Nurse to Bachelor in Science Nursing Master of Science in Nursing- Psychiatric Mental Heath Nurse Practitioner |
|
 | 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 Master of Science in Nursing - Leadership | Sacramento Online |
 | Vanesa Sierra | 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 | Fresno (ABSN) Sacramento (ELMSN) |
 | Amanda Robertson
| Bachelor of Health Sciences Master of Health Administration Master of Social Work | Oakland, Sacramento |
| Hali Loyd | Doctor of Physical Therapy Occupational Therapy | Oakland |
| Siena Kutz | Master of Biomedical Sciences Master Physician Assistant | Oakland |
College of Podiatric Medicine (CPM) Summer Immersion Experience
July 13-17, 2026
The College of Podiatric Medicine Summer Immersion Experience is a one-week, in-person enrichment program designed for undergraduate and graduate students interested in podiatric medicine and surgery. Held annually in July at Samuel Merritt University’s Oakland campus, the program provides an immersive introduction to the profession through hands-on clinical skills training, academic exploration, and direct engagement with faculty, residents, and students.
General Program Schedule
The week will begin with an orientation Monday morning, July 13, 2026. Students will receive a tour of the campus, meet student and faculty instructors, and have a presentation on an introduction to a career in Podiatric Medicine & Surgery.
The remainder of the week, students will attend short lectures and participate in workshops on the following subjects:
- Lower Extremity Anatomy
- Podiatric Clinical Skills
- Physical Diagnosis
- Medical Imaging
- Biomechanics & Sports Medicine
- Wound Care & Diabetic Foot
- Foot & Ankle Surgery
We will host a social event in the evening Thursday, July 16, 2026 and the event will conclude Friday morning with the SMUCPM Admissions team and a panel of current CPM students.
Participating SMUCPM Faculty (subject to change):
- Charles Starrett, DPM
- Colin Traynor, DPM
- William Stiers, MD
- Tim Dutra, DPM
- Stephen Hill, PhD
- Samantha Ralstin, DPM
- Alex Reyzelman, DPM
- Thomas Chang, DPM
- Byron Hutchinson, DPM
- Esther Kwon, DPM
- Christina Pratt, DPM
- Mark Razzante, DPM
FAQ
What are the date, location and cost details of the Immersion Program?
The program will be held at Samuel Merritt University’s Oakland City Center campus. The program will run from Monday, July 13th through Friday, July 17th, 2026. The cost of attendance for the program is $500 (for U.S. students.)
Can international students apply for the program?
Undergraduate pre-med and pre-health students from Asia are required to register through the school's official international partner.
Are there scholarships available for program participants?
Students who successfully complete this program and apply for and are accepted to SMU College of Podiatric Medicine's DPM program will then qualify for a $1000 tuition scholarship. This scholarship then offsets the cost of attendance for the Immersion Program.
Will there be other out-of-pocket expenses I can expect as part of the program?
Participants will need to arrange for cost of flight and hotel accommodation. The Marriott City Center hotel is next door to SMU. Public transportation via BART is easily accessible from the airport, and the 12th Street stop is one block from the SMU building. Meals will be provided during the day for both breakfast and lunch.
How do I apply for the Summer Enrichment program?
Contact Edgardo Palomo to start the application process.
When is the application deadline?
Please apply to attend as early as possible, as spots are limited. The deadline to apply is June 30th, 2026.
When will I know if I’ve been accepted to the program?
Successful participants will be notified by email.
Questions? Please contact:
Edgardo Palomo, M.S.
Assistant Director of Admission
College of Podiatric Medicine
epalomo@samuelmerritt.edu
| Ashley Shilling
| Doctor of Podiatric Medicine Bridge to Podiatric Residency | 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.
| Brenda Guzman-Hernandez bguzmanhernandez@samuelmerritt.edu
| Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing | Oakland |
| Brooke Wilson | Doctor of Nursing Practice Online - Post-Master's Psychiatric Mental Heath Nurse Practitioner Certificate Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate | Online |
| Joe Schaffernoth jschaffernoth@samuelmerritt.edu
| Bachelor of Science in Nursing Entry Level Master of Science in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner Accelerated Bachelor of Science Nursing | Oakland
|
| Mariana Hernandez
| 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 Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia | Online
|
| Michael Greenbury | Master of Science in Nursing – Case Management Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner Doctor of Nursing Practice - Family Nurse Practitioner
| Sacramento (MSN-CM) Online |
| Sandra Pina Juarez | Registered Nurse to Bachelor in Science Nursing Master of Science in Nursing- Psychiatric Mental Heath Nurse Practitioner |
|
| 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 Master of Science in Nursing - Leadership | Sacramento Online |
| Vanesa Sierra | 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 | Fresno (ABSN) Sacramento (ELMSN) |
| Amanda Robertson
| Bachelor of Health Sciences Master of Health Administration Master of Social Work | Oakland, Sacramento |
| Hali Loyd | Doctor of Physical Therapy Occupational Therapy | Oakland |
| Siena Kutz | Master of Biomedical Sciences Master Physician Assistant | Oakland |
College of Podiatric Medicine (CPM) Summer Immersion Experience
July 13-17, 2026
The College of Podiatric Medicine Summer Immersion Experience is a one-week, in-person enrichment program designed for undergraduate and graduate students interested in podiatric medicine and surgery. Held annually in July at Samuel Merritt University’s Oakland campus, the program provides an immersive introduction to the profession through hands-on clinical skills training, academic exploration, and direct engagement with faculty, residents, and students.
General Program Schedule
The week will begin with an orientation Monday morning, July 13, 2026. Students will receive a tour of the campus, meet student and faculty instructors, and have a presentation on an introduction to a career in Podiatric Medicine & Surgery.
The remainder of the week, students will attend short lectures and participate in workshops on the following subjects:
- Lower Extremity Anatomy
- Podiatric Clinical Skills
- Physical Diagnosis
- Medical Imaging
- Biomechanics & Sports Medicine
- Wound Care & Diabetic Foot
- Foot & Ankle Surgery
We will host a social event in the evening Thursday, July 16, 2026 and the event will conclude Friday morning with the SMUCPM Admissions team and a panel of current CPM students.
Participating SMUCPM Faculty (subject to change):
- Charles Starrett, DPM
- Colin Traynor, DPM
- William Stiers, MD
- Tim Dutra, DPM
- Stephen Hill, PhD
- Samantha Ralstin, DPM
- Alex Reyzelman, DPM
- Thomas Chang, DPM
- Byron Hutchinson, DPM
- Esther Kwon, DPM
- Christina Pratt, DPM
- Mark Razzante, DPM
FAQ
What are the date, location and cost details of the Immersion Program?
The program will be held at Samuel Merritt University’s Oakland City Center campus. The program will run from Monday, July 13th through Friday, July 17th, 2026. The cost of attendance for the program is $500 (for U.S. students.)
Can international students apply for the program?
Undergraduate pre-med and pre-health students from Asia are required to register through the school's official international partner.
Are there scholarships available for program participants?
Students who successfully complete this program and apply for and are accepted to SMU College of Podiatric Medicine's DPM program will then qualify for a $1000 tuition scholarship. This scholarship then offsets the cost of attendance for the Immersion Program.
Will there be other out-of-pocket expenses I can expect as part of the program?
Participants will need to arrange for cost of flight and hotel accommodation. The Marriott City Center hotel is next door to SMU. Public transportation via BART is easily accessible from the airport, and the 12th Street stop is one block from the SMU building. Meals will be provided during the day for both breakfast and lunch.
How do I apply for the Summer Enrichment program?
Contact Edgardo Palomo to start the application process.
When is the application deadline?
Please apply to attend as early as possible, as spots are limited. The deadline to apply is June 30th, 2026.
When will I know if I’ve been accepted to the program?
Successful participants will be notified by email.
Questions? Please contact:
Edgardo Palomo, M.S.
Assistant Director of Admission
College of Podiatric Medicine
epalomo@samuelmerritt.edu
| Ashley Shilling
| Doctor of Podiatric Medicine Bridge to Podiatric Residency | Oakland |
College of Nursing
Prelicensure Nursing Programs
ABSN, BSN, and ELMSN appointments require completion of a Prerequisite Evaluation Request Form. Click here for more details.
Postlicensure Graduate Nursing Programs
*For licensed nurses only - students without a license please select ELMSN.
College of Podiatric Medicine
College of Health Sciences
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.
