Excelsior students advice and questions.

Hello Calif. nurses,
I am excited and happy to soon be realizing my RN degree and at 44 I am at a point in my life when I really want it big time.The road has been a rocky one as I went the Excelsior route and like others in a non traditional program it has not been easy.For the record Calif RN Board has never approved of the Excelsior/Regents program however we have always had NLN accredidation.Last year the board ruled it would no longer allow Excelsior grads to take the NCLEX exam and presently Excelsior is suing the state board in hopes of overturning this peculiar ruling considering the shortage and all.I am done with all classes except for A and P and Psychology and of course the dreaded CPNE.Would welcome all help ,advice,tips,feedback on this road-am so happy to have found an outlet to share my studies as this non traditional route can be a lonely one-has anyone recently taken the Life Span exam and was it easy?ALso am looking for the best A and P class on line and around San Diego and finally where is the best place to take the CPNE???Am bummed that Arizona is no longer an option and am now torn between Palomar and Long Beach.Could use some real insider info here-am hearing that Palomar is a difficult pass?ALso have heard Wisconsin is a good place?I am unsure and could a little help.Also any study partners out there?I am in San DIego and could use some help with A and P and the CPNE.I hope I pass Psych next week and will know soon.Am done with all other classes and found the old Med Source study guides helpful for all the Concepts classes.OK thats my life story -please respond am looking forward to hearing from all of you.Thanks alot.Robert