Okay I can help you a little on this. I have just started my first semester here at UMDNJ. As far as the disorganization my opinion every school has some form of disorganization and you can't please everyone. I am the first class under the new changes/administration and so far nobody in my class yet has complained about it being overly disorganized. If you want a degree and a way to pass the NCLEX so far this school has proven great.
Our professors this semester is great compared to previous semesters. They have changed the professor Foundations and it is a breath of fresh air. Its not easy, but its not set up for failure either. You go to class, read and complete assignments, and study for your exams you will receive above a 75 (remember during this time you want above a 75, thats all that matters). As far as grading all exams for my first semester are multiple choice. Its either you know it or you don't and this is for every class. The workload and study load is intense. The hardes part is the week that you may 2 or 3 exams, plus you must keep up with your weekly assisnments and readings (things don't slow down because you have exams), this definitely takes quite an adjustment.
No we arent in class Mon-Fri from 8 to 4. As it goes my schedule is Mon 2-4:30, Tues 12-4:30, Wed. 8-430 (the longest day, and Thurs 7-2:00 (clinical). Now it doesn't mean that I'm not doing something during those open times such as Lab schedule practices, reviews, and tutor sessions but this varies from week to week and is optional, but highly recommended as everyone usually participates.
Clinicals begin after the first six weeks. The first six weeks are spent learning all skillls from vital signs and bedmaking to medications (oral, topical, and parenteral) and catheters (urinary and nasogastric). Remember you learn all of these and everything in between in just six weeks. After that you no longer have labs and its all clinical (extremely overwhelming but much support).
In each class there are about four test so just divide that between 4.5 semesters. The program is what you make it and how you manage your time. The key here is time management. If you don't give yourself enough time to study then you won't have any. You can have a semi-social life and keep up with the work. Remember its all on you.
I hope this helps and Good Luck!!!
(Excuse any typos have to reply quickly studying for a Patho test for tomorrow!!)
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