MCC Nursing Qs and advice

Hello, I am new here =) and I am in need of some help and advice! And of course, I have tons of questions.

As of right now, I only need to take A+P, Fundamentals of Nutrition, Pathogenic Microbiology, and Intro to Psych by fall of '09. I missed the fall of '08 deadline, so I have to shoot for next year, which is fine, because I still have those gen eds to get out of the way.

I haven't been to college in a couple years. I was in beauty school for a while, and even though I liked it a lot, it just isn't nursing. I've wanted to be in medicine as far back as I remember, and now I'm going to do it!

I have a seminar to go to on the 7th of next month, but I can't wait to get my questions answered

My biggest question has to do with the HESI test:
- What does it cover?
- How long does it take to do?
- How is it graded?
- What books are available that can help me study/prepare for it?

At MCC, I need to get As and high Bs in my prerequisites because it counts for 50% of my acceptance into the RN program (the other 50% belongs to the HESI exam). This program is also extremely popular and competitive. I'm terrified.
- What can I do to make sure that I get the highest grades possible?
- What tips/tricks do you guys know of, since you've already been through this?

I have always had difficulty with math. I have been in a special ed math class since I was in 3rd grade. I know that help is available to me at the college, but I was wondering if you, or anyone you know of, has similar difficulties with math, and how you survived nursing, with said problems? Are there any kind of math books that I should study prior to going into nursing, that can help me with math BEFORE I even start?

MCC says that I need to have a "lab supplies pac (nurse pac)". What the heck is that? What does it include?

Dress code. I know there probably is one, but how strict is it? I have full sleeve tattoos, and I realize that I will more than likely have to wear long sleeves to cover them (which I'm totally OK with). But at the same time, it would be nice to know how much leniency is afforded. Will I be able to roll up my sleeves if I get to hot, for example.

What did a typical day of nursing school look like for you? How many classes did you take at each semester? How long did it take for you to start doing clinicals? At beauty school, we did all of our book work before we were able to begin working on the public. I would assume nursing would be the same?

Thank you so much for taking the time out to read this. I really appreciate any information you may have for me. I really want to know what I'm getting myself into!

Thank you again!