Excelsior application process

[Murse901]

Obviously, there are tons of threads on here about Excelsior, but I can't seem to find any directly related to my question.

Unfortunately, real life got in the way of my brick-and-mortar RN program, so I had to withdraw a few weeks ago. I immediately started the process of getting in with Excelsior in the hopes that I could complete the degree in the same time frame as the LPN-to-RN program at my school.

Anyway, long story short - I've already taken and passed the first nursing exam, gotten all but maybe 2 gen ed courses out of the way, and now I'm sitting here twiddling my thumbs. I sent my application and fee to Excelsior, along with transcripts directly from my school. Unfortunately, the school was slow to send the transcripts, and Excelsior just received them a couple of days ago.

I called Excelsior admissions and asked if there was any way to bypass the unofficial evaluation, which they claim takes 2-3 weeks, and apply for admission based on the fact that I meet their minimum requirement of having an unencumbered LPN license, and based on the fact that the unofficial evaluation is, in fact, unofficial and has nothing to do with my being accepted for admission.

The "advisor" didn't really seem to understand what I was asking (she kept bumbling her words and said "ummmmm" a lot), and just said, "At this point you have to wait two or three weeks for the unofficial evaluation to be completed to see what credits you need for graduation".

I know that in the long run, 2-3 weeks is nothing, but I'm ready to do it now! :) I thought that the unofficial evaluation was just a service to help you decide if you actually want to go through the program, because as I understand it they also do an official evaluation upon enrollment.

Is there any way to bypass the red tape and get started, or am I just in limbo for the moment?

[RNFinally12]

DonaldJ,

That's Great! I on the other hand told you a couple of weeks ago Excelsior told me I was accepted, but still under review. I am still under review. I think I called to much. LOL. Anyway best of luck.

[Murse901, MSN, RN]

Just a quick update. Passed Chronicity a couple days ago, and I'm gearing up for Health Differences Across the Lifespan 1 (hopefully taking it within 2 weeks -- I was super-slow to get Chronicity over with).

Got my official evaluation and found out that I only need 3 humanities credits in addition to the nursing exams, so that was a big relief. Planning on taking DANTES Technical Writing to knock that out. Unfortunately, they didn't accept my Professional Transitions course from my LPN-to-RN program for transfer credit. Ah well, "only" another $235.

Thanks again for the help everyone!

[SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN]

Congratulations, Donald!

[akanini, MSN, RN]

Go, Donald. Just stay motivated!

[Murse901, MSN, RN]

Well, I'm down to my last exam -- Health Differences 2.

The good news is, this is the last exam (not counting FCCA).

The bad news, I'VE FAILED IT TWICE! I'm so freaking discouraged at this point. I've paid all of this money and knocked out all of these exams, and I only have one more shot at this exam before it's all for nothing.

I don't get it. I've studied my butt off, taken the Excelsior practice exams and plenty of other practice exams from lisa arends and studygroup101, but it's just not clicking for me. I thought that surely after getting a D the first time, I could scrape at least a C out of the second attempt, but no dice.

Now I have to wait 4 months to retake it again. Ugh. At this point, I'm wondering if it's even worth it to have to wait 4 months, plus another 8 or so for the CPNE. Between the cost of the exam + CPNE + travel costs, I might as well suck it up and try to find another LPN-to-RN brick and mortar program.

I never thought that I was stupid until today.

[BetterMeRN]

Well, I'm down to my last exam -- Health Differences 2.

The good news is, this is the last exam (not counting FCCA).

The bad news, I'VE FAILED IT TWICE! I'm so freaking discouraged at this point. I've paid all of this money and knocked out all of these exams, and I only have one more shot at this exam before it's all for nothing.

I don't get it. I've studied my butt off, taken the Excelsior practice exams and plenty of other practice exams from lisa arends and studygroup101, but it's just not clicking for me. I thought that surely after getting a D the first time, I could scrape at least a C out of the second attempt, but no dice.

Now I have to wait 4 months to retake it again. Ugh. At this point, I'm wondering if it's even worth it to have to wait 4 months, plus another 8 or so for the CPNE. Between the cost of the exam + CPNE + travel costs, I might as well suck it up and try to find another LPN-to-RN brick and mortar program.

I never thought that I was stupid until today.

I have not posted in quite a while, been lurking and studying for A&P and Micro while I wait on the CPNE which I can't for the life of me study without a date. I just had to make a comment on your post.....please don't think that because you failed HD2 you are in any way stupid. You have to have a good concept of the Anatomy of the endocrine system, you have to go back to basics with this exam. I used Minnay's guide and I passed it in one shot with a B, it took me three weeks of study. I must thank NC Girl for the guide it really helped a ton, I still have it I could pass it on to you, it really breaks the exam down for a great concept. Please don't give up and it depends on where you apply for the CPNE and if you can get a cancellation date, it could take as little as three months.

I just had to post today, please don't give up also look into the online conferences I heard those also help a lot. A friend of mine who she and I went to LPN school together is trying to get into a brick and mortar LPN-RN program, she can't believe I'm almost done and she has not even started. You seem very driven and dedicated, please stick it out.

[Murse901, MSN, RN]

I have not posted in quite a while, been lurking and studying for A&P and Micro while I wait on the CPNE which I can't for the life of me study without a date. I just had to make a comment on your post...

Thanks for the words of encouragement. I'm sending you a PM about the guide.

I feel a *little* better after reviewing the policy on retaking exams. I was under the impression that an exam could be taken a maximum of 3 times, but apparently the max is 4 attempts with only 3 allowed within a 1 year period.

Still doesn't make me feel great about having to wait 4 months, but at least I know that if I don't pass next time around, assuming I survive the emotional onslaught, it's not the end of the road.

[NC Girl BSN]

Thanks for the words of encouragement. I'm sending you a PM about the guide.

I feel a *little* better after reviewing the policy on retaking exams. I was under the impression that an exam could be taken a maximum of 3 times, but apparently the max is 4 attempts with only 3 allowed within a 1 year period.

Still doesn't make me feel great about having to wait 4 months, but at least I know that if I don't pass next time around, assuming I survive the emotional onslaught, it's not the end of the road.

You don't have to wait 4 months. Call the nursing office ask them for permission to take the exam sooner. My friend did it and they accepted it. Tell them something like you tried to take the exam without buying the recommended books and trying to use other study guides. Tell them that you have learned from your mistakes and will read the book and not try to take short cuts. I bet the head of the nursing department will grant you to take the test earlier that 4 months. I would wait for another month and then call if you just failed the test. I too failed this test the first time so I know how difficult it is. They will probably let you take it in about 60 days.