Survivng Drexel ACE - advice pls!

My Chem prof gave me great advice a few years ago that helped me a few times over the years with this type of math problems. Especially if you don't know where to begin.

Write down what you are trying to get to. ie: ml/hr, tsp, tablet, whatever... and write down everything you got. Then use the conversions you know to arrive at the final step. It sounds easy, and it sounds silly, but when I was staring at that Heparin problem (Not until the 3rd quarter), that's what I do despite having not read the Heparin chapter and getting it correct.

Oh yes, make it easy on yourself, write down a list of conversions on a note card, and carry it with you. It's a lot easier than flipping through the book when you need to remember how many grams equals to one grain.

Lastly, they aren't trying to trick you, but...there may be extra numbers in there, so read over the questions carefully and make sure you are answering the question and not doing any extra steps.

Good luck everyone, and off I go to do some more practice problems.

I applied to Drexel well before reading the large amount of negative feedback on here. I'll continue with the application process (mainly because it is so inexpensive- sending my transcripts), but I'm thinking less and less that it sounds appealing to me. I'm leaning toward Columbia- not for the name, and certainly not for the price (uff! $13,000 more than Drexel, plus the cost of living difference in NYC), but because I have a very good friend that did it. Aside from the price and the general frustrations regarding disorganization, she speaks highly of the professors and found that they treated you like in grad school- they WANT you to do well and they really encourage students. She said there were a few in her class that dropped out, but only a few in the first semester.

Anybody know the retention rate at Drexel?

ACE or co-op? Also, please realize that people who are unhappy with things in general tend to be the ones talking the loudest, and are not always an accurate gauge of a particular program. I'm halfway through the ACE program and am very happy with my experience and my education, and think that I will be well-prepared to work as a nurse in six months. As far as professors go, I've only had two that I didn't care for, the rest have been great - no one is trying to fail you. No matter where you go to school, you're as responsible for your own failures as much as you are for your As. And not everyone who leaves the program does so because they failed - some have personal or family reasons, others decide that nursing isn't for them after all. It isn't easy, but I'm glad I did it. Good luck with your decision.

And to add to August Rain's comment, realize that a BSN is a BSN is a BSN. We all take the NCLEX and become RNs. At Drexel we earn the BSN, are done in less than a year, and have a 100% job placement rate. Of course, who knows, now with this bad economy.

It sounds as if the same frustrations I have about Drexel are the same as what your friend is experiencing at Columbia U. But maybe if Columbia offers grants for 2nd degree folks, which Drexel does not, it may be worth trying. Also, I think U. Penn offers financial aid to 2nd degree folks but take 18 months to complete the program.

So far in our cohort, we've only "lost" 2 people (I am in my 3rd quarter) to failing a class. Although, I hear thru the grape vine that other cohorts have lost about 8 students to a failing grade.

Good luck in your search!

Just out of curiosity, what are the hours for your clinical? Are they a full 12 hour shift? I'm doing some hypothetical scheduling for the fall and just wanted an idea of what clinical days will look like- the schedule juniataemt06 posted has been really helpful in that regard.

Cool, thanks. How's it going so far?

Hi I have been accepted for the fall 09 class and I was hoping someone could help me out on where would be a good place to live. I am from california so I have no idea on any of the areas of philadelphia. I want to hopefully be as close to the campus as possible. Also are the classes taught in the Hahnemann school? Thanks!

Hi harlowwhisk - congrats on your acceptance! I'd suggest living in Stiles if you'll be moving to Philly. It's the student housing across the street from Hahnemann (yes, all of the ACE classes are on the Center City Hahnemann campus). Here's a link to a recent discussion with questions similar to yours.
http://allnurses.com/pa-nursing-prog...688-page8.html
Good luck!