Survivng Drexel ACE - advice pls!

U.S.A. Pennsylvania

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Okay, somewhat new topic! (not that there aren't enough already). I guess I'm looking for somewhat specific advice (if possible). I hear the administration and some professors can be less than desired. So, I'm curious what people have done (or would suggest) to succeed in the program. Specific(ish) questions (If you'd rather, send me a PM, and I could at your discression, post it here):

What classes/professors require you to be super textbook oriented (like, test questions often from the book, but not discussed in class)?

What classes/professors seem more notes oriented (text just in case you're really curious).

What is the level of homework in general. I understand there are care plans, but what other stuff is there? Papers? Regular questions?

What books did you feel were really not worth buyin (never opened them)? Which ones were the most used?

Which professors/classes were the killers (that you wish you had started studying sooner), and which were easier than expected?

How are the classes organized? Does one professor teach all of the instances of a given class, or are there multiple professors for each subject?

What is the classmates comraderie like? Do you guys feel closer or like enemies in the end? Is there a pinning ceremony?

For those that found it to be not the hardest in the world, how did you find a 'groove'. For those that felt it was constantly an uphill struggle, what worked in the end?

Thanks a million! (No, I'm not stressing out immensely, 8.5 weeks and counting!!!!!)

Specializes in Med-Surg, Geriatrics, Wound Care.

Yeah, the acceptance was the best feeling. was my #2 choice, but I never ended up applying to Jefferson. Congrats on (I'm assuming) passing the HESI! You are proof that it can be done!!!

It was my first choice, but I never ended up applying anywhere else either (guess that was the good thing about 's early priority deadline). And yes, I actually did awesome on the HESI, like several hundred points better than I expected. I'm so relieved and it's a pretty good confidence booster. :) I have a feeling you'll do great when it's your turn too!

Specializes in ortho.

Hi August,

i am stressing about pharm. I did not know how to approach Yost's quiz for tomorrow. She was so vague. I studied my ass off and I feel like I don't know anything.

I would say that one of the worst thing about this program (ACE BSN) is the lack of coordination between teachers/classes about scheduling tests/quizzes. You would think that in an accelerated program, they would pull out a master calendar and strategically plot assessments that don't overload already overloaded students!

Hi newnurse,

If you studied the concepts, you should do just fine on pharm. Yost is pretty straightforward - look at the key points at the end of the chapters and in the power points (especially the extra overview of cardiovascular drugs one she posted). Once you know the actions & uses, think about who can get which drug (ie. would you give a COPDer a beta 2 blocker? if you check a pt's BP & HR before giving an anti-HTN drug and find that it's low, will you give it anyway?). There are always 2 good answers, but there's one that should have something stick out as the right one.

And on that note, I'm going to go do a quick review of psych drugs! I agree, it's really hard to have everything thrown at us at once when we're not taking any "easy" classes this quarter. But I guess there's only so many days available...hopefully, it'll make next quarter seem easier! Good luck today!

Does it? Is it me or do you guys actually like the lecturing? I personally get more information from the book than from her lectures.

You know, I actually created a master schedule at the beginning of each quarter with what is due when, it's the only way I keep myself sane.

I don't mind the lectures, I like that she throws in the real life anecdotes. The psych lectures can be a killer, though...more or less feel like I could just read the book on that one. And really, who gives a cumulative quiz after the midterm? Not helpful. At least it wasn't hard.

Specializes in ortho.

I have a feeling that it was a deceptively "easy" quiz in mental health. I am not holding my breath. And, I get way more from reading than ppt. heaven lectures. If I could just get the reading done before class, it would be worth going to class.......but then again I have 6 am clinical arghhhhhh!

I actually enjoy my clinicals this quarter, perhaps it has something to do with closer to home for a change.

I know the feeling, it feels like we are forever playing catch up. But you have to admit, for psych, you really need to learn ONE thing and then pretty much is definitions and meds. She really just test you on the major stuff.

I know, I feel like I walk around with a book permanently attached to my body...waiting for trains, appointments...it still never feels like it's enough. But I seem to be retaining some of it, so I'll take what I can get. I've actually enjoyed all of my clinicals so far, and next quarter seems like clinicals should be pretty interesting too. Now if we could just find some time to sleep...

Anyone else studying for women's health right now?

To all you current ACE'ers,

Thanks for all your input. I am an incoming ACE student in a few short weeks and your comments are very helpful.

Does the ACE program stick to the quarter schedule that's posted on the provost's page? http://www.drexel.edu/provost/calendars/quarter/quarter-0910.html

Do you actually get that time off like it says or do you have things to do like clinicals and stuff?

Thanks!

Specializes in ortho.

I just finished women's and I'm going to bed. I hardly did any study for mental health or adult and skipped class today to study for women's. Wish me luck and wish you well!

I feel like I have so much in pharm but at least the mental meds sync up with mental health.

Hope I'm still hear next quarter!

Specializes in ortho.

You will have time off between quarters unless you need to make up a clinical due to absence.

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