Did you take EC's A&P practice exam?

PiedPiperRN · Jun 1, 2010

I took the practice exam for A&P, and I did not take any practice exams for my Nursing tests. All were passed, although I did get an 'A' in A&P and only got 'A' in about 2/3 of my nursing tests. (I am a bit of a perfectionist!)

I would recommend taking the practice exam the first time just to get a feel of an EC test. I would very much recommend taking it if you have never had any formal instruction in the area that you are testing out of. The questions will show you weak spots and also give you practice on traning your mind to take these types of tests.

Also, if you do take the test, please keep in mind that the scores are kind of odd. Please see this thread for more information: https://allnurses.com/distance-learning-nursing/excelsior-college-minimum-15749.html. In other words, don't panic if you take the test and get a 74% or something like that.

Another option: save your money and purchase "Test Sucess", which is a guide for testing that is aimed at nursing students. I should add that I never actually used or read this book, but I have had it recommended to me by just about every Nursing teacher I have had. (They also gave me skills in test taking, which is why I didn't buy the book.)

Best of luck to you!!

TashaLPN2006RN2012, ASN, RN · Jun 2, 2010

Thanks so much! I bought the A&P practice exam and UGGGHHH i got a 40% it was BAD...but at least i can use that to guide me where my weak spots are. I think once i'm done with all the reading, i'll ahve my husband read the questions out loud to me and i'll answer them and then go back and re-grade myself to see where i am at the end. This test is making me really nervous!

happydrunkcat · Jun 3, 2010

You took part A, right? After you think you are done with reading, take part B and see how you do.

I had 70 on part A and 80-something on part B and got an A on an actual exam.

Good Luck!

PiedPiperRN · Jun 3, 2010

Another general suggestion... use the books that EC recommends. I had a bunch of other textbooks that I used. Both textbooks were good books, but I got a better score when I used EC's textbooks. Although all nursing books have generally the same information, the information that is highlighted, or even listed first, varies from book to book.

Also, nursing textbooks (and all acedemic books) are often updated. In general, they just move around chapters and add a few charts or pictures, but the actual text remains the same. I think that they do this to make more money so that students can't keep passing down books! :) Anyway, a $80 dollar textbook might go for as little as $10 on Amazon if you buy the previous edition. At these prices, it is worth to by the EC book even if you have a perfectly good book that covers the same information.

TashaLPN2006RN2012, ASN, RN · Jun 3, 2010

i have the recommended textbook for A&P i think it's 2 editions back from the new one that's out. I've been reading it, but it's a lot more technical reading than what i was used to (and i READ all the time! lol) i was getting lost in the words and not comprehending it

! Yes i took practice test A, it didnt' show that i was getting two practice tets at first so i thought it was the only one, i am saving version B for the end of my reading...guess i'll buckle down and muddle through, hopefully this wont be any m ore painful than it already is LOL