Dr. Frye? Chancellor? Excel Advantage?

BBFRN, BSN, PhD · Apr 4, 2004

From another one of your threads, I thought you were getting ready to start LVN school?

As far as the 2 publishing companies you mentioned, I don't recommend either one. Dr. Frye publishes EC study material, and makes a good chunk of change from that, but has been one of the anti-EC voices that helped to get the school barred from California. It makes one think that he doesn't trust his own material.

Excel Advantage is a joke. You can get the same study materials they offer- for free in any of the Yahoo study groups. Don't waste your money. They're also unethical in their advertising practices.

I have made it through EC without using a publishing company at all- with mostly As & Bs. But, if you must use one, Chancellor's seems to have the most satisfied customers. I don't hear too many of my study buddies complaining about their product- just the cost. You can get plenty of free study materials in the Yahoo groups, and just study from the free EC content guides. Read through the multitude of threads on here about this subject, and make the best decision for you.

TrinaRoschelle · Apr 4, 2004

Yes, I am going to LVN school, but I am also going to take some courses toward my RN degree. Thank you for your reply.

justrubl · Apr 19, 2004

I have tried RUE, ExcelAdvatage, Chancellor's and The College Network. I have also looked at Dr Fry. Here are my opinions.

1. RUE, Dr. Fry and ExcelAdvantage, from their website and mail-out material, make it sound like they are a part of the school when they aren't. They are independant companies, like College Network and Chancellor's. TCN (The College Network) and Chancellor's are independant but they are upfront about it.

2. I like Chancellor's because all the info is concise and easy to read. The guides are about 10-200 pages long and have chapter quizes and an end of guide test. TCN are about 300 pages and I didn't like the format.

If you want to go with a publisher you can usually find Chancellor's or TCN on ebay pretty cheap (in relation to their original cost) and I knwo where you can get TCN for $50.

There are a great number of study groups on Yahoo Groups that can provide study help and motivational help. They have files that help with studying and can be a wealth of info. If someone absolutely wants (or feels like they need) to go with a publishing company I recommend Chancellor's. If I am going to use an independant publishing company I at least want one who is honest and let you know up front that they aren't associated with the school, not one that will lie and say they are.

But to be fair I do have one good thing to day abour Professional Development Systems (Dr. Fry's) and that is that if you have good credit you can apply for a loan that will not only pay for their guides but will also pay for the costs of the tests and the CPNE. I personally don't have that good a credit but for someone who does and can't afford to pay for the tests and stuff all at once that can be a good point.

Like I said this was just my 2 cents.

New Castle Ken · Apr 19, 2004

Has anyone used these programs?
Does anyone know how much Dr. Frye Costs?
What all do you get with Dr. Frye?
Anyone Uses Excel Advantage?

Some students like the materials published by outside sources but a lot of students feel that the information that Excelsior gives is all that is needed and comes free. These other companies do not know exactly what is on the exams as they are not associated with Excelsior at all. From what I understand they send people to take the exams then when they come out they try to remember what was on the exam.

Spazzy Nurse, RN · Apr 24, 2004

From what I understand they send people to take the exams then when they come out they try to remember what was on the exam.

Right-o, Ken. I know that I posted that exact thing a while back, and maybe someone else has too, I dont know. I do know that this is exactly what a RUE staff person told me when I asked them how they know what content to include on their exams. I was blown away when she told me that!! I was also one of the people who said that I just used the free EC info. for a couple of my tests....... of course it was after I had stupidly signed up with RUE and had attempted to use their study materials.

And as far as what Lgflamini said, I second every bit of it. :)

BBFRN, BSN, PhD · Apr 24, 2004

Lol...Spazzy- I'm just passing on the great advice you gave me when I first started with EC. You were right-on with everything you told me, and you saved me a ton of money! If not for your advice, I wouldn't have known I could make it through the program without a publishing company. Now, I feel so strongly about it and I know it's possible for some people to do it this way...so I feel compelled to point out that it can be done. The study groups are key for this, though. I can honestly say that I don't know where I would be right now without them, or the folks on here that have done this program. I'm now less than 3 weeks from taking the CPNE!!! I can't wait to get it over with!

BBFRN, BSN, PhD · Apr 24, 2004

Lol...Spazzy- I'm just passing on the great advice you gave me when I first started with EC. You were right-on with everything you told me, and you saved me a ton of money! If not for your advice, I wouldn't have known I could make it through the program without a publishing company. Now, I feel so strongly about it and I know it's possible for some people to do it this way...so I feel compelled to point out that it can be done. The study groups are key for this, though. I can honestly say that I don't know where I would be right now without them, or the folks on here that have done this program. I'm now less than 3 weeks from taking the CPNE!!! I can't wait to get it over with!

Spazzy Nurse, RN · Apr 25, 2004

I know it's possible for some people to do it this way...so I feel compelled to point out that it can be done. The study groups are key for this, though. I can honestly say that I don't know where I would be right now without them, or the folks on here that have done this program.

I'm glad you feel that way, since I'd feel like a big turd if you were OUT money for listening to my advice. :uhoh21:

(I posted about your CPNE on another thread. Woo hoo!!)

Spazzy Nurse, RN · Apr 25, 2004

I know it's possible for some people to do it this way...so I feel compelled to point out that it can be done. The study groups are key for this, though. I can honestly say that I don't know where I would be right now without them, or the folks on here that have done this program.

I'm glad you feel that way, since I'd feel like a big turd if you were OUT money for listening to my advice. :uhoh21:

(I posted about your CPNE on another thread. Woo hoo!!)

BBFRN, BSN, PhD · Apr 26, 2004

I'm glad you feel that way, since I'd feel like a big turd if you were OUT money for listening to my advice. :uhoh21:

:rotfl: :rotfl: