Excelsior College- exam schedule

anticoagulationurse · Jun 17, 2006

HI-I am all done with NC (5 months) and my goal was to be done within a year. I had 2 prereqs and the info Lit in addition to NC exams. I took the exams 2-4 weeks apart depending on extenuating life circumstances and my ability to handle stress any given week, and overtime at work. :uhoh3:

My study strategy for each exam was to first start with the online practice exam (before reviewing the EC exam outline) to find out what areas I needed to focus on. The practice exams are $75 and you get two times to take it and get to review as many times as you want within 3 months. The first time is my pre-study assessment and the second is my pre-exam cram assessment. They give you rationales for correct and incorrect answers and I found them invaluable. Worth $500 each if you ask me.

I did not use any of the other EC resources like Online tele-conferences, or peer support or EC courses, etc. PLease be aware of the diff btw Courses and Exams. The courses (and conferences) are $$$ and I cannot vouch for their effectiveness or value since I did not use this resource (although with my A's the advisor urged me to try at least one...?) I think even after you take a Course you still have to take the Exam afterward?

I studied for and took one exam at a time in sequential order - although you can mix it up. In retrospect I might have taken NC 1 and Foundations right after since the content is similar.

So, that was it for me. I bought two of the recommend texts (older editions) on Ebay for $200. And used them to fill in gaps in my knowledge. I did refer to the NC outline and study guides but not the way EC intends them to be used. I would say I studied for about 15-30 hours for each exam inlcuding readings and practice exams.

Of course, this works differently for everyone! Your 2 year goal is not un-realistic. If I allowed myself that much time I would have slacked off a lot.

Medic2RN, BSN, RN, EMT-P · Jun 18, 2006

I took each exam about 4-8 weeks apart due to scheduling with the center. I bought the recommended texts and read the reading assignments. I made sure I knew what was listed on the content guides and for 3 of the NC courses, I used the practice exams. Everyone learns differently and has different systems - find what is best for you. During my school time, I had a baby, sold a house, built a house, and went through a few other major life events. It can be done in the time frame of two years, just remember to stay motivated and be flexible because life can interfere!

Good luck to you!!

EricJRN, MSN, RN · Jun 18, 2006

You've already received some great advice. Just one suggestion: Some people have trouble getting serious with the studying unless they are working under some pressure. To get around that, some students will start out by scheduling an exam, say one month away, then prepare. With that test date in mind, it helps some people to stay focused and do the studying. By just waiting until you feel ready, then scheduling, you can procrastinate forever.

mentalhealthman · Jun 21, 2006

HI-I am all done with NC (5 months) and my goal was to be done within a year. I had 2 prereqs and the info Lit in addition to NC exams. I took the exams 2-4 weeks apart depending on extenuating life circumstances and my ability to handle stress any given week, and overtime at work.
My study strategy for each exam was to first start with the online practice exam (before reviewing the EC exam outline) to find out what areas I needed to focus on. The practice exams are $75 and you get two times to take it and get to review as many times as you want within 3 months. The first time is my pre-study assessment and the second is my pre-exam cram assessment. They give you rationales for correct and incorrect answers and I found them invaluable. Worth $500 each if you ask me.
I did not use any of the other EC resources like Online tele-conferences, or peer support or EC courses, etc. PLease be aware of the diff btw Courses and Exams. The courses (and conferences) are $$$ and I cannot vouch for their effectiveness or value since I did not use this resource (although with my A's the advisor urged me to try at least one...?) I think even after you take a Course you still have to take the Exam afterward?
I studied for and took one exam at a time in sequential order - although you can mix it up. In retrospect I might have taken NC 1 and Foundations right after since the content is similar.
So, that was it for me. I bought two of the recommend texts (older editions) on Ebay for $200. And used them to fill in gaps in my knowledge. I did refer to the NC outline and study guides but not the way EC intends them to be used. I would say I studied for about 15-30 hours for each exam inlcuding readings and practice exams.
Of course, this works differently for everyone! Your 2 year goal is not un-realistic. If I allowed myself that much time I would have slacked off a lot.

I would be dancing up a storm if I could pass all the NC tests in 5 months. Way to stay focused. Did you happen to use any notes from Yahoo groups? As soon as I get the $ I will schedule my test(s). I agree, I will need to schedule in order to stay focused.

txspadequeenRN, BSN, RN · Aug 11, 2006

This is great advise! I never thought of doing it this way .. Thank you

HI-I am all done with NC (5 months) and my goal was to be done within a year. I had 2 prereqs and the info Lit in addition to NC exams. I took the exams 2-4 weeks apart depending on extenuating life circumstances and my ability to handle stress any given week, and overtime at work.
My study strategy for each exam was to first start with the online practice exam (before reviewing the EC exam outline) to find out what areas I needed to focus on. The practice exams are $75 and you get two times to take it and get to review as many times as you want within 3 months. The first time is my pre-study assessment and the second is my pre-exam cram assessment. They give you rationales for correct and incorrect answers and I found them invaluable. Worth $500 each if you ask me.
I did not use any of the other EC resources like Online tele-conferences, or peer support or EC courses, etc. PLease be aware of the diff btw Courses and Exams. The courses (and conferences) are $$$ and I cannot vouch for their effectiveness or value since I did not use this resource (although with my A's the advisor urged me to try at least one...?) I think even after you take a Course you still have to take the Exam afterward?
I studied for and took one exam at a time in sequential order - although you can mix it up. In retrospect I might have taken NC 1 and Foundations right after since the content is similar.
So, that was it for me. I bought two of the recommend texts (older editions) on Ebay for $200. And used them to fill in gaps in my knowledge. I did refer to the NC outline and study guides but not the way EC intends them to be used. I would say I studied for about 15-30 hours for each exam inlcuding readings and practice exams.
Of course, this works differently for everyone! Your 2 year goal is not un-realistic. If I allowed myself that much time I would have slacked off a lot.