LPN TO RN Achieve test Prep/college network/ excelsior

[Nursein215]

Hello,

I am currently a LPN (5 YRS) And i am looking into obtaining my RN Through Achieve test prep. I was accepted into a great University but with my work schedule and the cost of the program (FINACIAL AID ISSUES) im not really in a position to go full time. I was wondering if anybody goes to or finished achieve test prep? reviews will def help me...i need the good, the bad and the ugly . Any additonal information of any other schools in Philly or close by would help also/ college network or ecelsior.

Im just need to be a RN. More oppurtunities

[JustBeachyNurse, LPN]

Achieve is not a school but a test prep service like Kaplan classroom. All costs are in addition to the costs of excelsior (registration , application fees, exam & practice exam fees, enrollment fees , class tuition ). None of the costs of Achieve are covered by federal or state financial aid as they are not a school or degree granting institution. Many people just go directly through Excelsior and save the extra expenses (up to $10,000-$15,000) of various test prep companies.

Those that follow through with the services offered by Achieve and similar companies are often very happy and successful. Others are not happy, sometimes because it was not a good choice for their needs others because they were not able to follow through with the program.

[nette1022]

I chose Excelsior directly, and avoided all of the fees college network charges in addition. In the end your degree will be through Excelsior so why not deal with them directly. Excelsior does offer payment arrangements. I get financial aid and I take my classes online. You have the option of testing out or taking your classes online. My classes are 8 weeks long for each class online. I do get financial aide to pay for my classes and Excelsior does give scholarships for Nurses. I am supposed to graduate in June. I have done all of my classes online at Excelsior with Financial Aide. I did pay out of pocket for two classes because I forgot to add it into my financial aide.

[Nursein215]

Im sorry for my late response, i did not get any notifactions that yall responded. thank you both for your input. i can definately look into going to Excelsoir and avoiding the middle man. however i am a little nervous about everything being online. but that is the best way since i work full time. Thank you

[Nursein215]

nette4866 how did you get financial aid through Excelsior? what do you suggest to prepare you for learning outside of the classroom? how long did it take you and whats are the pros and cons of this program

[JustBeachyNurse, LPN]

nette4866 how did you get financial aid through Excelsior? what do you suggest to prepare you for learning outside of the classroom? how long did it take you and whats are the pros and cons of this program

The only way to get Federal financial aid for LPN to ASN program is to take classes instead of challenge exams. When you file your FAFSA that also is your application for school based scholarships. Good luck.

[Nursein215]

Just beachy thanks for your input how do i do that because from my understanding, all i can take are the challenge exams.

[JustBeachyNurse, LPN]

Just beachy thanks for your input how do i do that because from my understanding all i can take are the challenge exams.[/quote']

It's new. Now there is a choice of classes (around $1200) vs challenge exam (around $350) You need approval to enroll in either but I understand the classes are competitive to enroll. They had trials of classes in the late spring/early summer. You do assignments, participate online & take exams throughout the 8 week term. Two back to back 8 week classes I think is considered part time enough to qualify for aid but you need to confirm with the school.