Starting up with Achieve Test Prep ! looking for a study buddy.

Hopesalive · Nov 23, 2012

Hi MomRN,

I just signed up with Achieve as well and I am looking around to see who is currently in the program or has completed it. I could use a study buddy as well! I see your comment is a few months old now so I am hoping to hear that you're moving right along.

LPN2BSNRN · Sep 27, 2013

Hi, I am looking into Achieve at this time. How is it going for you guys? What States are you in? I am in GA. I am concerned about the need for additional clinical hours that GA requires after you complete Excelsior.

Did you sign up for the entire program or just one class at a time? I need A&P1, A&P2, Micro and the 8 nursing courses and then the FCCA, their "mock CPNE" and then the real "CPNE" through Exclesior. I am very anxious about this because I got mixed up with TCN and found out that the LPN to BSN through Indiana State requires that you find your own preceptor and that once you clep out of the modules, that you have to apply to ISUs online classes which is another $30k or more. I don't work in a clinical setting currently and trying to set up a preceptorship while doing ISU BSN program would be an issue. Also, can't get any financial aid for online classes at ISU if you are out of state. So I currently am taking pre-reqs at Brenau University hoping to get into their PT BSN program which is 2 nights/week and every other weekend, but that seems millions of years away..

I am hoping against hope that I can do Excelsior through Achieve and get my RN.

Editorial Team / Moderator · Sep 28, 2013

Just want to make sure you're aware that you can do the program directly through Excelsior without paying test prep companies; as a matter of fact, Excelsior warns students against using such companies.

The preceptorship is somewhat difficult to arrange, from what I have heard. Do you have no other local options?

LPN2BSNRN · Oct 2, 2013

Just want to make sure you're aware that you can do the program directly through Excelsior without paying test prep companies; as a matter of fact, Excelsior warns students against using such companies.
The preceptorship is somewhat difficult to arrange, from what I have heard. Do you have no other local options?

LunahRN

Yes, I am aware that Excelsior warns against this, however, I am an adult and can make informed decisions. I know they are a Test Prep company. The Study Guides are "test prep" too. It is just another form of prepping for the tests, as is a guide from Clep or EC. The format seems like it may be more helpful than just trying to study for the tests from a study guide. Their format is somewhat different in that they provide Virtual classrooms, which may provide an additional dimension to the information that is being studied.

Of course Excelsior warns against test prep companies, it is more money in their pocket if they have you enroll into their program; however, you don't have to enroll to clep the general education courses, so using assisting with prepping for a test and getting the credit for it without taking the course, appeals to some people. It is my understanding that the classes they provide are geared towards passing the Exam or clep test, which is the ultimate goal.

Additionally, if one does thorough research and asks a lot of questions (make a list before hand); compare what they "advertise" to what they say and do not sign any binding long term contracts, there should be no reason why using them would not help someone achieve their goals.

I am pursing a BSN program and need to take Spanish and they provide a 8 week class for Spanish 1 and 2 which prepares you to take the clep for the and get 6 or more credits. If I can do this and get into the program a year earlier, you bet I am going to give it a try.

Editorial Team / Moderator · Oct 3, 2013

Of course Excelsior warns against test prep companies, it is more money in their pocket if they have you enroll into their program; however, you don't have to enroll to clep the general education courses, so using assisting with prepping for a test and getting the credit for it without taking the course, appeals to some people. It is my understanding that the classes they provide are geared towards passing the Exam or clep test, which is the ultimate goal.

If you are pursuing an ADN with Excelsior you will still have to enroll with them at some point prior to the nursing exams; if you'd like to pay extra on top of what EC will charge you, that's up to you -- you are an adult, after all. Best of luck.

LPN2BSNRN · Oct 3, 2013

If you are pursuing an ADN with Excelsior you will still have to enroll with them at some point prior to the nursing exams; if you'd like to pay extra on top of what EC will charge you, that's up to you -- you are an adult, after all. Best of luck.

Exactly, after you have clepped all your general ed courses.

nursejessica2013 · Oct 3, 2013

An adult who will be out of twice the money! Cut the middle man out and go straight through Excelsior!