DeniseElsinger

Another SC second year here. I know of several other second years, myself included, who feel like the majority of their time outside of class is spent teaching themselves. There were two teachers in particular that I had from first year where the lectures were not very informative so students would bring in their books and either read or follow along in an attempt to combine the text and the lecture. I just finished my first 7-week class and it did not go as well as I liked even though I used different study methods each time (the ones last year apparently weren't working) and virtually every resource available to me. To study for the final, I took out my notes and compared them to the book while writing down the important ideas from the book. There was such a huge difference that I couldn't believe I never noticed it before. I still haven't been able to pinpoint what the difference is between the practice questions they offer during the lecture, the questions online, NCLEX prep questions, ATI questions, and their exam questions. They were all amazingly different to me. The sample questions they provide during lecture are cake and fool you into thinking you know your stuff. On the other hand, their exam questions sometimes require you to know several different concepts, apply them, then take it one step further. I would recommend meeting with the learning coordinator as she can help teach you how to break down the questions. They also have a very particular way they feel that the tests need to be taken. It works for some people, but I haven't been able to get it to work for me just yet. Good luck, and feel free to message me if you would like. I know they tried to start that mentor program but I don't think it ever got off the ground. Personally, I feel it is very helpful to have someone a year ahead of you to help answer all the little questions that come up so if you can find a connection like that with someone, take it. (I'm happy to offer up myself, too.)