Sent my application to Excelsior today!!!

[Ashera, LPN]

After looking at the packet of info for 6 months - I finally sat down and pulled it all together - requested official transcripts from two universities, called Excelsior and stayed on hold 10 minutes...and then got a really nice guy that said all I have to do right now, today, was send the transcript copies, fill out the app, copy my license, add a resume if I wanted and $60 in some form....

So what happens next? How long does it take to hear back - and then will I hear what I have to take in addition to the nursing part to get my ASN Not sure all my credits will work. Who has done things like psych, or others with Excelsior?

And - gasp - how hard is A&P and Micro??? I figure I have about as good of a chance as anybody - and people DO pass this...I just don't have the time, patience or desire to go sit in a classroom.

Hope there's someone out there that is on the first step too so maybe we can vent, share, cry and cheer each other on.

Pam

[BBFRN, BSN, PhD]

Hi! I'm getting ready to graduate from EC, and you'll find many other current/past students here as well. It can take 4-6 weeks to hear back from EC on your transcripts. My suggestion is if you haven't had A&P yet, go ahead and print out the study guide, get the book, and start digging in. Since it'll be your first EC exam, it'll be a good thing to overstudy and know everything. You'll get the hang of how they do their exams after that.

On the EC website, there is an unofficial review link with things you can check off to see what you'll need to take. And if you want to list what you already have here, we'll be glad to give you an idea of where you are. Also, go ahead and sign up for a user ID on the website- you'll then have access to lots more info, and the Electronic Peer Network there.

The best tip I got as an EC beginner (thanks so much Spazzy!!!!!!) was to join the Yahoo study groups for EC nursing students- they will save your butt! Here is a list of the current groups:

rnstudygroup (the best one)

allexcelsiornurses

nontradnurses

RNstudentsforum

I hope I haven't left any other good ones out.

Let us know if you are feeling lost & need help- you've got plenty of "classmates" here.

[chris_at_lucas_RN, RN]

Come on in!! Welcome!!

As one of several incredibly enthusiastic EC students on this BB, let me welcome you.

I too "dicky-dooed" around for several months before getting myself in gear and contacting EC. Your experience with the really helpful guy will be typical--I haven't found anyone there who was anything but kind and helpful.

Join those yahoo groups, check out the files sections for the course you are studying. You will find help from people who have trod that path before.

And stay in touch with us!!! We're here anytime you need us.

[Spazzy Nurse, RN]

Welcome to EC Land! I second Large Florida Minivan's advice..... jump into A&P. It's not the easiest exam, but if I passed it any moron can (and since you're not a moron, you'll have no problemo). :)

Here are some links to the sites that she gave you and also another one or two:

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/RCSNstudyctr/

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/RNstudentsforum/

http://pub41.bravenet.com/forum/show.php?usernum=3438699169

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/nontradnurses/

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/rnstudygroup/

Like Chris said, hit the file sections on the Yahoo boards. Good study tools in there too.

Also make sure to get your username and stuff for EC's website. The EPN is a nice tool to have.

Welcome to a life altering experience!!

[deej]

Ditto on the yahoo groups, they are a great resource. The self-tests for micro and A&P there are great, as well as the Excelsior study guides.

You also might want to pick up the Cliff's quick review guides for A&P and Micro. Much easier to digest in short sittings than the books...

DJ

[Medic2RN, BSN, RN, EMT-P]

HI Pam!!

Congratulations on applying to EC! I...er...haven't gotten that far yet, BUT I will be doing that shortly!

I have already taken the only 2 prereqs I needed: A&P and Micro. I am presently studying for the NC1 exam. Like lgflamini stated, I would recommend overstudying for the A&P. It was like no other test I've ever taken and I've been around the academic block! Micro was not bad at all, BUT you do need to get in the study time - no test is ever easy.

The Yahoo Groups are a savior and the guidance & advice of the "upperclassmen" and alumni are very helpful.

Good Luck to You and Congratulations!!!

:balloons:

[jnette, ASN, EMT-I]

Ditto on the yahoo groups, they are a great resource. The self-tests for micro and A&P there are great, as well as the Excelsior study guides.

You also might want to pick up the Cliff's quick review guides for A&P and Micro. Much easier to digest in short sittings than the books...

DJ

Another satisfied and successful EC grad here !

The Cliff's quick reviews were GREAT... in ADDITION to all the other material, of course.

I never heard of the Yahoo study groups until AFTER I graduated, of course....

Wish you the very best ! :balloons:

[medicrnohio, RN]

Good luck on your new journey. Mine is coming to an end. I am currently waiting for my CPNE study guide and application. Still have micro and psych to get out of the way though.

[DC2RN]

Welcome to the discussion. I just graduated from Excelsior, and I think it is a great program.

I have one small piece of advice. Before you take your first Nursing Concepts test, read Kaplan NCLEX-RN. It will give you great strategies for answering the questions on the NC tests, plus it is great for when you take your NCLEX. Good Luck!!!!

[featherzRN, MSN]

Congrats on getting that application out! :) I graduated from Excelsior (then Regent's College) in 1989 and I think it's a great program!

[BBFRN, BSN, PhD]

Welcome to EC Land! I second Large Florida Minivan's advice.....

Thanks, SpazzyLizz!!!

[Spazzy Nurse, RN]

Thanks, SpazzyLizz!!!

:chuckle :chuckle :chuckle