Okay, somewhat new Drexel topic! (not that there aren't enough already). I guess I'm looking for somewhat specific advice (if possible). I hear the administration and some professors can be less than desired. So, I'm curious what people have done (or would suggest) to succeed in the program. Specific(ish) questions (If you'd rather, send me a PM, and I could at your discression, post it here):
What classes/professors require you to be super textbook oriented (like, test questions often from the book, but not discussed in class)?
What classes/professors seem more notes oriented (text just in case you're really curious).
What is the level of homework in general. I understand there are care plans, but what other stuff is there? Papers? Regular questions?
What books did you feel were really not worth buyin (never opened them)? Which ones were the most used?
Which professors/classes were the killers (that you wish you had started studying sooner), and which were easier than expected?
How are the classes organized? Does one professor teach all of the instances of a given class, or are there multiple professors for each subject?
What is the classmates comraderie like? Do you guys feel closer or like enemies in the end? Is there a pinning ceremony?
For those that found it to be not the hardest in the world, how did you find a 'groove'. For those that felt it was constantly an uphill struggle, what worked in the end?
Thanks a million! (No, I'm not stressing out immensely, 8.5 weeks and counting!!!!!)
This is hands down the worst program in the country! What you learn in class is not on the tests, rather you need to read the fine print in you textbook to do well on the test. If you do the program...don't bother going to class. stay at home and read the book.miss information is everywhere in the program, and after being around for so many years (the program) they (the university) still have no rhythm to the program. constantly changing everything (because many things need fixing). It may be the fastest in the country for your 2nd degree BSN, but Drexel ACE program is the worst for actually learning how to become an RN.
And yet the graduates are well regarded in the area with many local hospitals preferring them to grads from other schools.I graduated about a year ago and felt pretty well prepared for my first job. And a lot of the complaints I hear about Drexel's ACE program I've heard about nursing school in general on all nurses. Take common frustrations about nursing school and condense it to a year and it's bound to look bad. The program is not for everyone and IMO that's the biggest issue with it: they don't really screen their applicants for characteristics that make people successful in the program but cast a pretty wide net in admitting a class. I think that contributes to the high rate of failure by the midway point in the program.
... and IMO that's the biggest issue with it: they don't really screen their applicants for characteristics that make people successful in the program but cast a pretty wide net in admitting a class. I think that contributes to the high rate of failure by the midway point in the program.
I was accepted 2 years ago to Drexel but decided to go with another program (one that was waaaay cheaper and one that took into account recommendation letters and essays). Was actually surprised how "easy" the application process was, only based on my transcripts. They did not care to even know anything else about me and I was accepted just like that. I am happy with my present school and graduating in 3 months. Glad to hear I dodged a bullet with ACE.
I was accepted 2 years ago to Drexel but decided to go with another program (one that was waaaay cheaper and one that took into account recommendation letters and essays). Was actually surprised how "easy" the application process was, only based on my transcripts. They did not care to even know anything else about me and I was accepted just like that. I am happy with my present school and graduating in 3 months. Glad to hear I dodged a bullet with ACE.
I don't get the "dodged a bullet" part. But, I lived in the Philadelphia area, so I wouldn't have chosen to go to a school in NY. The other local 'accelerated' options that I was interested in were Univ of Pennsylvania and Villanova. Villanova wanted a religion class as a prerequesite, and Penn wanted a physiology course. Not to mention stuff like personal letters and recommendations. I did send a personal statement (mostly to explain my not-so-great undergraduate grades). I liked the program at Drexel, although it was a little expensive. I am a pretty good test-taker. Many of the clinical and classroom professors were great. I'm sure every program has its ups and downs.
I have a question about the Hesi exam and what books you suggested using. I got accepted to Drexel's co-op program. I was reading some of your other posts regarding books to use to prepare for the hesi exam. Now, I saw Saunders comprehensive review and Hogans review and rationales. I noticed that Hogan has review& rationales for pharmacology, mental health, medical surgical, child health, and maternal and newborn. Do you recommend purchasing all of these books? which author is the best?
Basically, paying too much $$ for a nursing program that I could get elsewhere for less and get more out of it.
To be fair, since you didn't actually go through the program, you have no way of knowing what you'd have gotten out of it. Maybe you're right (you got more out of the program you picked than you'd have gotten out of Drexel, didn't pick a program you couldn't succeed at, got a better education for less, etc), but maybe you missed out
For those of you that are done are almost done with the ACE program how is it going so far? Does it get somewhat easier towards the end? Is the Hesi required after every quarter? I got accepted to the Spring 2013 term. Any advice is appreciated.
hiddencatRN, BSN, RN
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