What advice would you give to a new Student

ScudderRN31 · May 7, 2014

Set goals, stay focused and don't let negative comments discourage you

mya612, BSN, RN · May 7, 2014

Don't do The College Network, Rue, or Chancellors. They are expensive and not affiliated with the school. These companies are only publishers who make study guides to help you prepare for the exams. All of the materials you need are either free (Excelsior exam content guides can be downloaded from the website) or inexpensive (Lisa Arends and Study Group 101 study guides). I have used Study Group 101 for A&P, Micro, and Transitions without using the recommended textbooks and have gotten "B's" on all of those exams. Make sure you take the Excelsior practice tests, study the rationales, and review the areas where you scored the lowest. Good Luck!

MedicKibbles · Jun 1, 2014

@ Ahinman, Did you take your classes through Excelsior?

MedicKibbles · Jun 1, 2014

@ Mya612- You aren't kidding about the College Network! They were pushy, relentless (calling ALL hours of the day and night, sometimes 5+ times a day) and wouldn't take "No thank you" as an answer. I went through Excelsior directly this time.

ScudderRN31 · Jun 1, 2014

@ Ahinman, Did you take your classes through Excelsior?

Initially I signed up through Rue which is just as bad as college network but fortunately I was able to get out of the contract and have gone directly through excelsior

lv2learn · Jun 1, 2014

Hi there. I am a 2012 ADN graduate of Excelsior. If I can give you any advice at all, it is to do your absolute best. The grades you attain at Excelsior will follow you and determine your ability to be accepted into undergrate programs and, believe it or not, jobs! I followed the study guides very closely to prepare for the exams and was successful that way. I know it seems feasible to learn what you need to know for the exams, but remember that you are going to be using this information as a professional nurse and will be expected to recall upon it for NCLEX. So go the extra mile to actually retain the information for the activities that proceed your education at Excelsior. And don't busy yourself worrying about the CPNE! You will have time enough to be concerned with it when it's time to do so. Just be present and determined to do your best with the work you have before you. I just graduated from a BSN program at a university this month and will be starting grad school in the fall for Family Nurse Practitioner. I mentioned that to say that there is a lot waiting for you if you desire to pursue other goals. Excelsior is a good program, but, as with anything, you've got to be willing to do the work. It can be done, so just keep pushing on and believing in yourself. Best wishes! You can do this!

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