As far as nuke school goes, if you've made it there the odds are good you have what it takes to make it through. However, that does NOT mean it is easy to do. Nuke school is one of the mentally hardest in the military (not just the Navy, the MILITARY). A-school is like trying to drink from a garden hose with the sprayer attached and on full blast pointed at you, while power school is where that fire hose comes in. Prototype is a lot more hands on work, but it is just as hard as the other schools.
A-school will be one course at a time all focused on your rate (EM, ET, MM), and is similar to the non-nuke A Schools with some extra stuff thrown in related to nuclear power. Power school you will be taking 3 courses at a time and, aside from your in-rate, will deal exclusively with how nuclear power works. Your in-rate will have both nuclear power specific things AND general rate knowledge. You can expect a test every week in A School, and 2 a week in power school.
The key to success is working hard and really studying. Studying is where most nukes have trouble cause most of us could show up to high school classes, not pay attention, not do homework and get A's and B's. Not so in nuke school! Get good study habits, find what works for you and really study!!! Most nukes end up buying small white boards and just doing problems over and over on them until they know what to do, others use flash cards, others study by reading.
As far as academics go, for every hour of class time, you will have 30 minutes of homework in that subject (that's A school and power school standard). If thats not enough practice, you can practice with quizzes and extra homework problems in your books, go to the instructor offices during night duty instructor hours or afternoon duty instructor hours to get extra help with something or do "run time" (practice problems on the boards in the office, the NDI or ADI will guide you as needed), get instructor help during study halls, or whatever else you need. All the instructors have been through the pipeline and will help you with whatever you need; they've been in your shoes. Remember, if you need help or want to do better, help is available!!!
As for suicides, yes, nuke school has them. A lot of them (as far as averages go, way too many). Remember the chaplains are available, and if that doesn't work you can go to medical and they will get you the mental health help you need. I know a few guys who went in A School and Power School and they are still working their way through the program same as if they didn't. Your SLPO is also available for guidance.
Remember, nuke school is stressful and hard work, so when you have some down time, take the time to relax too, it'll work wonders and rejuvenate you for the next day's work. (I said relax, not get obliterated drunk all the time, thats a common mistake also). Be ready to work, you will be in the school house by 7am (a lot are in before 5:30am to study) and you will generally be there until around 8pm (with breaks for lunch and dinner, but still). Its not easy but you can do it if you put your nose to the grind stone.
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