by LittleWing21

So, my friends thought I was nuts when I was one of very few NOT to sign up for the Kaplan review course (so expensive).

Now that my "quiz" is less than two days away...I'm starting to agree!!! All this time I've been hoping that my performance and studies throughout Nsg school would be enough to pass (luckily I'm a good test taker and was able to get all A's). And the more I hear about how much prep other people have done, the worse I feel!

I have done about 600 Saunder practice Q&A on the computer (wanna simulate the real deal!). That's it....no reading strategy books, just trial and error. I feel like there's too much stuff to be learning everything now!

AM I DOOMED????????

Has anyone else passed with a similar story?

(I understand if people have no time to deal with my SITUATIONAL LOW SELF-ESTEEM since they're good doobies studying for the NCLEX!!)

Re: Any hope for us non-Kaplanites?!?!

I think you will find many pass without using Kaplan. I passed without using it and a few have posted recently on using just Suzanne's plan which only uses Saunders. It all depends on what you can afford, what your study style is and that you practice questions and understand the rationale to the ones you get wrong.

Re: Any hope for us non-Kaplanites?!?!

I am a non-Kaplanite myself and I am testing in about 10 days. Confidence? Top of the roof... Saunders book is another good alternative to kaplan and many people passed the NCLEX without using Kaplan.

I agree that Kaplan is good with their Qbank questions and they are good teaching strategies. I only bought the Kaplan book ($35.00) for strategies and I've been using the RN 3500 Nclex review software, Saunders 3rd ed book, the NCSBN online course review and few other books.

Don't feel like you are doomed to fail the test. As long you know your weak areas and do as many questions as you can and make sure that you review the rationales of missed questions, you should be fine!

Keep you head up and best wishes!

Re: Any hope for us non-Kaplanites?!?!

I passed last month and didn't take Kaplan. Honestly I really didn't review too much at all. I did *some* questions, maybe 200 or so over the weekend before I tested. I used the Saunders review book for the questions I did.

Re: Any hope for us non-Kaplanites?!?!

I couldn't afford to pay for a Kaplan course so I just read the book (which I borrowed from a friend) and studied the Saunders book. I test on Saturday so we will see how it goes.

Re: Any hope for us non-Kaplanites?!?!

Just took it...75 questions that weren't as bad as I thought. I feel like the Q&A's from Saunders helped ALOT...but time shall tell. I had mostly prioritizating ?'s (almost every question had the word "first"!). Anyone know if thats a good or bad sign? 2 calc., few meds, tons of SATA. I'm feeling pretty good, I hope my instincts are right!

Re: Any hope for us non-Kaplanites?!?!

Originally Posted by LittleWing21

Just took it...75 questions that weren't as bad as I thought. I feel like the Q&A's from Saunders helped ALOT...but time shall tell. I had mostly prioritizating ?'s (almost every question had the word "first"!). Anyone know if thats a good or bad sign? 2 calc., few meds, tons of SATA. I'm feeling pretty good, I hope my instincts are right!

Best wishes! It sounds like you did great. Keep us posted!

Re: Any hope for us non-Kaplanites?!?!

You need to be doing alot more questions, many more; before testing if you want to have the best chance of passing.

And it is not doing them, but understanding what answer is wanted for the exam.

Best of luck to you.

The Q and A questions are nothing like what you are going to be getting on the exam.

Re: Any hope for us non-Kaplanites?!?!

I did not do Kaplan. I bought one book, Exam Cram NCLEX and read the review chapters and took the chapter review quizzes and one full practice test at the end. I passed.

BUT - I think the testing strategies is the MOST IMPORTANT part to learn!

Re: Any hope for us non-Kaplanites?!?!

I know a few that took the nclex right after school and passed. Some other of my classmates took the course and were actually disappointed in kaplan. I think it's good as far as teaching some strategies, but was also disappointed in its overall "review". I also tested good on their test, and failed the nclex. I think you can get just as much out of some of the cheaper books, as you can the expensive.

Just an FYI for some of you who already work in a hospital. Check your policies. Some hospitals will offer Kaplan reimbursement if you pass. I know mine does, and some others do too. If expense is an issue, but you really want to do kaplan, they may help.