Is Kaplan Overrated?

Nursing Students NCLEX

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Specializes in ICU.

Hello guys! I don't want to bring controversy on this forum nor I want to promote one product over another.

Based on my personal experience, I tentatively may lean towards saying that Kaplan is overrated. Yes you heard me. Kaplan is not all that!

Let me explain myself. Every posting I read on this forum here is full of praises on a specific product that helped people passing the boards. The most mentioned products are Kaplan, Saunders, NCSBN and other study guides. Some people passed NCLEX the first time, others had to do it more than one time.

I studied for NCLEX using mostly Saunders and the NCSBN online review course, and I also used other books and the RN NCLEX 3500 software. I had the option to enroll in a Kaplan course, but I decided to consider other options. Not only it was cost effective, but I knew that NCLEX, as intimidating that it can be, it is just a test. I was confident that the key was to develop a winning strategy, have a plan, and execute it.

In my NCLEX preparation, I mostly focused on improving my critical thinking skills. I don't care which material you are going to use for NCLEX preparation, but if you can not think critically, you are doomed to fail.

Is Kaplan overrated? The answer will vary depending of who you are asking. But, before you spend hundred of dollars, make sure that you weigh all the options that are available to you. NCLEX is about critical thinking. There are so many books on the market that may help you slaying the beast. I do believe that Saunders is one the best out there. Lippincott also has some very good books.

Do as many questions, as you can. Know your weak areas. Review the rationales of missed questions. Make sure also that you breathe! The most important of all strategies is to be confident! If you ask me, as much as I respect Kaplan products, I can surely say that Kaplan is just a study guide like others. I didn't use Kaplan course, and I passed with 75 questions on my first try!

Don't label me as anti-kaplanite. I am just giving an opinion. We all agree that NCLEX test can be very challenging. But in my opinion, a good use of critical thinking skills will be very valuable and helpful to prepare for NCLEX.

So long!

Good luck to all of you who are testing soon and happy studying!

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Specializes in Pediatric/Adolescent, Med-Surg.

The only reason I've been locked into Kaplan is because we had a free Kaplan review class through school, plus a discount on the Qbank. If I had to pay full price I don't know if I would have been so eager to do Kaplan. However, I just got the Saunders Q&A book to work through so we'll see how it compares.

Jack, I do think that the people that post saying "I failed, it's Kaplans/Saunders, etc fault" need to realize that it's highly unlikely that it was because of that particular program. Some methods just don't work for everyone, and I think it's good we have so many options.

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

Personally, for me, I think all of the review courses would have been overrated. I passed my LPN and RN just fine with independent study added to the years of being groomed to pass NCLEX while I was in nursing school. Many of my classmates were urged by our school to take the review but imo it was expensive, time consuming and again for me, unnecessary. I said I would take a review class after I failed, lol, fortunately it didn't come to that.

Good luck everyone.

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Specializes in ICU.

Thanks Christine and Jules for your insights. Saunders or Kaplan, each program has its advantages or pitfalls according to who you are asking. My opinion is that people should not think that Kaplan is the golden key to pass the boards. Yes it may help, but it is not the only alternative to be successful with NCLEX. Saunders, Lippincott and other study guides can measure inches to inches or better to Nclex. Reason why I firmly believe that Kaplan products may be overrated...

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.
Thanks Christine and Jules for your insights. Saunders or Kaplan, each program has its advantages or pitfalls according to who you are asking. My opinion is that people should not think that Kaplan is the golden key to pass the boards. Yes it may help, but it is not the only alternative to be successful with NCLEX. Saunders, Lippincott and other study guides can measure inches to inches or better to Nclex. Reason why I firmly believe that Kaplan products may be overrated...

I might have misunderstood you because I was referring to the Kaplan review course for like $500/30 hours of time. I don't really consider Saunders a "program" just a study book that I used to pass.

In any event I think there is too much drama surrounding the whole NCLEX thing anyway. Unless someone had a hard time throughout school and/or doesn't test well there shouldn't be much to worry about, imo. If I hear one more A student from my class whining about how they got 75 questions and surely failed I'm going to hurl. It starts to sound like they are just looking for attention. Not one that I know has failed with the minimum yet.

:rolleyes:

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I personally think it really depends on the person. I for one did it and did not pass my first NCLEX. It turns out it was because Kaplan seems to be not as content oriented. It does prepare you for question style and answering techniques. I seriously recommend that anybody that does this course also does Saunders on the side. Don't forget a medication book too.

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Specializes in ICU.
I personally think it really depends on the person. I for one did it and did not pass my first NCLEX. It turns out it was because Kaplan seems to be not as content oriented. It does prepare you for question style and answering techniques. I seriously recommend that anybody that does this course also does Saunders on the side. Don't forget a medication book too.

I agree with you Shiner. Saunders should be the primary book to use for NCLEX. Many people passed the NCLEX just using the Saunders book. However, at the end it all comes to your willingness to make some sacrifices and go the extra mile to conquer the NLCEX. Mastering critical thinking skills will be more valuable than any study guide on the market.

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Specializes in Pediatric/Adolescent, Med-Surg.
I might have misunderstood you because I was referring to the Kaplan review course for like $500/30 hours of time. I don't really consider Saunders a "program" just a study book that I used to pass.

With Kaplan you are paying for 3 months of access to on-line access to videos, sample tests, and questions. Not just 30 hrs worth. :)

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

I think what we have to respect is everyone is different in how they study and what works. We can give opinions on what worked for us or didn't but at the end of the day it is your decision to buy what is suited to yourself and help you pass the exam. I think we can agree though that the general thought is Kaplan and/or Saunders are the main ones people are using and passing the exam with

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Specializes in Medical, Surgical.

some people in my class were weak with answering questions and they praise kaplan for helping breaking them down and learning strategies. i dont know if it is overrated or not but people seem to lean to what they see others pass with. i think kaplan has a great reputation with the questions they ask not the content. i got kaplan complete free of charge also but i used mosby for content and nclex-4000. so i didnt use saunders but passed with 75 questions. but i swear i saw two questions on my nclex from that qbank. sooooo i guess it depends on the person and how they learn. also some people in my class chose the ati prep course and passed also. so far in our class kaplan prep users has a 100% pass rate and ati has 100% pass rate. in my opinion its all in how you were prepared in school and the knowledge base you have already have to determine how you will do on nclex. if you put the time in to study and answer questions everyday the hard work will pay off. its not the kaplan and ati that helps you pass its you that helps you pass! good luck you all can do it!!!!!

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.
With Kaplan you are paying for 3 months of access to on-line access to videos, sample tests, and questions. Not just 30 hrs worth. :)

Yes and if it had been included free through my school like some are I might have done it although after finally graduating the thought of sitting in a classroom for anything made me suicidal, lol . I decided just to do independent study but like they say whatever works. :)

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Specializes in ICU.
some people in my class were weak with answering questions and they praise kaplan for helping breaking them down and learning strategies. i dont know if it is overrated or not but people seem to lean to what they see others pass with. i think kaplan has a great reputation with the questions they ask not the content. i got kaplan complete free of charge also but i used mosby for content and nclex-4000. so i didnt use saunders but passed with 75 questions. but i swear i saw two questions on my nclex from that qbank. sooooo i guess it depends on the person and how they learn. also some people in my class chose the ati prep course and passed also. so far in our class kaplan prep users has a 100% pass rate and ati has 100% pass rate. in my opinion its all in how you were prepared in school and the knowledge base you have already have to determine how you will do on nclex. if you put the time in to study and answer questions everyday the hard work will pay off. its not the kaplan and ati that helps you pass its you that helps you pass! good luck you all can do it!!!!!

Nicole! You know that I'll agree with you any given sunday... LOL Well said and you do have a point. You used Kaplan; I used Saunders and we both passed with 75 questions... As you said It all depend on how much work you are willing to put in your studies and how you were prepared in your nursing school. We used ATI in my school. So far we have a 100% passing rate on NCLEX. I am not against Kaplan, but in my case I can say that I mostly credit Saunders helping me passing my boards.

PS: How is your Sunday Nicole? Still raining in NC? Torching heat here in Chicago...

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