by EwokRN

Hi. I just graduated from the 2nd degree BSN program in Dec 2008 here locally. I took the HESI exit exam from my school for the 3rd time, and I passed with an 871. I just finished taking the online course for Kaplan's NCLEX-RN, and I took the readiness test, and got a 70% yesterday. Now, I know from the previous Kaplan course that I took in person that that is in the passing range (yayy..), but now... Well, now I actually took the sample CAT exam from the Exam Cram 2006 edition, and I failed with 20 questions my first time.

Should I be concerned? I know I got the 70% from the readiness test without remembering the questions from the previous time that I took the Kaplan course back in July 2008. I don't know. But then again, I remember failing other tests before, and still passing.

Right now, my main studying mode is taking Kaplan questions, and using Saunders to review and using Hogan Reviews & Rationale questions to answer my problem areas. Maybe I'm making myself nervous all over again inserting this Exam Cram at the last minute? I just wanted to see what a CAT looked like, but then again, the freakin' CD stopped at 20 questions!!! When I took Silvesti Review CAT, it stopped at 75 questions, and I passed!

Am I freaking out, because if I am please slap me...sorry just had to vent! Please someone give me a reality check! *LOL*

Re: Kaplan tests vs. Exam Cram CAT question

BTW, I'm planning to take the NCLEX-RN 27 Jan 2009.

Re: Kaplan tests vs. Exam Cram CAT question

Hello:

l got 52% on my diagonstic test . readiness test 62%. according to Kaplan l failed both because l need to score above 65%. l used the Exam cram and passed everytime l used it. l also used saunders. well l passed at 75 questions. l am sure you will pass. l wonder why you are failing exam cram if you are scoring such high grades on other exams.




take care and good luck

Re: Kaplan tests vs. Exam Cram CAT question

You know, it's funny. I just did another Exam Cram test. I failed it again, but I scored 72%. I also did Hogan's Prentice Hall Reviews/Rationales CD based on the April 2007 NCLEX plan, and I also scored 72-76% on average. When I was doing that I actually passed HESI, which they say is a good predictor of NCLEX success.

Thanks for the vote of confidence. I actually saw a Kaplan instructor today at a job fair. She told me that it wouldn't be a good idea to insert any new books, and to just focus on what I'm doing now (e.g., Kaplan ques, Saunders, Hogan and Lipp bks).

You think by this age I would know how to relax! *LOL* Thanks again!

Re: Kaplan tests vs. Exam Cram CAT question

Yes, just stick with your current plan and don't get too upset over diagnostic tests. By your scores, sounds like you are about ready. Good luck.

Re: Kaplan tests vs. Exam Cram CAT question

Thanks again. I'm actually going to try to do Q Trainer 7 hopefully for the next 2-3 days, then just looking over questions before the NCLEX. I'm not planning to do any serious studying before the exam on Tuesday!

Wish me luck!