Am I the norm?

I think it's probably normal, until you get the hang of how your instructor gives tests. It's hard to know if all the questions come from reading, videos (we have many we have to watch in the library on our own time), magazine articles (we have a few of these assigned) or whatever.

Now that you do know how the tests look, it will probably get easier for you. I do think you're lucky in your grading scale! Our passing grades are a B-; nothing lower in ANY class, or you don't pass and have to repeat. That includes the sciences and other pre-req's.

We have our first Fundamentals exam on Wednesday (the day after a FULL day of clinicals - thankyouverymuch) at 7:45 am. She did tell us it is 60 questions, all multiple choice, with no math this time. I dread the thought of getting less than an A. I've always, in every college course, never received less than an A on any test or paper, and will just kick myself if I do get less. I've spent all weekend studying, and we had a mini-review today. I hate that we have to have so many units crammed into ONE exam (1 unit is about 4-5 chapters, so it's 18 chapters in this exam). I'd much rather do one or two at a time.

you need to get used to answering the questions. answer all the questions at the ends of the chapters and go buy a book with NCLEX practice questions in it. That helped me a lot.

71% is considered passing? We need a 78 or higher at my school. Anything lower would put us into mandatory remediation. What is the nclex pass rate at your school?

Hang in there. I think the first test is always the hardest, but we can come out swinging! :) You'll do better on your next one, I'm sure!

Um actually I am running at a 78% if it makes you feel better. At my program we have a quiz every Thursday. So at the end of the semester things will average out. I am studying my but off but each quiz only has a 20 questions and sometimes it's a bit rough trying to study all the info everyday and still do my paperwork for clinical. I used to get A's and B's in my classes. So I was upset and kicking myself but now I am okay with my grade. I don't have to get straight A's to be a Nurse. Hopefully you'll do better...

I am not sure what the norm is....but in our school passing is 76% and above.