Differences between Uworld and Kaplan?

[chris21sn, BSN, RN]

Hello can someone tell me the pros and cons for Uworld and Kaplan? What can you tell me about their question banks and which one do you personally think gave you more bang for your buck?

Thanks

[bfninjuh]

Hi, I used both programs so I can speak a little about each. I will caution that (and you probably know this, but) everybody studies/learns differently so my particulars might no apply to you. Nevertheless, I found Kaplan to be question technique-heavy. The class was helpful, but this was also geared around questions. That being said, if your (content) foundation is lacking, knowing how to answer questions won't matter, if you don't have a solid knowledge base. I completed the entire q-bank and scored at/above the recommended scores and was still not successful on the NCLEX. I believe I was able to score well, because I adapted to their question style. The second time, I used U-world and I feel that this was better preparation for me. The program is laid out so you can easily choose topics that you want to focus on. You can also change the modes: timed/untimed in either tutor or non-tutor mode. The look greatly resembles the NCLEX, so when I sat for boards the second time, I felt at-ease. Additionally, the available question types resemble those on the NCLEX. Not only are there SATA, but diagrams, calculations, etc., as well, which are similar to those on the NCLEX. Questions are also difficult on both Kaplan and U-World, which is recommended. Lastly, the price of U-world is much more digestable than Kaplan. I am biased because I passed using U-World, in addition to Saunders, Hurst, PGA by Lacharity, and Alternate Format by Lippincott. Final thoughts? If you feel comfortable with your core data, and need help with techniques for answering questions, use Kaplan. If you need a question bank and want a program that mimics boards closely, go with U-World. If you don't feel comfortable, brush up on your those skills first.

There is usually a free trial available. Check out their FB page, https://www.facebook.com/uworldnclex/

Again this is particular to my case and is not a blanket statement for everyone. Many have used Kaplan and passed, just not me. Let me know if you have any questions.

Mike

[chris21sn, BSN, RN]

Hi, I used both programs so I can speak a little about each. I will caution that (and you probably know this, but) everybody studies/learns differently so my particulars might no apply to you. Nevertheless, I found Kaplan to be question technique-heavy. The class was helpful, but this was also geared around questions. That being said, if your (content) foundation is lacking, knowing how to answer questions won't matter, if you don't have a solid knowledge base. I completed the entire q-bank and scored at/above the recommended scores and was still not successful on the NCLEX. I believe I was able to score well, because I adapted to their question style. The second time, I used U-world and I feel that this was better preparation for me. The program is laid out so you can easily choose topics that you want to focus on. You can also change the modes: timed/untimed in either tutor or non-tutor mode. The look greatly resembles the NCLEX, so when I sat for boards the second time, I felt at-ease. Additionally, the available question types resemble those on the NCLEX. Not only are there SATA, but diagrams, calculations, etc., as well, which are similar to those on the NCLEX. Questions are also difficult on both Kaplan and U-World, which is recommended. Lastly, the price of U-world is much more digestable than Kaplan. I am biased because I passed using U-World, in addition to Saunders, Hurst, PGA by Lacharity, and Alternate Format by Lippincott. Final thoughts? If you feel comfortable with your core data, and need help with techniques for answering questions, use Kaplan. If you need a question bank and want a program that mimics boards closely, go with U-World. If you don't feel comfortable, brush up on your those skills first.

There is usually a free trial available. Check out their FB page, https://www.facebook.com/uworldnclex/

Again this is particular to my case and is not a blanket statement for everyone. Many have used Kaplan and passed, just not me. Let me know if you have any questions.

Mike

Thank you so much Mike for your thorough description for both Uworld and Kaplan. It is deeply appreciated, and I definitely feel I now have a thorough understanding about both of them.

I'm probably going to try the free trial as you mentioned as I do feel like my knowledge could use more sprucing up! :)

Thank you

[bfninjuh]

You are very welcome, chris21sn. Good luck! You got this!

[_zoubisoubisou_]

I agree, that everyone studies differently so you have to go with what works for you. I also used both programs. I used Kaplan all throughout nursing school. I feel that Kaplan really helped me learn how to answer questions. However, for content, it was lacking. I posted here before about my NCLEX story. The first time I used Kaplan/Hurst and failed. Second time I used UWORLD and passed easily.

I am a huge supporter of UWORLD. The rationales were detailed in ways that I could find interesting, which helped me retain it. I found Kaplan to be under stimulating and flat out boring. Plus UWORLD is much cheaper than Kaplan.