Do I really need a $500 Kaplan class?

mom2michael, MSN, RN, NP · Feb 3, 2007

NCSBN offers a review class, depending on the time frame you want, that is pretty reasonable. I didn't do it - but I heard great reviews.

http://www.learningtext.com

I had someone give me an old Kaplan book but they are available for $35 and it was a great review and helped me learn how to answer the questions I just simply didn't know by using strategies.

Other than that - I used Saunders, Lippencott books, etc....

I did have my hospital pay for a Hurst review, which was hands down awesome - but lots of people in my class didn't go to that and they've passed w/o a problem......

Just practice, practice and practice some more......

I passed with 75 questions

Sheri257 · Feb 3, 2007

Personally, I think Kaplan does live up to the hype. I've been through a bunch of NCLEX guides and, IMO, their stuff is the best. Yeah ... it's very expensive but, from what I'm seeing and learning, it's definitely worth it.

I hate to say this but, I just don't feel that my program prepared me for this test like Kaplan does. Quite frankly, I wished I just ignored all of the other NCLEX guides and started with Kaplan from the beginning.

From what I heard, if you take their class you can also get discounts on their other stuff like the Q bank and online videos. But I don't know if this is true with all of their classes so you need to check.

:typing

Wen83 · Feb 3, 2007

I took Kaplan and thought it was completely worth it. I also had Saunder's 3rd edition, however, I felt that Kaplan was much more helpful. I know it's different for others, but that's what worked for me. Also, a Kaplan rep came to our class and we got $50 off for signing up that same day. $450... still ridiculous but I can't complain since I passed

Jules A, MSN · Feb 3, 2007

I would think that if you know your testing style isn't strong then review classes would be important. If you test good I don't know that I would want to spend the money. I only studied Saunders and did fine first time out.

gregorthorn · Feb 4, 2007

Hey there, I'm new here but want to say that I just found out that I passed the NCLEX. I highly recommend Kaplan. I did the on-line review and it was great. I did not want to do the in-class option. I contacted the Kaplan rep and asked about discounts for my school. I was given the choice of the in-class or the on-line reviews for $349. You have to ask for any available discounts. Some hospitals that may be future employers will often pay that fee for you when you are hired. You have to ask for that as well. Good Luck.

KellNY, RN · Feb 4, 2007

I didn't take any classes, do any formal study programs, or even join a study group and I passed the 1st time after 75 questions.

I think it depends on the person.

patsyNJ2006 · Feb 9, 2007

I did the learningext.com site through NCSBN, and questions from Davis and from Saunders. I gave myself 3-4 weeks to prepare, and tried to do 100-200 questions a day. The learningext site is inexpensive, and I bought the books used from other classmates preceding me.

Good luck in whatever you do!

caliotter3 · Feb 9, 2007

Like KellNY said it depends on the individual. Only you know how "ready" you are now and how you study best. For what it is worth, every person I have ever discussed this with, who has taken the Kaplan course, has sworn by it.

kemerick · Feb 9, 2007

You probably don't need it and as long as you study a lot, you will more than likely pass. But, if you already paid for the class or have money set aside for it, I would do it! What happens IF you don't pass? Then you will be so mad that you didn't take the class. But, if you didn't invest in it yet, then don't...it was meant to be that way! Use your own judgement. You will ONLY know. We all have our different opionions on this, so I don't want to say "do what we say" (I have failed 5x's). Good Luck and make sure you keep us posted on what you do and HOW YOU DO!

kirsnikity · Feb 9, 2007

I bought the Kaplan strategy guide (about $25 I think at Borders). Anyway, I used this book to gauge my preparation, and then I figured if I needed more review from Kaplan I would buy the program. The strategy book has two practice NCLEX tests that can give you an idea on where you stand (I think they say if you're scoring in the high 60s then you're ready to test). So maybe try this first, and then decide if you want to dish out $500 for the whole enchilada.

I agree that Kaplan has the best questions and strategies though. It helped me more than any other source in taking my nclex, and again I only used the strategy book. Good luck!

youknowho · Feb 10, 2007

I really thought it helped. Going to the classes is not needed since you can get a package where they go over the questions at home. I also used Saunders but thought the questions were too easy. I used Saunders more for content review and Kaplan for critical thinking.