I'm not meeting the NCLEX reviewer standard scores. :(

[MaryFutureRN]

I'll be taking the exam in 2 months and I've been studying for the past 3 months. I'm diligent studying each day with my reviewer and answering at least 100 questions on most days of the week. I use Saunder's and another reviewer for the test questions. I'm not very hardcore on answering questions each day since I'm still reading and brushing up on some concepts in MS (and finishing MS subject too) before going full-blown in test questionnaires. I have answered about 3000 + questions until now since the last 3 months. I have also attended review classes for a month. Now, after getting a brush-up of all the concepts I'm weak about and answering the reviewer questions, I figured I am not meeting the standard level of achievement this reviewer has set on me. (For example: Out of 85 questions, I need about 64 correct in order to meet this standard level of achievement, but I manage to get lower like 60 or 58 ...)

Is it just me? I'm getting a bit worried though.

Also, my review plan consists of studying a chapter a day from the reviewer (the condensed modules) or two days for a loooong chapter and then answering about 50 questions everytime I finish a chapter. Also, there are days when I answer 100-200 questions just for straight 3-4 hours while studying the rationales and feedback on my wrong answers. Am I doing it right?

My exam will be on November by the way.

Thanks? And I hope I can get feedback and tips. Should I worry too much about lower scores?

[hopetopassnclex]

Don't worry about your scores. It will only increase your anxiety and you could get depressed, just focus on what you are doing and understanding the rationales behind every answer. You still have more than 2 months to study so your scores could get better. Many has has low scores and yet they passed.

Goodluck.

[Nurse SMS, MSN, RN]

Consider taking the Kaplan NCLEX prep course. There really is no way to learn enough material to hit every potential on the NCLEX. The key is in learning how to read these questions and determine which is the best correct answer for the scenario presented in it. Kaplan gives you techniques that teach you to narrow down the potential correct answers. It will benefit you not only on NCLEX but when you take certification exams later in your career.

As an aside, it is well proven that taking the NCLEX as soon as possible after graduation yields the best results. The longer you wait after graduation, the lower the score tends to be, regardless of studying. I would encourage you to take it sooner if at all possible.

Good luck!