Kaplan Help

Published

I know everyone says not to focus on your kaplan scores. But my Qtrainer scores are in the 50's the highest is a 52%. My readiness test was a 60%, and my qbank scores overall is a 60%. I took the Kaplan Live version, and the instructor told us that our QTrainer 4&5 should be 65% and 6&7 should be 60%. I am just nervous because I am scheduled for the NCLEX RN sat, I am just worried that I am not prepared enough. Any suggestions? Should I look at a different method of reviewing, or keep doing what I am doing?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Have you been looking at the rationale of the questions you've missed and looking for a pattern of weak areas or question styles (ie SATA)? Also, according to my Kaplan instructor you should be focusing on how you did in the first 10 > the overall score. Also, as long as you're getting close to the 60s *and* understand where your weak points are you're good.

I was scared initially since I had similar scores on the Qbank but once I started reviewing the rationale and the content I was constantly screwing up on really helped. Just got a 66% on QT 5. :-)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I would retake one of the content tests 1,2, or 3 and see if my content scores were in the range that is suggested. If not, you need to go over content. If your content test score is in a definite viable range, I would take test 4 over again, and study weak areas only.

For me, Kaplan is not a content based site. It's great for the decision tree, and for good test questions. It's a great indicator of where you stand. It does not walk you through learning content.

So I would not leave Kaplan, I would find out where you are weak, and make a plan from that. Since you content test scores where originally in the 50's, I would retake a content test, and access to see if you can pass a content only test.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks, I will go over one of the content tests again. I have been reviewing the rationales. But I also feel that when I did not understand a content area, the rationale is not always the greatest.

Also I have not heard that about the first 10 questions. She had us doing 10 questions at a time out of the Qbank, which I do fine on, I score 70-80, it is when I do 30 questions in a row that I seem to score lower on the Qbanks. When you are referring to the first 10 questions, is it all from the same area of client need? Or can it be spread out?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

For the content test, it is all spread out. It is just an assessment to make sure you know basic content to the passing level. Post how you do. Those are tests 1,2,or 3 in kaplan. Just redo one of them.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I'm referring to the first 10 questions taken in a test (like one of the QT or 50 Qbank). They're one of the more important parts of the exam, from what I've been told, since it puts you either in the passing or not passing area right away. People are more likely to not pass if they don't get the first 10 questions mostly/all correct since they'll be super deep below the not passing line if that makes sense.

Also, my instructor stressed to take the first 10 questions at a slower pace. People apparently click away in the beginning which puts them into the problem above. :-)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks for the help.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I retook Qtrainer 3 and went from a 51% to a 70.7%. So I feel a little better about this :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Wow! Nice!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Test 3 is a content only exam. So you are good on your content. Now take one of the 6, or 7. But before you take the exam review over why you do well on 10 question tests and do bad on 30 question tests. From there you go and figure out a plan to handle. Then take exam 6 or 7, and see if that helps your score any. Also, you will use one of the tests to find out where your weak knowledge base is. Post if you need guidance.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Not sure what the 10 - 30 question issue may be. But without a more info consider the following if they apply:

1. Break your tests into 10 question blocks. Take a breather for a couple of minutes. Do a relaxation breathing technique or just a mind break. Then go back and try the next 10.

2. If it is anxiety, learn relaxation deep breathing techniques. How to stretch you neck, head, shoulders in your chair with moving your head from looking at the terminal.

3. Build up your stamina. You know you can do 10 questions on a block. Do more next time followed by a little relaxing break, and then continue doing your next set of questions.

Soon you will be doing 50 questions without thinking about it.

If you have trouble focusing on the test questions for such a long period of time, find tools to help you focus more. A friend of mine does great when she reads the questions out loud. I like to read slowly or scribble. What works for you?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Where do you get the kaplan readiness exam? Can I take that online without the whole kaplan course?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion