Kaplan Vs Hurst

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I wanted to share my experience in preparing for NCLEX. I referred to this sight many times trying to figure it all out. As much as many of the posts helped me, not many of them were current threads.

My dilemma was trying to decide if I wanted to purchase an NCLEX prep, and if so, which one. I had heard good things about Kaplan and while researching different posts about them I read about Hurst as well. I then couldn't decide which program I wanted to purchase because I felt that I personally could benefit from both. I had read that Kaplan was based on strategy and Hurst was more about core content review. I was concerned that I really did need a review of core content based off of the program that I went through. I was intrigued with Kaplan after a Kaplan Rep came to our campus. I decided to do both. With both programs I chose the online option, work at your own pace.

I first completed Hurst, and I loved it. The speakers were great to listen to. The down fall for me with Hurst was the limited amount of practice questions; 6 practice test, 125 questions each. Hurst did touch on some strategy techniques as well.

I started on Kaplan and was initially really disappointed. I found it not to be as user friendly as Hurst in the beginning. I also did not feel the main speaker was very pleasant to listen to, unlike the many different speakers that Hurst had in their videos. Although I did not have a change of heart about listening to "Barbara" for hours on end, I did feel I was getting so much out of the program. I was learning strategies, but I was also getting a fabulous content review from their videos! I completed all the videos, diagnostic exam, question trainers 1-7, 100% of the question bank, and the readiness exam. I was concerned that my scores were not where I wanted them to be and referred to internet blogs many times for reassurance. I wanted to post my scores so that other may also have a "current" reference.

Diagnostic- 64%

QT-1 61%

QT-2 57%

QT-3 49%

QT-4 63%

QT-5 63%

QT-6 65%

QT-7 67%

Q-bank- 61% 100% of questions complete

Readiness- 73%

For the most part, I used no other study materials. I had the Suander's review but I didn't really have time to do more than reference it here and there for a quick clarification of something. I tested yesterday morning, completing my exam in 75 questions. I came straight home and did the PVT on the computer and received the "good" pop up. Today, I can see on KSBN that I have been issued a license number. No official results yet, but I feel good about it!! It is such a relief to be moving forward. I hope this post helps many of you on the same journey. The last, but most important thing I want to mention is that I truly believe that I would not be in this fabulous place without my faith that God was taking this journey with me. I found a post on here that a girl mentioned the Prayer of St. Joseph Cupertino. I google this prayer and saved it on my phone, praying it everyday!

Good luck to all of you!