Kaplan vs Saunders vs NCSBN

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Specializes in ER, ICU.

Can anyone tell me the differences in Kaplan, Saunders, and NCSBN? I have researched them all and have some question. I have taken Kaplan with no success but I like how you did a pretest, then content test and then a final eval. test but it is very expensive and don't know if I can afford it again.

So I am wondering if Saunders and NCSBN have lecture content videos and then test after each category? Do they have a qbank where you can just take question? And do you get a full explanation or the rationals with all of the answers or do they just give the rational of the correct answer?

Which review is the BEST? I feel lost but I know I can do this!

Please help. I am anxious to start a review.

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I did the NCSBN online review a week after I graduated. I opted for the 3 wk version ($50). I did it fast so that I could get my school to release my paperwork to the state so I could get an ATT (finished it in 2 wks). It was a good review, especially for the money. The questions were similar to Kaplan, maybe not quite as tricky. There was a lot of content to read, which I admit I skimmed over so I could finish the questions quickly. I would recommend it if you have already done Kaplan. I would also do Saunders. Those are the three study resources I used and I just passed last week (first attempt). I used the Kaplan q-bank but did not do the course.

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Specializes in ER, ICU.

I am sorry to ask so many question but I just want to have a good understanding before I make a decision. So NCSBN is reading not video lectures? Was Saunders tricky like Kaplan? Did you think your nclex test was similar to Kaplan question or Saunders? (I mean in the way the question were written.)

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Most people just buy a review book and go through that on their own and are successful for the least amount of expense.

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Specializes in ER, ICU.

So I have purchased a Saunders review book and I feel like the question are really easy. I don't think the question are similar to nclex at all. I have done 200 question and only missed 24. Its seems like the answers are obvious. I am so confused on how to study.

I was talking with a former instructor of mine who told me that since Michigan requires me to do a review after failing 3 times I should start now. But I have no clue which one to invest in. I now know that I need to use multiple sources when studying and that I need some structure and direction to follow but I am still confused about the course I should use.

Kaplan is giving me a discount if I go with them which is a good deal but still more expensive than NCSBN and Saunders. I am just worried that if I go either or them the question will not perpare me and will be to easy. I really need some input from others as far as their experiences with these reviews. Please help!

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I didn't think the NCLEX was like Kaplan. I though the questions were much more straight forward, like Saunders. If the NCSBN review counts towards remediation to be able to sit for the boards again, I would give it a try. You already tried Kaplan, so why not do something else? Saunders really does help, it solidifies your knowlege base. NCSBN has outlined material to read for each content area, and then post tests to take. There are a lot of practice questions. There is also a 170 question pre-test when you begin it. For $50 you can't really lose.

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