Larends or Study group 101?

**Elektra6, ASN, BSN, RN** · Apr 5, 2009

I have used both and I think they are worth the money. They are both good sources for study material and they both have lots of practice questions which I like to do. Basically, I like them because they are easy to tote around. I take them to work with me and study while my patients are sleeping. I like that they are concise and easy to use for review. I wouldn't use these as my only sources but I have bought them for most of my exams.

RNandRRT · Apr 6, 2009

I agree with Elektra6. I would read the assigned chapters in the textbooks while at home, and then use Larends and the content guide as reinforcers while at work. Easier to lug around then all the texts. I only used sg101 for NC 3 because there was so much material. The rest I used the texts and Larends.

Baloney Amputation, BSN, LPN, RN · Apr 6, 2009

I couldn't get past the grammar and spelling with the material by Lisa Arends. I spent more time trying to make out what her notes were saying, like where imaginary punctuation should live in those notes to make sentences or phrases to make sense, rather than learning the content. (That's my thing--it may or may not be your thing.) With that said, it appears that she did her homework and has very thorough notes--when they are decipherable. They are notes, though, and not dissertations. I wound up going the old-fashioned way with textbooks and EC practice tests with the occasional review book thrown in the mix for areas I knew well. I never used SG101.

Raggedy Ann · Apr 6, 2009

I loved SG101. Never tried L Arends, but I have heard both good and bad about her notes. SG101 was affordable, and most of the study info. in a nut shell...Although I tend to over study, so I had texts as well. LOL! And don't forget the EC practice exams. They are awesome! Good luck! Traci

Hooked on ER · Apr 7, 2009

I loved them both. Those two study guides are all I used, no books. Personally, I like Lisa Arends the best. These and the EC practice tests are worth every penny.

caliotter3 · Apr 9, 2009

I minimally used the SG101 notes. I feel I would have done better on the exams if I would have studied them more. I avoided the LArends notes because of negative comments I had read. I signed up for the EC practice tests, but after EC took my money, the tests were never delivered. I need to look into that, but have my doubts about the outcome.

gemini79 · Apr 9, 2009

I also used saunders nclex- rn review. You could study by sections.It worked good with lis and study 101 I used both and they helped me alot

RNandRRT · Apr 9, 2009

I minimally used the SG101 notes. I feel I would have done better on the exams if I would have studied them more. I avoided the LArends notes because of negative comments I had read. I signed up for the EC practice tests, but after EC took my money, the tests were never delivered. I need to look into that, but have my doubts about the outcome.

I'm not sure I understand. They don't deliver them, you take them online in your MYEC blackboard. As soon as you hit submit for CC payment, they are available to take online.

Editorial Team / Moderator · Apr 9, 2009

I signed up for the EC practice tests, but after EC took my money, the tests were never delivered. I need to look into that, but have my doubts about the outcome.

Did you not realize they were taken online, not in hard copy?

caliotter3 · Apr 9, 2009

I'm not sure I understand. They don't deliver them, you take them online in your MYEC blackboard. As soon as you hit submit for CC payment, they are available to take online.

What I am saying is that the test area on MyEC stated that I was not registered for any practice tests. I took advantage of the free offer awhile back and they would not register me without my credit card info. They were supposed to be free, I didn't get to take the tests, and EC got my money.

Baloney Amputation, BSN, LPN, RN · Apr 10, 2009

What I am saying is that the test area on MyEC stated that I was not registered for any practice tests. I took advantage of the free offer awhile back and they would not register me without my credit card info. They were supposed to be free, I didn't get to take the tests, and EC got my money.

Oh man...make some noise, though. I'm hopeful they'll make it right for you.