Low KAPLAN scores, passed NCLEX on 1st try

thyrn · Nov 3, 2016

Hey everyone, so I decided so share my NCLEX experience on this site because when I was feeling down and frustrated while I was preparing for the exam, I would go on this site to comfort myself from reading the experiences of others.

To start I only used the SAUNDERS NCLEX-RN book, KAPLAN prep course and NLCEX RN Mastery App for my review resources.

The Saunders book helped me a lot for my content review, I read all topics on this book for one month and answered the tests at every chapter. I am an international graduate and got my BSN degree last year so there is a gap. I had to study from the beginning again.

The NCLEX Mastery app was good for on the go review but I never used it that much. The rationales were good for content review.

KAPLAN was a big factor on my preparation and really helped me a lot. Though I wasn't able to watch all of the videos probably only 1/3 of it. I made it my goal to finish answering all question items and qbank a day before my test.

Here are my scores:

Diagnostic test: 49%

Question trainer 49%

Question trainer 45 %

Question trainer 53%

Question trainer 57%

Question trainer 67%

Question trainer 58%

NCLEX Practice test 1 56%

NCLEX Practice test 2 50%

Prioritization 87%

Alternative format 26%

Readiness test 67%

qbank average 54%

I really worked my way while reviewing for the test. I even got as low as 30% on the qbank, whenever I get low scores I just think to myself to keep practicing and to read the rationales especially on the wrong items. Just always be positive and believe in yourself. Set a goal for yourself every day and try your best to stick to it.

I prepared for 11 weeks and dedicated 4 weeks to solely answering qbank/question trainers.

I passed the test in 160 items. State that I'm from CA does not participate in the quick results so I learned my results through the CA breeze account 48 hours after.

I'm a devout Catholic so prayers also gave me hope. I always prayed before and after each review session and especially on test day.

BREATHE on the day of the test and take your time answering.

Study hard and PRAY. As they say 'You can never be prepared'.

Thank you for taking the time to read.