Comments about Kaplan

Nursing Students NCLEX

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Hi all,

I wanted to comment on the Kaplan. I withdrew from the Kaplan course after the first day because I knew the format wasn't right for me. The students sit there for hours looking at question after question, discussing the nuts and bolts of each and strategies for answering correctly. Knowing that my attention span wasn't capable of doing that for two weeks, I withdrew and got my money back.

I have two friends who continued in the course, and they both failed the exam. One of my friends re-took it last Tuesday, and she's waiting for results (we're in CA). She's worried that she failed again, and I told her, "If you did fail again, I think you have to study the way I did." My way was following Suzanne's plan. Everyone I knew who took the Kaplan (including those who passed) said that they did NOT find it helpful for the exam.

If you think about it, Kaplan only offers the money-back guarantee because they know that the majority of people pass the NCLEX after the first try, so they're not losing much by offering the refund. Therefore, why not save your money and study on your own?

Another thing I want to mention is the importance of not studying too much. I was the only one in my group doing Suzanne's plan, and there were moments where I was worried because my friends were all studying for 5-6 hours a day, and here I was only studying for 1.5 to 2 hours (doing Suzanne's plan). But I stuck with it, doing my 100 questions a day. I had 265 questions on the NCLEX (and I always had a feeling I would get the maximum even though all my friends were getting 75-80). I felt horrible after the test, and like I wasted my time with Suzanne's plan. But a few days later, there was my name on the BRN web site. So I truly believe in following her plan!

Another point I want to make is not to wait too long to take the test. Our professors always told us there were studies showing that the longer you wait, the lower your chances for passing the exam.

Anyway, I hope my comments help somebody out there. Good luck to all of you!!!

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Hello,

I took the Kaplan course, too. And yes, I failed the first time. I was very upset and didn't know what to do next. I took the test in March. I have not rescheduled yet because I want to do Suzanne's plan. I've read about so many people passing on her plan. I started it about a week ago. How long does the first tip take? I don't know how to quote yet, but you, NTPinky, said not to wait too long to take the exam, right? So when would you suggest I schedule to sit? I just want to make sure I do Suzanne's plan. Lord know's I don't want to take it a third time, that's why I want to study right this time. Please give me any advise you have.

God Bless you!

CK

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Do not even consider scheduling the exam until you are almost thru with the main part of the program and you feel comfortable with the material. You haven't even gotten to that point yet.

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Hi CK,

As for timing, I gave myself at least 6 weeks, per Suzanne's suggestion. I think I actually spent 8 weeks doing her plan. I can't remember all the tips for her plan, so if you haven't sent her a private message to get her plan, definitely do that now! Best of luck to you! ;)

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Specializes in Gynecology/Oncology.

I also have a friend that went through the Kaplan course and failed. I wouldn't recommend it.

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Specializes in Neonatal ICU (Cardiothoracic).

My class had a Kaplan teacher for 3 days at the end of our program, and everyone except 2-3 passed with 75 questions, and everyone passing the NCLEX on the first try. Personally I think it depends on your learning style, but I found the Kaplan style to work for me. It not only went over material I had gotten rusty on, but taught me how to pick apart the questions, so even when I wasn't sure of the right answer(s), i could still figure it out. Just my two cents worth. (actually $400 worth)

Stevern21

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