Not satisfied with Kaplan

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I am currently completing a Kaplan NCLEX review class. It was the only one offered at a discount at my school, so I took it. I'm not impressed so far. The decision tree has turned out to be a dud, as many questions can't be answered that way. And now I realize, maybe I should have taken a class with a little more content review. Are there other NCLEX prep companies out there that are better than Kaplan?

Specializes in Pediatrics.

don't believe Kaplan has ever marketed themselves as a content-review prep course. Almost every graduate I kept in touch with, who took kaplan, had wonderful things to say about it. And I do believe they expect that you will be reviewing content, in addition to learning their test-taking skills.

The real problem is, most students cannot self-asses their weaknesses. I can't even, with some of them. If your issue is content, then you need to bone up on it. I firmly believe most students' issues are not content related. It's decision-making. Students are awesome at regurgiating facts, but not as great with knowing what to do with them, and how to decifer what is most important. Another issue is, what is the question really asking you? Students often jump tp the answer they find familiar, because they are loosely associating words, symptoms and interventions together.

Stick with it. And dust your notes off. When you are answering questions, get out your notes, books, etc. If you can't answer them as an open-book test, then it's test taking. :twocents:

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Specializes in Med/Oncology, Emergency, Surgery.

I don't like the scare-tactics the Kaplan reps use when trying to get you to sign up for their course. I'm sticking with Saunders, and the Kaplan book our school made us buy, but I'm not paying for their guaranteed pass class.

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Our Kaplan course week was basically useless, but all the resources they provided online were super helpful. QBank, QTrainers, and content review really helped me.

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I too took Kaplan and I was not satisfied. I took my Nclex RN this morning and I am 99% positive that i failed. I had 265 questions and I can count on one hand the # of times the decision tree helped me. The readiness test indicated that I was prepared and should pass (88% chance of success). However, after this morning's incident I am extremely unsatisfied. I have a Saunders book I plan on using for the second date with this test...

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I did Kaplan the first time around, went all the way up to 265 questions.

The second time I did the yellow Saunders book, La Charity & NCSBN 3 week subscription. -----> more helpful to me, I passed.

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Thanks for the advice. There are some areas that I am strong in content-wise, but in all of them, including the weak areas, it's decision questions that get me. I've learnt my lesson. NCLEX reviews are incomplete if there isn't some content review mixed in. I have decided to sign up for the NCSBN review, and use Kaplan as a supplement, as they have the Qbank.

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Thanks for the advice. There are some areas that I am strong in content-wise but in all of them, including the weak areas, it's decision questions that get me. I've learnt my lesson. NCLEX reviews are incomplete if there isn't some content review mixed in. I have decided to sign up for the NCSBN review, and use Kaplan as a supplement, as they have the Qbank.[/quote']

That's why I did Sauders, for the comprehensive review :) The NCSBN review is awesome as well, although my main reason for signing up with them is the qbank-- really similar to the NCLEX questions. I'm so thankful I did NCSBN! I didn't use Kaplan at all the second time around because I didn't want to confuse and overwhelm myself.

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I reviewed with Kaplan. Took my NCLEX yesterday and found out I officially passed today. I only had 75? and finished in about a hour. The only thing I found Kaplan helpful for where the questions. The Q bank format is basically how the NCLEX is formatted. I can honestly say I never used the decision tree. My own thought process was more useful and it got me through nursing school. Just my two cents

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Specializes in Critical Care, Emergency Medicine, Flight.
Our Kaplan course week was basically useless, but all the resources they provided online were super helpful. QBank, QTrainers, and content review really helped me.

this is what im using right now.... i know that im weak in some areas but the repetition is key.

& when u look at the analysis and it says u are weak in xyz area. believe it and bone up on it!

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Specializes in Med-Surg/urology.
Our Kaplan course week was basically useless, but all the resources they provided online were super helpful. QBank, QTrainers, and content review really helped me.

Yes I liked the QTrainer as well. I used it along with my other study materials. When I got to the NCLEX I felt that Kaplan's questions were the closest to the real thing.

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Specializes in Hospice Care, Med/Surg.

I love ATI Review and Sylvia Raffield. I was confident and passed boards with no problems...

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I am currently completing a Kaplan NCLEX review class. It was the only one offered at a discount at my school so I took it. I'm not impressed so far. The decision tree has turned out to be a dud, as many questions can't be answered that way. And now I realize, maybe I should have taken a class with a little more content review. Are there other NCLEX prep companies out there that are better than Kaplan?[/quote']

I took Kaplan ((on demand at home)) and I passed NCLEX w/ 75 questions first time around. I believe Kaplan really helped!! I say give it a good try and you will do well!!

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