Not Using Kaplan???

Successful NCLEX test-takers support the method that they used preparing for the NCLEX. This means that while many that use Kaplan are successful on the NCLEX it is more than likely that the majority of the 82-85% first-time test takers that pass the NCLEX have not used Kaplan. Kaplan is very expensive and not available to everyone in every location in the country. Not everyone has online access either.

The most important part of NCLEX preparation is having a sound knowledge base to draw upon when answering the NCLEX questions. NCLEX-style questions call for the test taker to use high level critical thinking to select the best of the available answers. Therefore it is the ability to think critically using your nursing knowledge that is the essential key to passing NCLEX, not taking the Kaplan course.

I suggest you try searching this forum for those successful candidates that have used Saunder's Comprehensive Review for the NCLEX-RN, with or without Suzanne 4's study plan. You will find that using a current high-quality NCLEX prep book (Saunders) and exposing yourself to the thousands of questions in both the book and on the CD (making sure you review the rationales for both correct and incorrect answers) will increase your nursing knowledge and sharpen your test-taking skills greatly.

Keep in mind that anxiety and self-doubt can undermind the best prepared NCLEX test-taker so use stress reducing techniques (deep breathing and positive affirmations) as often as necessary, starting today so they will work effectively during the exam.

One more point, many of those that have used the Hurst Review loudly sing it's praises in this forum. So don't worry about not taking Kaplan.

Best of luck to you on the NCLEX.

Am I completely screwed if I didn't use Kaplan? Seems like everyone is using Kaplan!!! I'm using Saunders Q&A and my Hurst Review material. But I look at everyone's posts and the majority use Kaplan and say it's better!! Taking my test on June 29th. Starting to get that little glimmer of a nervous knot in my stomach!

Well, that is basically the question I just asked too! I am glad someone else is thinking along those lines. However, I did do Kaplan. I really did not like it that much. I think the rationalles in Saunders are much better and I almost feel like the strategies mess me up. I think it is easy to see a strategy and talk yourself into the answer or justify your answer with one of the strategies. My diagnostic for Kaplan was relitively unchanged after the course's completion. I scored above borderline both times.

I know many people only use Saunders and I believe most pass. I am hoping to hear advice which recommends continuing to answer the Saunders questions as well as the words "if you do, you should be just fine".

I take my test on the 28th. Good luck to you on the 29th! Hopefully we will both be celebrating this weekend!

I don't think it is anything to worry about, Kaplan is jsut another study tool that happens to be used alot. I think the tips exclusive to Kaplan can be found in other study guides. I did use Kaplan and although I am not sure the strategy helped me that much what I have gotten from it is the availability of challenging questions and forced study time. As long as you have kept up your review and questions I am sure you'll do fine!

Thanks for the advice and the support! I've gone through all 5000 questions in the Saunders book and the have done the CD I've done relatively well I'm going to be taking the comprehensive tests and my Hurst review practice test either today or tuesday. I do need to learn to calm myself down that's one thing that hurts me on tests. Also, a lot of people say there's a lot of choose all that apply, I've done ok on those but sometimes I leave one out or add one that it's not relative anyone got any pointers for those questions?

Tiny1Nisolet, Good luck to you tomorrow!! I pray you do well!

I made up to 90 % in Kaplans preparation exams and failed twice ! When I took www.nclex-tutorial.com I got to know why and I passed. So glad that nightmare is over. If you have your test on June 29, why do you study now ? This is almost 7 month to go. Way too long. This is tiring and making you miserable. Start 3 month ahead of time and it will be ok. But I am not sure about Kaplan. Sometimes I think this site is owned by them because the majority here is frantically praising it. Good Luck !

I made up to 90 % in Kaplans preparation exams and failed twice ! When I took www.nclex-tutorial.com I got to know why and I passed. So glad that nightmare is over. If you have your test on June 29, why do you study now ? This is almost 7 month to go. Way too long. This is tiring and making you miserable. Start 3 month ahead of time and it will be ok. But I am not sure about Kaplan. Sometimes I think this site is owned by them because the majority here is frantically praising it. Good Luck !

You will see that this is over 18 months old

Seems the worst enemy of most peeps posting is ....their own anxiety!

Life has shown me persistence trumps anxiety. I saw this all thru nursing school. The young students that haven't been tested by life are wondering if they can hack it. They can! They worked hard in nursing school, they just need to put in a little more time studying for the NCLEX.

Believe in yourself. Believe in yourself. Believe in yourself.

...and failing the test is not the end of the world...