passed nclex with low kaplan scores

4 Posts

I just wanted to write and to let everyone know about my experience regarding nclex. After I was done for the day studying, I would go on allnurses like a crazy person and search. I wanted to look at other people who decided to go with kaplan. I would look at their scores, look at their tips, and encouragement and it would calm my nerves a bit. So I told myself, pass or fail, I was going to give back and tell everyone my scores and let everyone know how I studied to maybe calm someone else who searches endlessly at night through this site, like I did.

I took the in person course the beginning of March, and then once that was over, I had bought the saunders book and read that until I received my ATT. I told myself once I got my ATT, I would then start the Kaplan Qbanks and practice tests. ( looking back now, I wish I would have started the Qbanks right away - they are amazing) So I got my ATT right before Easter, and immediately scheduled it for April 21st. Monday after Easter I drew up a calendar of what I was going to do each day leading up to the test day. I told myself that I was going to give myself a "free" day the day before, as so many of you said it is helpful.

I would do a day of just Qbanks and then read the rationales. The next day take a question trainer and read the rationales. The next day read the 35 page study guide thats floating around and some Qbanks. Then I would repeat the cycle.

So here are my Kaplan scores:

QT1: 55

QT2: 52

QT3: 50

QT4: 49

QT5: 54

QT6: 57

QT7: 57

sample test 1: 54

Sample test 2: 58

alternate format:36

who do you see first: 80

RN practice test: 60

average Qbank (I had about 200 questions left):59

As you can see, I didn't come close to the 65% that kaplan wanted for QT 1-5, and didn't hit that 60% for QT 6 and 7. I read each rationale, right or wrong (and that alone was grueling! Sometimes taking longer than actually doing the test!) When my test date came up, I went into it thinking, I cannot study anymore, I am exhausted and need to just go for it. I didn't want to postpone my test date because I thought I would never fully feel completely ready.

When I sat down, yes, it was hard, but it was calming to know the test looked just like kaplan. When the computer shut off at 75 I thought, "I totally failed". I got no delegation questions and less then 10 priority questions.

But I was wrong. I passed. I hope my scores help someone else. I know looking through posts on here really calmed my nerves and helped me out. Good luck!