Passed in 75 questions ! Kaplan test scores 2016

[nursie_k]

Hi everyone ! from reading other discussion forums I was not the only one who felt discouraged doing Kaplan questions. So I graduated on May 23, 2016 and began the Kaplan course May 31st-June 3rd. I had originally planned not to use Kaplan because I thought it was over priced and I had already taken a review course prior to help assist with the ATI exit exam but they had a promotion to take off 110 dollars and it was a money back guaranteed so I decided to go along with it paying the 390. I am so happy I had taken a review course prior to Kaplan. ( I've taken Bola Review, which is similar to Hurst which is great as well). Kaplan is NO CONTENT at all ! its strictly learning how to answer Nclex style questions. My instructor would do a 30-second content review if needed but it was not her main focus. It was a 3-day review 9am -4pm leaving the last day to complete a trainer at home. After the 3 day review, I did not feel prepared at ALL but i guess it is all apart of the process. I liked the Kaplan decision tree but I did not think it applied to every question which made it difficult, but I do think Kaplan helped with the critical thinking aspect, it made me look at NCLEX style questions differently when it came to assessment or implementation first. After the Kaplan course ended I slowly began the study process of jumping right into the qbank doing a few questions here and there but were getting terrible scores and wanted to stop. The following week I started hardcore studying every day since I did not know when I was going to receive my ATT and wanted to be prepared when I got it... trying to be hopeful that I got it before the end of the month. In the beginning of my study process, I mainly focused on the qbank. I would select all content and do the tutor mode for the most part.I think this way it would save time by trying to answer the question honestly then being able to read the rationale quickly after. I would do 2 sets of 75 questions then 50 trying to aim for AT LEAST 200 a day, but if I was up to it I would do more.

My Kaplan scores were:

Diagnostic: 46

Trainer 1: 56

Trainer 2: 63

Trainer 3: 47

Trainer 4: 69

Trainer 5: 68

Trainer 6: 63

Trainer 7: 71

Sample Test 1: 32(IDK what happen here)

Sample Test 2: 50

Who Do You See First: 73

Alternative Questions: 30

Readiness: 68

Keep in mind I completed Trainers 4-7 after the Qbank was completed 100% I think I used to answering questions. It is a MUST to remediate on EVERY SINGLE QUESTION right or wrong. I know this is a process especially trainer 7 but it is worth it ! I would write rationals or concepts that I did not know in a notebook.

I wanted to complete Kaplan 100% in case I failed I wanted my money back ! After completing everything I turned to UWORLD and completed about half of their qbank. Uworld rationals are amazing ! and I think their SATA were most similar to NCLEX. Also, another great source is "Prioritization, Delegation, and Assignment " by La Chariy. This is a must ! its a lightweight book probably can take you about 2 days to complete. I would do these questions if i was not around a computer.. I did every question except the case studies in the back.

I know they say you are not supposed to study the day before your test date but I did lol. Nothing to crazy, I finished watching the Kaplan videos about the NCLEX and how they were scoring you and probably did 50 Uworld questions. I made sure I knew my labs, growth and development, fetal positions, prefix and suffix to common medications, where heart sounds were heard, and water chamber system.

The night before I felt like there was so much information I still did not know and was worried I was going to get tested on it for example EKG strips (The death of me ) I had some overall knowledge it but it was not my strongest. The truth is .. you never know what that computer is going to give you but you must be prepared. Preparing for the nclex right out nursing school is the best time to test, ...we just graduated! we know more than we think.

So that night I prayed about it and went to sleep around 10pm to wake up at 9am. My test was not until 2 pm. I made sure I ate a good breakfast and left 2 hours early. Make sure you TAKE YOUR BREAK and BRING SNACKS. I took my test in Bethesda, everyone was really nice and it was a stress-free environment. They give you 6 hours to complete the exam and prompt you for a break after the first 2 hours. It took me 2 and a half hours to complete 75 questions.

All in all, this study process took about 3 weeks. I think that anyone can pass if they are focused and block out all negativity around them and get it done! If you know you have truly studied your butt off there's nothing else you can expect have a positive attitude going in and trying to answer each question with the best of your ability like its your last question.

I hope I was able to encourage others to test ASAP and pass this nclex !