Passed second time with 75 questions

I graduated back in May with honors. I waited a little while to register to take the NCLEX...I probably should have taken it right away. I studied mostly by doing questions on PrepU, about 100 a day. I scheduled my first attempt in August, and I ended up failing in 265 questions. I knew that I failed before I left the facility. I felt bad for quite a while, and I really beat myself up about it.

To study for the second time, I bought the PDA book and activated it on evolve so I could do all of the questions electronically. I also bought the 3 week course from NCSBN. I did questions for about 6 weeks, and I scheduled the test again for right after the end of the 3 week course, which was yesterday. I did about between 50-150 questions a day, and went through all of the rationales. I felt much more focused this time. I felt like the questions from PrepU really weren't application level and did little to prepare me for the NCLEX. Even so, I didn't feel like any of the questions from PDA or NCSBN exactly resembled the questions I saw on NCLEX. I don't think anything can fully prepare you for the difficulty level of those questions.

I got to the test yesterday, this time I scheduled it earlier in the day, so I wouldn't have to wait. I got there a little early and got checked in. I sat down and started, and it took about about 70 min and 75 questions and the test shut off. I really didn't feel confident that I passed. Waiting the two days for quick results seemed like it would be an eternity, but thankfully my BON posted my license the very next morning. What a relief! It feels good to finally be licensed. Next step is finding a job now. Good luck to all of you who are studying now and especially to those that have had to take it more than once. I know it's discouraging, but you can do it!