Hey-sorry in advance for the novel I'm about to write you!
I graduated on Dec 15, and did not start studying until Jan 7th. I started off initially using ONLY Uworld, I had mixed feelings and results. I loved how the questions challenged my current knowledge base, made me critically thing, but also taught me about new content. However, my scores were ALL over the place... When I say this I mean, my scores ranged from 20%-80%. I felt so discouraged at times, and then would feel super great the next time. I found a lot of comfort in people telling me "the percentages don't matter, what matters is studying the rationales and understanding why/how you answered a question incorrect". I think this is vital in making it through Uworld and having success with same. Right now my average overall is 61% correct (if I was in nursing school this would have crushed me, but it is actually not bad for Uworld). I have almost been using Uworld for a month now, and here are a few things I did along the way that helped improve my scores and confidece:
-I started off doing like 5-10 questions at a time, and worked my way up to doing more than this in a sitting. I would do a small test, take a small break, then do another test. I would do this for about 3-4 hours. This really helped me not get overwhelmed with 75Q's right off the bat. Also remember- yes you are preparing to write the physical exam (getting used to writing at least 75Q's), but you're also studying for the same exam. You have taken numerous exams in nursing school with 100+ questions on them, so you know you can do that part. Take the time to go through smaller quizzes and really study the material. Take breaks- even in the NCLEX you can take breaks PRN, so its realistic to get into this habit while studying (obviously within reason).
-the Mark K audios are incredible! I feel like my Uworld scores improved tremendously after listening to them. He breaks things down, simplifies complex subjects and teaches you ways to remember what you really need to know. I am not even kidding when I say I wish I would have discovered them during nursing school! There are 12 of them, and they range from1-2hrs each. My original plan was to do only Uworld, but when I discovered the audios and gave them a try I knew I needed to incorporate them into my studying
Three of my peers have recently (this last week) written and passed theirs, and they all said that NCLEX is simpler than Uworld, and that Uworld can be very specific and nitty-gritty with details and all of the science behind everything. The NCLEX is not like that, its not trying to trick you-it just wants (and expects) you to know what an entry level nurse should know (which is the very basics). I have heard from numerous sources (friends, online forums, youtube etc) know your labs, know your precautions, and basic meds for each category (cardio, psych, OB etc), but not to overkill studying meds.
I have about 350Q's left on Uworld, my plan is to finish them, go over the flashcards and study notes I've made and then do my self-assessment within days of that. I am scheduled to write the NCLEX-RN on Feb 5th at 0800!
Again, sorry for the lonnnnnng post! Hope it helped!
