Did you know that about 21% of first-time U.S. NCLEX test-takers fail the exam? That’s no small number! If you’ve been on the fence about what test prep to use, it’s a reminder that passing isn’t guaranteed, and good prep can be the difference between passing and redoing the whole thing.
You’ve probably come across Kaplan NCLEX reviews in your search for the right study resource. But what’s the real deal? Is it worth the investment, or just another overpriced, overhyped prep course?
Let’s break it down so you can decide if Kaplan is the one to get you across the NCLEX finish line.
Why Kaplan? A Quick Overview of What They Offer
Kaplan’s been around forever, and they’re one of the biggest names in NCLEX prep. But being big doesn’t always mean they’re the best, right?
Here’s what they’ve got on the menu:
Sounds solid, but we all know that marketing can sometimes talk a big game. So let’s go deeper into what people say in their Kaplan NCLEX reviews—what works, and what might make you want to think twice.
Kaplan NCLEX Reviews: What Do Students Really Think?
Scrolling through Kaplan NCLEX reviews online is like going on an emotional rollercoaster. You’ll find glowing testimonials, and then right next to them, frustrated rants. But when you boil it all down, a few key points come up again and again.
The Good: High-Quality Content and Detailed Explanations
Kaplan gets tons of praise for its content quality and thorough question explanations. Most students rave about how Kaplan’s questions mirror the real NCLEX format, making them feel more prepared when they step into the exam room.
One reviewer nailed it by saying, “Kaplan’s questions were so similar to the NCLEX that I walked in feeling like I’d seen it all before.”
The Not-So-Great: Is It Too Much?
But here’s the thing: not everyone is singing Kaplan’s praises. A lot of reviews mention that the sheer volume of material can be overwhelming. If you’re someone who gets stressed by having too much information thrown at you, Kaplan might feel like a firehose.
The Decision Tree Method: Helpful or Just Another Gimmick?
Kaplan’s famous for their "Decision Tree" method. It’s designed to help students break down difficult NCLEX questions, step by step. But does it actually help? Opinions are mixed.
How It Works
If you’re not familiar with it, the Decision Tree is supposed to help you logically figure out the right answer by eliminating wrong choices, especially for those nightmare "select all that apply" questions. The idea is to help you think through questions systematically so you’re not just guessing under pressure.
What Students Say: Mixed Reactions
Some students love it and say the Decision Tree was a game-changer. One Kaplan NCLEX review gushed, “The Decision Tree saved me so many times during the test!” But others? Not so much.
Some reviews suggest it’s not as magical as it’s made out to be, and it can feel overly complicated. “Great in theory, but not always practical when you’re in a time crunch,” one reviewer noted.
How Kaplan Stacks Up to Competitors
There are plenty of NCLEX prep courses out there, and Kaplan’s main competition is typically UWorld and Hurst Review. So how does Kaplan hold up when you compare them side by side?
Kaplan vs. UWorld
UWorld is known for its massive question bank. They’ve become kind of the go-to for students who just want to practice questions without much content review.
If you’re someone who learns by doing, UWorld might be more up your alley. But if you want a deeper review before diving into practice, Kaplan could be the better option.
Kaplan vs. Hurst Review
Hurst Review has its own reputation, but they’re more about simplifying content. They might not give you as many practice questions, but they do a great job of breaking down complex topics in a more digestible way.
What You Should Know Before You Buy Kaplan NCLEX Prep
Okay, so you’ve read a million Kaplan NCLEX reviews by now. But before you hit that “buy” button, here are a few things you need to know from people who’ve been through it.
It’s a Serious Time Investment
Kaplan is no joke when it comes to time commitment. You’ll need to dedicate hours each day if you want to get through everything they offer.
Some students found themselves studying for 3-4 hours a day just to stay on top of the material. So, if you’re looking for something light or quick, Kaplan might not be your best bet.
Customer Support Could Be Better
One thing that pops up often in Kaplan NCLEX reviews is that their customer support leaves something to be desired. If you have tech issues or questions, don’t expect lightning-fast responses. A few students mentioned waiting days for help when they ran into problems accessing their course.
It’s Pricey
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: Kaplan isn’t cheap. Depending on which package you choose, you could be dropping anywhere from $300 to $500. Some students say it’s totally worth it, while others feel like it’s overpriced for what you get. Your call.
Is Kaplan NCLEX Prep Right for You?
So, is Kaplan NCLEX prep your golden ticket to passing the exam? That depends on your learning style and how much time you’ve got.
Kaplan is great for people who want a comprehensive review of the content and need structure to keep them on track. But if you’re short on time or prefer a more straightforward, practice-focused prep, Kaplan might not be the perfect fit.
Kaplan Might Be For You If:
Kaplan Might Not Be For You If:
Conclusion: Kaplan NCLEX Reviews—A Valuable Resource or Just Another Test Prep Giant?
After sifting through a bunch of Kaplan NCLEX reviews, it’s clear Kaplan’s prep course isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Kaplan offers a detailed, content-rich program that’s great for students who want a full-on review of NCLEX material. Their practice questions are some of the best out there, especially when it comes to mimicking the real exam.
But, and there’s always a "but," Kaplan’s not for everyone. If you’re looking for something simpler or more question-heavy (without all the content review), you might want to check out UWorld or Hurst. Kaplan’s price can be a turnoff, too, especially if you’re not 100% sure you’ll use all their resources.
At the end of the day, the right NCLEX prep depends on how you study best. Kaplan’s a solid option if you like deep dives into content and plenty of practice. Whatever route you go, just know this: with the right prep, you’ve got this!