When it comes to the question of whether Kaplan is harder than NCLEX, there seems to be no definitive answer. A quick search reveals a lack of consensus among students. Some claim that Kaplan poses greater challenges than NCLEX, while others argue that NCLEX is actually easier in comparison.
However, it is important to bear in mind that both Kaplan and NCLEX are demanding examinations that necessitate thorough preparation. With its comprehensive coverage and wider range of topics, Kaplan is generally regarded as more extensive than NCLEX. This breadth also translates into more difficult questions. On the flip side, many students who have utilized Kaplan study materials have achieved high pass rates on the actual NCLEX exam.
Ultimately, determining the difficulty level of each exam could be contingent upon the individual strengths and weaknesses of students. It stands to reason that some may excel in areas covered by one exam but struggle with topics emphasized in the other.
To best prepare for these challenging exams, it is highly recommended that students make use of both Kaplan and NCLEX study resources. By leveraging a variety of materials and approaches, candidates can maximize their understanding of the subject matter and ensure they are well-equipped to tackle any question that comes their way.
Moreover, rather than simply memorizing answers, it is vital for students to delve deeper and comprehend the underlying rationales behind each question. This approach will not only enhance their problem-solving skills but also equip them with a broader knowledge base that can be invaluable when facing complex scenarios during actual patient care in their future careers.
As we navigate through November 2023, aspiring nurses must recognize the importance of a multi-faceted study plan that incorporates both Kaplan and NCLEX materials. By doing so, they can confidently face these exams head-on and set themselves up for success in their professional endeavors.
What factors contribute to the perception that Kaplan is harder than NCLEX?

Unraveling the Perception: Factors Influencing the Belief that Kaplan is Tougher Than NCLEX
November, 2023
Becoming a nurse requires extensive studying and preparation for exams such as the NCLEX. Throughout this process, nursing students often encounter the belief that Kaplan is harder than NCLEX. However, what specifically contributes to this perception? Let’s delve deeper into this topic and explore the factors behind it.
Question Format: Unleashing Complexity
One factor that contributes to the perception of Kaplan being more difficult than NCLEX lies in the complexity of the questions themselves. Reports from nursing students have highlighted that Kaplan questions tend to be more complex compared to those on the actual NCLEX exam. These questions emphasize critical thinking skills and require students to apply their knowledge in diverse scenarios. This heightened complexity undoubtedly adds a layer of difficulty to test-takers’ preparation process.
Content: The Depth Dilemma
Another contributing factor to Kaplan’s perceived difficulty is its comprehensive coverage of content. In contrast to NCLEX, which focuses on fundamental nursing concepts, Kaplan delves deeper into various subjects. This means that nursing students need a more profound understanding and mastery of nursing principles in order to successfully tackle these challenging questions. The broader scope covered by Kaplan demands additional effort during preparation.
Stress: A Burden Beyond Measure
Stress plays a significant role in shaping the belief that Kaplan is tougher than NCLEX. High-stakes exams like these can generate immense pressure among nursing students as they realize their future careers may depend on their performance. This mental strain amplifies difficulties and makes even familiar concepts appear more daunting. Consequently, individuals facing heightened stress may perceive both exams as equally challenging, further reinforcing the belief that Kaplan is tougher.
Question Difficulty: A Personal Perspective
While some nursing students indeed find Kaplan questions more difficult than NCLEX, it is important to recognize that perception is subjective. Students’ prior experiences and individual levels of preparation greatly influence their understanding and interpretation of question difficulty. What may seem arduous for one student could be seen as manageable by another. Therefore, it is crucial to consider the varying perspectives when evaluating the difficulty level of Kaplan in comparison to NCLEX.
Question Quantity: An Abundance of Challenges
Moreover, Kaplan’s extensive offering of practice questions also contributes to its reputation as a tougher exam. With a larger number of practice questions available through their NCLEX Qbank, nursing students face a formidable challenge in adequately preparing. While quantity does not necessarily indicate quality, having more opportunities to practice can overwhelm students, leading them to associate Kaplan with heightened difficulty during exam preparation.
In Summary
The prevailing belief that Kaplan is harder than NCLEX can be attributed to various factors including question format, content coverage, stress levels, question difficulty, and question quantity. However, it is important to note that this perception varies among students depending on their personal experiences and preparedness. Novice nurses must approach these exams with resilience and a determined mindset while recognizing that hard work and targeted preparation are key to success in either exam.
How does the comprehensive nature of Kaplan’s content affect its difficulty level compared to NCLEX?
What factors contribute to the perception that Kaplan is more difficult than the NCLEX exam?
There are several reasons why some people may perceive Kaplan to be more challenging than the NCLEX exam. Firstly, Kaplan’s content is very comprehensive and covers a wide range of topics related to nursing. While this is beneficial in terms of building a strong foundation of nursing knowledge, it can also make it harder for students to absorb and understand all the information effectively.
Another contributing factor is that Kaplan provides a large bank of practice questions that closely resemble the difficulty level and structure of the actual NCLEX exam. These questions are designed to test students’ knowledge and problem-solving skills, simulating real-world scenarios that they may encounter in their nursing careers. This level of complexity can be daunting for some students and contribute to the perception that Kaplan is more difficult than the actual exam.
One aspect that some students have highlighted is the need for more emphasis on test-taking strategies and tips specifically tailored to the format of the NCLEX exam. While Kaplan’s content review is valuable, there is a demand for additional guidance on how to approach the exam format, which primarily consists of multiple-choice questions written at an application/analysis level of difficulty. The inclusion of alternate format questions also requires critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which can further increase the perceived difficulty.
Additionally, varying learning preferences and needs among students can also influence their perception of difficulty when using Kaplan’s resources. People have different ways of processing and retaining information, and what works for one student may not work as well for another. Some learners may find Kaplan’s teaching style to be effective, while others might prefer different approaches or techniques. The extensive content and features offered by Kaplan’s platform can also overwhelm certain individuals, making them feel as though it is harder than the NCLEX exam.
To sum up, several factors contribute to the perception that Kaplan is more difficult than the NCLEX exam. The comprehensive nature of Kaplan’s content allows for a thorough understanding of nursing concepts but can also make it harder to digest all the information effectively. While Kaplan’s practice questions and simulations help prepare students, they can also be challenging due to their complexity. The need for more test-taking strategies specific to the NCLEX exam, as well as varying learning preferences among students, add to the perception of difficulty.
Why might some students find NCLEX to be easier than Kaplan despite its high pass rate when using Kaplan materials for preparation?

Why might some students find the NCLEX to be easier than Kaplan despite its high pass rate when using Kaplan materials for preparation?
Preparing for the NCLEX is a vital step for aspiring nurses in their journey towards becoming licensed professionals. Many students choose to utilize review courses such as Kaplan to prepare for the exam because of its reputable track record of success. However, it may be surprising to learn that some students actually find the NCLEX easier than Kaplan, even though they used Kaplan materials for their preparation. So, what could be the reason behind this paradox?
According to a post on All Nurses, an online community dedicated to nursing professionals, some students have expressed their belief that the questions in the NCLEX are relatively simpler compared to those found in Kaplan’s study materials. However, before jumping to conclusions, it is crucial to understand the nature and design of the NCLEX.
The NCLEX is an adaptive test, which means that each question’s difficulty level adjusts based on previous answers. This adaptive approach ensures that each test-taker faces a unique examination tailored according to their individual knowledge level and abilities. The primary goal of this method is to evaluate critical thinking skills and assess the candidate’s ability to make safe decisions as a future nurse.
On the other hand, review courses like Kaplan aim to challenge students with thought-provoking questions that require in-depth analysis and a comprehensive understanding of nursing concepts. These questions not only assess knowledge but also help develop critical thinking skills and enhance problem-solving abilities.
So why do some students consider the NCLEX easier despite relying on Kaplan materials? One possible explanation could be attributed to personal learning styles or preferences. Each student has their own unique way of studying and comprehending information. Some individuals may resonate better with the style and nature of questions presented in the actual exam compared to those found in review course materials like Kaplan.
Furthermore, practical experiences gained through exposure to real-life scenarios and diverse patient situations during clinical rotations can significantly contribute to a student’s preparation for the NCLEX. While Kaplan provides valuable study materials, it may not fully replicate these actual experiences and scenarios encountered by nursing students.
To succeed in the NCLEX, students need to have a well-structured study plan. This plan should encompass not only content review but also effective test-taking strategies and ample practice with realistic test-like questions. By incorporating multiple resources and adopting a comprehensive approach to exam preparation, students can develop the critical thinking skills necessary to excel in the NCLEX.
In conclusion, even though some students may find the NCLEX easier than Kaplan despite using Kaplan materials for their preparation, it is important to recognize the adaptive nature of the exam and its focus on critical thinking and safety. Personal learning styles and exposure to real-life patient scenarios can influence individuals’ perception of difficulty levels in exams. Ultimately, by combining different resources and implementing a comprehensive study plan, aspiring nurses can confidently face the NCLEX with an optimal chance of success.
Final Thoughts on ‘is kaplan harder than nclex’
