Kaplan NCLEX Prep (2025): Strategy Over Content?

The Verdict: The Strategist’s Choice

Kaplan is for the student who knows the content but fails the test. If you find yourself narrowing it down to two answers and always picking the wrong one, Kaplan’s strategy training is the fix. They don’t just teach you nursing; they teach you how to beat the exam.

The “Decision Tree” Method

The core of Kaplan’s curriculum is the Decision Tree. This is a proprietary framework for critical thinking that helps you prioritize nursing interventions. It teaches you to systematically approach every question:

1. Can you identify the topic?
2. Are the answers assessments or implementations?
3. Does Maslow’s Hierarchy apply?
4. Is it Airway, Breathing, or Circulation (ABC)?

For students who get overwhelmed by the “fluff” in question scenarios, this structured approach can be a lifesaver. It forces you to slow down and think logically rather than emotionally.

The QBank and CATs

Kaplan boasts a massive question bank with over 3,800 questions.

• Quantity: It’s one of the largest banks on the market.
• Style: Kaplan questions are known for being “vague” and “dry,” which actually mimics the style of the real NCLEX quite well.
• CATs: You get 3 full-length Computer Adaptive Tests. These simulate the pressure of the real exam, shutting off when you have passed or failed.

Live Online vs. Self-Paced

Kaplan is one of the few providers that still invests heavily in Live Online instruction.

• The NCLEX Channel: This is like “TV for Nursing.” You can tune in to live episodes on specific topics (e.g., “Pharmacology: Cardiac Meds”) or watch archived sessions.
• Structure: If you lack the discipline to study on your own, the scheduled classes provide necessary accountability.

Where it Falls Short

The main criticism of Kaplan is the rationales. Compared to UWorld’s rich, illustrated explanations, Kaplan’s rationales can feel brief. They often focus on why the strategy works (e.g., “Answer B is correct because it addresses the acute physiological need”) rather than explaining the underlying pathophysiology in depth.

Final Thoughts

Kaplan is a premium product with a premium price tag (starting around $349). It is best suited for:

1. Repeat Test Takers: If you’ve failed before, you probably know the content but lack the strategy. Kaplan fixes that.
2. Anxious Testers: The Decision Tree gives you a safety blanket to hold onto during the exam.

If you are looking for pure content review, Hurst might be better. If you want the best explanations, go UWorld. But if you want to learn how to think like the test makers, go Kaplan.