Did any of you NOT take a NCLEX prep course??

I graduate in three weeks and have not signed up for a prep course. I have explored various sources of information as to whether I should or not, and I am not convinced it will be worth my time or money.

I would like to hear from people who did not take a prep course and are now RNs, whether or not they'd recommend the same route to another graduating nurse or whether they would have done things differently if they had to do it over again.

FWIW...I have made very high grades in all the nursing courses and have always tested at level 1 in ATI, and I also do well in clinical.

Thanks for any input.
I did not take a course, passed on my first try but if I had to do over again, would have taken the Kaplan review course. You can't be too prepared for this and if you take the course you will be guaranteed to pass. Good luck to you!

No I did not take one. I just got a practice test book and did some of that. Honestly, I did not study much, passed in 75 questions. I really believe the test is more about knowing how to take it than real knowledge of anything. Shame, really. Sounds like you will be fine.

I would not have, if I didn't have to. My school required two review courses before they would send our authorization to the state. I am sure they helped, but I studied so much on my own that I do not think I needed it. If nothing else, a review may provide some confidence because waiting to take the NCLEX can be extremely nerve-wracking. Good luck.

It all depends on you, but I'm a recent Canadian educated RN, and we have the same deal. I didn't take a prep course, and neither did any of my friends. We all passed on the first attempt. I feel those prep courses are a waste of time and money. If you study well in advance, and use the guides, you should be fine. Also, what many people forget is that you already need to have a strong knowledge base well before studying for, or writing the exam. If you do, you should be fine GL

I can proudly said that I did not pay $500 for a Kaplan NCLEX course, I walk in and walk out and passed. Just study hard! I know people pay for the course and still fail. It's all up to your study habit and critical thinking skill

Quote from joanna73It all depends on you, but I'm a recent Canadian educated RN, and we have the same deal. I didn't take a prep course, and neither did any of my friends. We all passed on the first attempt. I feel those prep courses are a waste of time and money. If you study well in advance, and use the guides, you should be fine. Also, what many people forget is that you already need to have a strong knowledge base well before studying for, or writing the exam. If you do, you should be fine GL

Quote from Zookeeper44I graduate in three weeks and have not signed up for a prep course. I have explored various sources of information as to whether I should or not, and I am not convinced it will be worth my time or money. I would like to hear from people who did not take a prep course and are now RNs, whether or not they'd recommend the same route to another graduating nurse or whether they would have done things differently if they had to do it over again.FWIW...I have made very high grades in all the nursing courses and have always tested at level 1 in ATI, and I also do well in clinical. Thanks for any input.

Didn't take a prep course and passed with 75 questions first time. I didn't think the exam was difficult. Took the test 16 yrs ago though.

No prep course here! Self studied with Saunders comprehensive and Kaplan strategy books. Passed first time, 75 questions. Good luck

Another one here that didn't take a prep course Studied for a week with only Kaplan, and passed first attempt in 75 questions.I was also a Canadian trained nurse, so I second the opinion that it is knowing "how" to take it more than being an expert on specific facts.I wrote a year ago

Quote from freebirdRN86No prep course here! Self studied with Saunders comprehensive and Kaplan strategy books. Passed first time, 75 questions. Good luck

Did not take a review course, did not study. Passed the first time with 75 questions in 15 minutes. Of course walked out of there swearing that I failed and sobbing uncontrollably, but i think everyone does that. As the OP said, it depends on you. do you study for your tests? do you find reviewing is helpful?