Decided to post this in the nursing students sub in case I could help someone who is just starting or in the middle of their nursing school journey.

I took my NCLEX today, while I was down with a really bad cold and so congested. I already pushed the date back one time and the system wouldn't let me reschedule again, because it was less than 24 hours until my exam time. The testing site let me wear a mask (so I wouldn't give my disease to someone else) and bring tissues.

I knew I was going to be fine even if I was not feeling my best. Why? Because the NCLEX tests for basic competency, not whether you know the most niche disease processes or medication. I felt very confident in my knowledge and critical thinking skills.

I barely studied the month leading up to my NCLEX because during my 15 months in ABSN program, I had been accumulating knowledge all along. Here are my biggest tips:

1. Collect bits and pieces of knowledge, store them somewhere and have a system for reviewing them. I do not have a good memory. I have to reminded of the same term over and over again to remember them. I noticed that I learn best through doing practice questions, and every time I encountered a new concept, I *collect* it somewhere rather than trusting that I would remember it the next time I encounter it. I use an app called "Anki," which systemizes this knowledge building and uses spaced repetition to help me remember.

2. Have a planner and create a realistic plan for studying while in nursing school. This is how I never had to cram for exams in school and now for the NCLEX. I probably studied for on average 1-2 hours a day but I make it a meaningful one.

3. Skip the textbook! Choose whatever style of learning that suits you. I think it is SO important to keep the curiosity and nerdiness in me. Once I lose interest, then it's over for me. I loved watching shows like The Pitt. I made little care plans for the patients in the show and tried to connect real life observations with what I learned in school. Do you see a weird dark spot on someone's neck and wonder what that could be? Look it up.

4. Stay nerdy! Okay this is sort of the same as step 3. Take pride in being a nerd and always ask why... there is a reason for everything!

5. Spend as little time on stupid things that schools ask us to do as possible. Our school gave us a lot of "busy work" and I tried to do those on the spot (during clinical or during breaks). It doesn't have to be perfect and sometimes I just have to fulfill requirements. Focus your time on the truly important!

I am spiraling! I took my NCLEX this morning. It shut off after the 86th question, not 85... 86. There weren't any "easy" questions. They all seemed difficult and foreign to me! I had 4 case studies and it seemed like a majority of my test was mental health!

3.5 hours after I finished I did the "pearson vue trick" and it says, “our records indicate that you have recently scheduled this exam. Another registration cannot be made.” but it took the $200 from my bank acct. Did I do it too soon? Anyone have any advice/input? Help a girl out!!

Hi. Please help me.

I have an exam schedule this December. I've been trying to study ever since the 3rd week of September. However, I don't think I'm learning anything.

I do know what the question is asking. I do know how to answer the question (like test taking strategies). BUT I do NOT know the answer. Does it make sense? I always end up picking the wrong answer. Seems like I do not know the context. The qbank (bootcamp) that I've been using has questions that will only give you the symptoms and will ask you what to do first, next, or whatever. That's when things will get spiral. I feel like don't know the context.

Please give me some advice on what should I do and how should I study.

I watched some of the videos on bootcamp as well. I read the rationales when I review the tests too. If I try to answer the test again, it seems like I just memorized the answers and rationales because if you ask me a different question but same topic, I don't know if I'll be able to answer.

My scores are inconsistent. Sometimes above passing, just half, or below passing. Took one CAT, it was low chance. Took it again without reading the rationales, it was borderline.

Please help me. I've been anxious ever since. This is so frustrating for me and I've been crying every night.

I took my Nclex today on Saturday , it cut off at 95, I’m just wondering do I really have to wait till Monday or Tuesday to know my results or have any of you found out on Saturday/ Sunday. I’m just curious I’m not gonna do any of the tricks I’ll patiently wait i just want to know when I should check.

Update I passed, received my results on Sunday morning!

Hi everyone! I’ve been lurking here for the past month, and I wanted to share my experience in case it gives someone reassurance during NCLEX prep.

This is only what worked for me—everyone studies differently and needs a different amount of time to feel ready.

I graduated from my accelerated BSN program on 8/17, received my ATT on 9/3, and took the NCLEX on 9/29. During nursing school, I earned Level 2s on my ATI proctored exams and got a 79.5% on my ATI Comprehensive Predictor, with a 97% predicted probability of passing. I felt well prepared by my program, but I still wanted additional time to review after graduation.

Take It When You Feel Ready

A lot of my classmates tested within one to two weeks after graduation. I am naturally more risk-averse, so I chose to give myself about a month.

I had someone encourage me to test earlier, but I trusted my gut and picked the date that felt right for me. Seeing classmates test and pass before me was exciting, but it also made it easy to compare myself. I had to remind myself that everyone is on their own timeline.

There is no prize for taking the NCLEX first. Take it when you feel prepared—not when someone else thinks you should.

What I Used

I took one week off after graduation, then mainly used UWorld for its questions and rationales. I also used Mark Klimek lectures, Dr. Sharon’s prioritization videos, NCLEX Crusade’s 7-Day Review, and a few shorter last-minute review videos.

If I had to do it again, I would mainly use:

• UWorld
• Mark Klimek
• Dr. Sharon’s prioritization videos

I found UWorld especially helpful because I focused more on understanding the rationales than finishing every question. I did not take detailed notes on every missed question—I read the explanations carefully and trusted that repeated practice would reinforce the concepts.

My Study Approach

I tried UWorld’s daily schedule at first, but it felt overwhelming. Instead, I usually did 85-question tutor-mode sets on days I was not taking a CAT.

I completed about 81% of the QBank, averaged about 75%, and completed five CATs. All of my CATs shut off at 85 questions, with high predicted passing probabilities. Looking back, I probably did not need to take five CATs, but they helped me feel comfortable with the format.

The day before my exam, I reviewed lightly, reread some Mark K notes, and completed only 30 tutor-mode questions. I did not want to overwhelm myself right before test day.

Test Day and Final Advice

My exam was at 8:00 a.m. I ate breakfast, got coffee, arrived early, and only reviewed familiar notes that morning. I was anxious, but breathing exercises, prayer, and trusting my preparation helped me stay calm.

I took a break around question 60 to use the restroom and drink water. If you need a break, take it—it helped me reset and refocus.

I found that careful reading, prioritization, safety, and clinical judgment were important skills to practice during preparation. Slowing down, identifying what a question is asking, and avoiding overthinking helped me throughout my study process.

My exam shut off at 85 questions, and I found out two days later that I passed!

Be kind to yourself while studying. Take breaks, get out of the house, and remember that you already made it through nursing school. You are more prepared than you think.

https://preview.redd.it/550z0iorhdth1.png?width=1339&format=png&auto=webp&s=314a86b4638af963584b82e757a737f8d8194232

https://preview.redd.it/ygqbmf5uhdth1.png?width=1371&format=png&auto=webp&s=4e0dab1ed147a9f967272d3d2304c96735f94e11

Any other tips?