Those NCLEX test dates can be helpful and can save you money, but they can also be tricky and even complicated. But there are things you can do to make the process more convenient. I will explain the basics of studying for the NCLEX and how to prepare for your study schedule.
The first thing you should do when you join a study program is to create a study schedule. The instructor is the best person to create your study schedule. These days, there are many options available online to help you create your study schedule. You can print out a schedule at home or download it directly from the site to your computer.
Most NCLEX test dates are offered in weekdays so that’s the schedule you should choose. Do not choose weekends. When you are choosing the time, pick after 8pm Eastern Standard Time, just before your classes start.
Also, if you want to maximize your chances of passing the NCLEX, try to make up your study time between test dates. What’s the advantage of studying during test time? Not only will you have a few extra hours to devote to studying, but the entire day will pass by with little interruptions or distractions.
If you feel that your time between test dates will allow for sufficient studying, try to keep a study journal. Jot down your notes as you go and summarize what you have learned in a review journal. When you go to take your test, look at your notes, answer any questions you may have and then review the material that you want to cover during the test.
During your test date, you should make sure you’ve already studied all the material in your NCLEX study guide. Take a test early and have a student assist you. This will let you read and study from a book without having to worry about checking your work.
You should also start thinking about study materials and tools ahead of time, such as flashcards, reference books, practice test questions and practice tests. Try to create your own study strategies. Being prepared is half the battle.
Prepare yourself mentally by eliminating the feeling of nervousness, anxiety or nerves from your mind while studying for the NCLEX. These feelings will affect your score and can cause mistakes in terms of reading, writing or understanding the material. So do not let them.
Focus on writing out your objectives, reading and comprehension questions and answering the NCLEX. Concentrate on what you want to learn from each NCLEX material section and then work on it one by one. Avoid overloading yourself by trying to figure out too many things at once.
Taking a practice test is very important. After you take the test, don’t wait around for two hours to take another. Try to do it on test day. It helps because you will feel more confident about what you just did and you can go back and take a few minutes and revise your answers and your study plan.
NCLEX test dates can be an advantage for some students, but there are many others who are intimidated by the process and avoid it. Make it your goal to take the NCLEX test and succeed. Remember that the test comes at the end of the line, so don’t waste your time and energy worrying about it.
