As of less then a year ago, my class had almost no issues whatsoever. A few who didnt show up prepared were behind no doubt.
Show up prepared (Flows, memory items and limitations down cold), studied a couple hours a day after class. Work with your sim partner and ask each other systems questions, memory items, etc. I never felt behind or unprepared, just fairly busy. If I wasnt prepared, I can see how easy it would be to fall behind.
The 4 sims felt fast (coming from non sidestick AC), but with the 8 or 10 FTD’s you get leading up to that, they get you procedurally ready to go. That systems study guide is your best friend, but dont use just that for the oral. Like others said AOM/COM’s need to be studied too as you need to know proper SOP’s in the FTD/sim for basically everything.
Only one or two in our class had a prior 320 type rating. Majority were RJ captains/LCA/sim instructors just prior to NK. So 121 recent as well. I cant stress being prepared enough, and working with your sim partner. Although we had no failures, it was obvious that the guys who didnt study together and/or didnt show up prepared as instructed, did infact struggle. This seems to be the some of the most common factors I hear about guys who have a checkride or oral bust.