Hello all! I am in the process of taking my prereqs and eventually applying for nursing school this fall! There are a couple schools that don't require the TEAS V to apply but a couple I am interested in do so I plan to take it this October. It seems like some schools require somewhat low scores on the exam, but I would like to get at least a 90% or above on my individual score.

Any advice on study habits to prepare for the exam?

Such as:

-How far out did you begin to study for the exam?

-In your opinion, was it super difficult?

-Recommended Study materials?

-Hardest parts of the exam?

--In October I will be taking Anatomy and Physiology w/ Lab and a Human development class plus working full time. The studying is definitely doable, but would it be beneficial to start studying around July/August just a little bit daily or every other day for a while and then pick it up closer to September?

Any pointers would be much appreciated! Thank you!!

Before you start studying, I suggest taking a practice test. This will help you know which sections and which topics you need to focus on. There are two sources I'd suggest: the ATI study book has two sample tests and provides clarification for each question or the McGraw Hill book which contains 5 tests, but no review information. The ATI book is the best (in my opinion) resource for studying. They provide enough information to review information from classes you may have taken a while ago and don't go into too much detail.

I think the biggest piece of advice I could offer on the TEAS is to practice math. It sounds weird, but that section is heavily weighted because there are more questions than the other sections and it's the kind of stuff we all used calculators for. I actually forgot what 5 x 6 was and had to write six sets of 5 tallies and count them. So embarrassing to admit, but it happened! Math was the only section I didn't have time to do twice and I know my rusty arithmetic slowed me down.

As for how long before the test you should start studying - start now if you have the time. It'll make reviewing just before the test easier. I took the TEAS a week after finishing A&P over summer school. I was used to studying for 10-12 hours a day from that class so the discipline wasn't the problem, but I was mentally exhausted. I was anxious to take the TEAS to make the first round of application deadlines and while it worked out ok, I wish I'd allowed myself more time.

Good luck!

A 90% or better is a very difficult score to achieve. Especially seeing as how you haven't had A&P yet. Get your prereqs done first, then look at the TEAS. It is broken into 4 sections. Nursing school people want to know if you need any kind of remediation before going to the program. They want to know if you know the basics. But by no means is it easy. I had Algebra I and II under my belt, along with English comp, and A&P I and II along with Advanced Physiology. You will get a percentage score, but it will tell you if you are proficient, advanced or exemplary. I got a 78 and got advanced. It told those making the decisions that I had the basic skills down. Can you figure out a math problem, can you write a paper, can you read? My 78 was one of the higher scores of people who got in the program.

I did maybe, two practice tests done before I tested. I don't feel like you have to put a lot of studying into it. Either you know it or you don't. My weak area was chemistry. I hadn't taken it in 20 years and no amount of studying was going to make me comprehend it without actually taking a class. So my science score was lower than the others. It was fine with me.

Threads merged.

Thanks for the advice!! I actually have a bachelors degree in Communications and will be completing my MBA this summer - I was a exercise science major my first two years so I have actually taken Anatomy/Phys/Chem/Biol and Phsics. Unfortunately since my pre-reqs are older than 5 years I'll have to take them again.

But thank you for the tips!! Hopefully the exam goes well!

How did the exam go?.

I didn't study at all. I thought the test was going to be a breeze, boy was I wrong! Lol I made above the national average... But barely! I would definitely study or just review one of the study guides for the Teas V Test. I scored low on the Teas test but it didn't keep me from getting into the RN Program because my GPA was really high. Our school looks at several other factors other than just the Teas.

Just noticed this was an older thread. I need to start reading the dates before I post!