How do I interpret my NET score?

[alexillytom]

I just got my NET scores back and I think I did pretty well. For the Essential Math Skills I got an 86% and the Reading Comprehension is 97%.

My concern lies in the "other" stuff. Testtaking skills was 36%. I was ranked

as having Instructional Testtaking skills. What does that mean? Will it have

any bearing on my acceptance into Nursing School? Should I be worried or is

anxiety over the wait for an acceptance letter getting to me?

Thanks,

Deb

[klone, MSN, RN]

When the NET says I scored in the 98 percentile, is that 98 percentile of those who took the test at my school, or 98 percentile of all of those who have taken the test in the US?

I believe just for your school.

[ARmickie]

I believe just for your school.

I have no idea about that.. I know that there were only about 35 of us taking the test at once when I took it. But, my school did not grade the exams there, they were sent off somewhere. So, I'm not sure if it meant a batch of 100 exams that they scanned or 100 exams from your school.. I have no idea...

[MyReign1]

Here is some info I found regarding the scores:

Composite score is the comination of your composite math and composite reading score.

Good math and reading abilities are absolutely necessary to be successful in the nursing program and nursing practice.

Sixty-four percent Composite Score equals the mean or average score achieved by Associate Degree nursing students nationally.

Percent rank is your position in a room of 100-Associate Degree nursing students.

Math questions start with most simple and advance to the most complex math function of algebra.

Algebra, the highest level, is necessary for medication calculation.

The reading selections are at the 10th grade level of difficulty for vocabulary and sentence syntax. This reading ability is considered the “normal” adult reading level for applicants to college level courses. A student who does poorly on this subject will probably be unsuccessful with assigned science reading.

Reading Level (You will only receive one of these scores)

Frustration: Students who score at this level will encounter difficulty in simply reading the textbooks during their college education.

Instructional: Students who score at this level should be able to effectively read assigned textbooks with assistance from class activities.

Independent: Students who score at this level should be able to read assigned textbooks without even the benefit of class. Generally, only college instructors achieve the independent reading level.

Grade Equialence

Your composite score determines your grade equivalence for math and reading. It indicates your present grade level for your math and reading ability.

Reading Rate

The normal rate of reading for the adult learner with at least a 10th grade reading ability is between 200 and 450 words a minute.

Stress Level

This inventory produces a self-perceived, stress profile for five important areas, of personal coping. High scores on this profile will indicate areas of personal stress which may cause difficulties for nurses as they progress through college.

Learning Styles

This inventory produces a self-perceived, stress profile for five important areas, of personal coping. High scores on this profile will indicate areas of personal stress which may cause difficulties for nurses as they progress through college.

Auditory Learner--This student learns from hearing words spoken. You may hear this student vocalizing or see their lips or throat moving as the material is read, particularly while this student is striving to understand new material.

Visual Learner--This student learns well from seeing words in books, on the chalkboard, charts, movies, video tapes, etc. This student may even write down words that are given orally, in order to learn by seeing them on paper.

Social Learner--This student strives to study with at least one other student and will not get as much accomplished when studying alone. Others’ opinions and preferences are valued. Group interaction for this student increases learning and later recognition of facts.

Auditory Learner--This student learns from hearing words spoken. You may hear this student vocalizing or see their lips or throat moving as the material is read, particularly while this student is striving to understand new material.

Solitary Learner--The student gets more work done alone and thinks best and remembers more when learning alone. This student cares more for his/her own opinions than for the ideas of others.

Test Taking Skills (You will only receive one of these scores)

Frustration Level: This level suggests inadequate sophistication in expected test taking skills for teacher created and standardized examinations. This student will encounter difficulty in successfully taking examinations, especially those with multiple choice and/or true/false questions.

Instructional Level: This level demonstrates acceptable mastery of test taking strategies. However, this student would benefit from specific instruction in test taking skills so that true mastery of academic content can be demonstrated.

Independent Level: This level demonstrates sophistication in test taking skills.

[ARmickie]

Thanks! Part of that info was on the back of my results, but not all of it. Well, after reviewing what you said with NET scores in hand, I think the test *says* I should be able to handle everything. One thing I thought was funny about my test results was on the learning style. Mine said that I would do best in a social setting to learn, but the next highest was a tie between solitary learner/writing dependent learner. Guess that means if I'm going to study by myself I need to write it all down! *Which, I actually do!* Thanks again..

[klone, MSN, RN]

Independent: Students who score at this level should be able to read assigned textbooks without even the benefit of class. Generally, only college instructors achieve the independent reading level.

Wow, I feel kinda special! :rotfl:

[ARmickie]

Just as you should, klone.. just as you should! :)

[ARmickie]

Okay.. got an update.. I asked my school about it..

They said that it was based on the scores of your test compared to those who tested with you, at your school, on that particular test date. :)

[Ned the Red]

I just found out that the school where I'd like to apply now requires the NET test. My question is this - last semester the minimum GPA they took was 3.77 and they require at least a 50 on the NET test. Would anyone that can make a 3.77 GPA possibly score lower than a 50 on this test? Is it a test of what you know or is it more about how you learn, or is it something like an IQ test?

[ARmickie]

I had a 3.68 for my HS GPA.. it was 15 yrs ago. My NET score was a 91. The NET is hardly a MAJOR test in my opinion. Granted, the consequences of the test score can carry alot of weight, but as far as it being something I would suggest someone stay up at night to study for.. no, not really. It's all pretty basic stuff, or so I thought.. JMO