Just finished taking HESI A2! My experience might help you...

[jena5111]

I took the following sections: Math, Reading comprehension, Vocabulary & general knowledge, Grammar, Anatomy & Physiology, Learning styles, and Personality test.

Best test prep for the MATH section:

The Elsevier HESI Admission Assessment Exam Review books--either the second or third edition. The two editions are nearly identical except that the third edition contains an algebra section and color drawings! Everything else is exactly the same.

This is the best math prep because the problems in the books mirror the problems on the test. Practice, practice, practice! Complete all the practice problems after each section as well as the larger battery of math questions at the end of the book. Even if you think you know the basics, PRACTICE the problems because it's really easy to make a tiny mistake and submit the wrong answer. I scored 100% on the math section, and I believe that happened because I started studying about a month before my test date. I spent a little time (almost) every day with a couple of longer (1.5-2 hour) sessions thrown in on non-work days.

Best test prep for the A&P section:

Again, the Elsevier HESI books--either second or third edition--along with Cliffs Notes A&P and flash card/test sets on Quizlet. It's been four years since I took A&P I and II, so I knew I'd have to brush up. I scored a 90% on this section because I took time to review A&P terminology/vocabulary. Again, I gave myself about a month to prepare, increasing my study time in the week before the test. The "just the basics" format of the Cliffs guide and the repetition of the Quizlet sets helped a lot.

I have seen several posts that complain about the Elsevier HESI books' A&P review. I actually found the books helpful because they gave me an idea of the types of questions asked on the actual test. I've noticed some posters are surprised when the review questions don't show up verbatim on the test. That shouldn't be the expectation, but you should expect the review to acquaint you with relevant question types. It's hard to describe this without giving specific examples from my test, but hopefully you know what I mean.

Best review for reading comprehension / vocabulary / grammar:

Once again, the Elsevier HESI review books. I recommend completing all practice questions--those at the end of each section as well as the ones at the end of the book(s). Also, make mental note of the "HESI Hint" boxes in each section--for some reason I found a lot of this information really helpful on the actual test. Ultimately, I knew these sections would be the easiest ones for me, so I spent far less time studying for them and kind of consolidated my preparation.

Best review for personality test/learning styles:

Knowing best how you learn, and whether you're introverted or extroverted--no studying required! There are no right or wrong answers on these sections, so just respond honestly and don't stress.

General testing tips:

1) Thoroughly read the directions before answering a question. Each section contains several different question types with different instructions that you should understand before selecting an answer.

2) Use scratch paper for math problems to write out each step. Even though you don't get credit for showing your work, writing out each step prevents small errors and wrong answers! This method is also better than relying on "mental math" if you don't have to.

3) Complete your "challenging" section first, when you're most alert. I felt better about tackling the remainder of the test once my hardest section was out of the way.

I apologize for the epic length of this post, but I wanted to share my experience and emphasize that a little work beforehand pays off in the end. I don't recommend taking the HESI A2 cold because tiny mistakes can add up and cost you valuable points.

Good luck to everyone who's taking the HESI A2.

More tips with HESI A2 Study Tips video...

More tips from another student...

just-finished-hesi-a2-my-experience-might-help-you.pdf

[kajeen]

I'm taking mine in June! In don't know where to start! I've taken it before and didn't do so well, I received a 79 but I know I need at least in the 90s to be considered anywhere! Anyone have any help or advice for me!! Please I need a good score!

[kajeen]

Also for some reason while physically taking it, I didn't think it was that hard but obviously it was I didn't do great and I don't remember the questions at all because I went so fast, so now I feel as if I'm screwed :0

[Blueberry7782]

Good score!, I am going to take the same sections in the exam like you. Is your exam type the A2 V1 with CT?? I am so confused with the registration.

[jazzk5203]

Hello Everyone

I will be taking the HESI Entrance Exam on July 23. I am submitting my score to Houston Community College for their ADN program.

I was just wondering if someone could give me an idea of what to expect. I bought the HESI Admission Assessment Review Book, 3rd Edition. It is really helpful. I am just wondering if everything from this book will be on the test.

Thanks so much

God Bless

[Meesterjojo]

First (my results, and my question):

https://allnurses.com/hesi-entrance-exam/reading-comprehension-conclusion-935378.html

Second:

For UTHS there are 8 sections to take, and the extra sections you do not need (Chem and Bio). They'll all be present, so make sure not to start Chem or Bio.

You'll have an annoying 4 hour clock window on the right 1.5" of your screen. Because of this, if you choose to utilize the calculator, you'll have to scroll over every time (keyboard entry doesn't work; i.e.: no tenkey).

55 questions Reading, 55 Grammar, 55 Vocab, 30 A&P, 30 Critical Thinking, 15 for both Learning Styles and personality styles.

Recommendations:

1) Save Learning Styles/Personality for last. There is no right or wrong answer, so you can roll through those.

2) I did A&P First. It was ungodly easy, well, except for the 1 or 2 questions I missed. Also, the questions did not change since my friend took it on Monday of this week. Such things as Menstrual cycle, which muscle flexes and which extends, is X a flat bone.

2.5) CT did not change, apparently. Same questions. Lots of old people getting agitated. Not sure how you can study for this, but I suppose there is some way. Or, just keep in mind that patient safety is priority #1. Google some stuff on assessments and ABCs. Don't give patients pills if they claim they've never seen that "one" before. /wink

2.55) Grammar was simple, Reading Comp was tedious. So tedious. Further, the exam had a number of incorrectly used words, but we are asked compare an underlined word to a list and pick the "best" in regards to meaning. I love it when none of the meanings are correctly utilized. I'm not saying you can't get a 100% on Reading Comp, but I got 100% on Word Meaning and Understanding (2 of 4 subsections in Reading Comp), and a 98% on Vocab, and I'm telling you- they have incorrect definitions. Meaning: these are built-in speed bumps, meant to knock down people. UT-Austin is/was infamous for doing such. I'm sure other schools are as well. You may get the answer correct, but then you also guessed (sort of the suspicious 100%, which puts my score in question)

2.6) Math: Oh, wow. I literally filled all 2 laminated pages they gave us to scribble on (they give you, then dispose of, 2 laminated pages rather than scratch paper). Double checked most problems, and it still only took me ~35 minutes to complete. I think people can do it quicker, but why?

2.65) Learning/Personality- if you care, it's a typical web-style consistency test. The sort one will find, almost exactly, on places like OKCupid, or other dating sites, or google "personality test". Same questions. Real cheap n' dirty. Horrible metric. But you can, if you care, alter them to whatever you want to present yourself as- no right/wrong. You should be aware that it is based on degrees of consistency: you will be asked the same questions over and over to narrow down options.

2.7) Vocab: Words. Meanings. Stuff. Clearly I'm not the best person to ask about wordings.

If you have something specific you want to ask, let me know. I still remember the CT questions for the most part, and the reading comp selections (Lightning, Mr. Rogers Neighborhood, Glass, etc), but I fear that telling you too much will taint you- then they'll switch it all up next week.

[Blueberry7782]

Thank you so much if you do not mind my specific questions

1 can we skip to the grade report after each section? It is too stressful.

2 how many questions show up at one page with the essay? I mean, my habit is to read the questions first; and then turn to the essay. I really expect the questions will display with the essay in a same page. Can we go back to change the answers before submitting.

3 are the verbs from study guide or most of them are not? This is my weakest part.

4 if is there no time Limit for the each section? I know the whole time is 4 hours.

[Blueberry7782]

Thanks again

[tpatton14]

Jennie,

Is the HESI test timed?

[MARKIED82]

I take the exam in two weeks and i am very nervous, any pointers? i hear that the rest questions are not what you study for

so buying the book is pointless..

My test will be as follow 80% in Reading, 75% in the Math, and 80% Vocabulary, 80% in the Grammarand in Biology 50% on the same test.

[StephanieLongo]

I JUST started the process for registering for the exam and preparing to begin the application process for a BSN program. I found your post to be very helpful and thorough! Thank you so much for taking the time to help hopeful students such as myself, and congratulations on your amazing score!

[bre2158491]

I am taking the Hesi A2 tomorrow. Was wondering what the hardest part of the math questions were? I am so nervous for the math section. I have been studying from the Elsevier 3rd edition.

[jena5111, ASN, RN]

Wow, I can't believe this post has gotten so much positive feedback!

I posted about HESI A2 over two years ago and now I'm in the second semester of my nursing program and loving it.

Answers to some of the more recent questions:

1) When I took the HESI, the sections weren't timed (I don't think). We had four hours to complete the entire test and I don't remember the time being split up by section. But I'm not sure if that varies by school/testing center. I didn't really focus on that since I tend to be a fast test-taker. ASK someone at your specific school or testing center.

2) There was a question about the hardest part of the math section. If you purchase the official HESI review book and do all the practice problems, you won't have any surprises. Your test probably won't contain the exact same problems found in the review book, but they will be similar. HESI won't throw you any curveballs. There isn't a trick to it except to practice.

3) I saw a comment about buying the HESI review book being pointless. That wasn't my experience; it was the only resource I used to study. You can preview it on Amazon, or your school library may have a copy you can borrow if you want to "try before you buy." It's made by the people who make the test, so it can't hurt to consider it. Also, I don't think it would be wrong to purchase an earlier edition if you find it cheap.

4) I am pretty sure you can see your grade after completing each section, with a comprehensive score report at the end. Don't quote me on that though--I took the test a long time ago and things may have changed

Anyway, I wish the best of luck (and solid test-prep) to everyone taking the HESI A2. It's one of the first steps on the path to nursing school, which for me has been an awesome experience. Stay strong and focused, and you'll be at NS orientation before you know it!