How long should I study?

Okami_CCRN, BSN, RN · Mar 21, 2014

Hey I took the TEAS V exam a few years ago here is my advice; DO NOT buy the package from ATI, it is expensive and not worth it.

Instead I recommend you buy the McGraw Hill nursing entrance exam book, it's about 20 dollars at B&N or Amazon.

I studied a week before the exam and scored an 88%, You will be graded in 4 areas: Reading Comprehension, Math, Science, and Grammar. The reading comprehension and grammar are straight forward, the math includes simple calculations, decimals, fractions, some abstract reasoning; nothing crazy. The science is equal to that at a high school level, I wouldn't go too crazy studying.

Best of luck!

OrganizedChaos, LVN · Mar 21, 2014

I only bought the ATI book. I really liked it & it helped me a lot. My weakest section was math & I prefer to buy a study guide from the makers of the test, but that's just me. Good luck!

BusyBee91 · Mar 21, 2014

1. Have you taken the SAT? Do you test well? If you did well on the SAT math and language sections, you'll probably be fine on the TEAS. I got a 1980 on my SAT (no studying, no prep) so I'm sure some of my success is just that I test well. I only had a week between when I signed up for the TEAS V and when I took it. I got a 90, which put me at the very top of the 'advanced' group...one more measly percentage point and I'd have had 'exemplary.' Oh well. All I used to 'study' was the ebook (kindle) version of the 5 mcgraw hill TEAS V practice tests. I'd recommend it. It's cheap, and it gave me a good feel for what I needed to be able to do. It was excellent prep for the math, gave a good idea of what the verbal portions would be like, and gave me some warning about the science section. If you really want to spend the money, the ATI stuff might give you a boost of confidence, but honestly, all the topics on the TEAS can be found for free online. And there are people in this forum who have put together study guides.

2. You'll have a hard time preparing for (anticipating) the science portion. I have a bachelors in science, and I had a hard time with it. The questions aren't hard; knowing what to cover when studying is. If you have a good general/working knowledge of most disciplines of science, without knowing much depth in any of them, you could probably consider yourself well prepared for the science. It's a weird sampling of anything from earth science to anatomy.

3. Just because you think you only need a score in the 50s doesn't mean you should be content with that. I might offend some people by saying this, but imo, if you can't get at least a 75 on that test, you really need to rethink your study habits, career path, or both. It drives me nuts that some people think nursing is the alternative for those who wouldn't be able to test into med school. It's not, and nursing schools should hold students to a reasonably high standard. TEAS means basic knowledge (essential skills, right?). I wouldn't want someone caring for me that only got a 57 on a test of the essentials. Just sayin.

4. Don't stress. Really. Confidence will help you stay calm, and staying calm during your test will help you remember what you do know, and figure out what you don't. Good luck!

lindsaypaige91 · Mar 22, 2014

Thanks everyone for your responses! I will definitely look into the McGraw hill study guide! Busybee91, it was never my intention to just aim for a 57. I would like a score much higher than that. I did not do well on the SAT's, but I took them five years ago and I feel like if I retook them now then I would do a lot better! Anyways, Math and English are my strongest subjects, so I'm not too worried about them. However, I am terrified about the Science part! I guess I will just do my best on that part! Anyways, thank you all again!

I do get quite nervous and think negatively. Will definitely be changing that. :)