Taking TEAS V In One Week

Nursing Students TEAS

Published

Specializes in PCT, RN.

Hello All!

I'm mainly looking for more encouragement and tricks and tips than I am inquiring on what to study. I think I have a pretty good idea on what to study, but the science section is a killer. I haven't had a science class since high school about 6 years ago when I was a junior (other than A&P, which I know those questions).

Anyways, taking the TEAS V next Wednesday. I've been studying my butt off but on the practice tests, I'm averaging (including weighted averages) about 76% mainly due to the science score bringing my total down.

I think part of it is because I'm doing these practice tests at home or at work where there are distractions and I end up missing stupid questions because I'm either reading too fast or my mind wanders.

Let me explain how acceptance into the program works at my school:

It's a point-based system in which you are trying to get the most points out of 160.

There are 4 pre-requisite classes and 3 of which are used in determining your points.

APHY 101, an A=30 points, B=20 points, C=10 points.

ENGL 111, an A=15 points, B=10 points, C=5 points.

PSYC 101, an A=15 points, B=10 points, C=5 points.

So the highest amount of points available is 60 for your classes.

The remaining 100 points are obtained based on your TEAS V score.

I received an A in both APHY 101 and PSYC 101 (and am currently enrolled in ENGL 111) so I currently have 45 of my 60 points for my classes and have high expectations of gaining the full 60.

Which leaves me to the TEAS.

Because this is a point-based system, they go by total points and not so much by TEAS score as the final say-so. They do have a cut-off of Proficient.

After taking it the first time, I can take it only once more (we can only take it twice in TWO YEARS) and it has to be 30+ days after the initial test.

I'm worrying that I'm focusing too hard on certain things that I don't need and missing the things that I do need. So I'm hoping that taking the test will help me know exactly what to focus on so when I take it again (if needed) in a month, I'll have everything I need down pat.

Anyways, with all of that being said, I'd LOVE to hear about YOUR experiences. What you thought of the test, what materials you used to study, how long you studied, what you focused on, what you should have focused on, and how your overall experience was. And not to mention, did you get accepted? If so, what was your score?

Like I said, I'm mainly here for some support (both to receive and to give)!

Good luck all of you fellow nursing hopefuls! :smug::)

-Miranda

Up Vote Up Vote ×

So, I took my TEAS at a PSI center (computerized) in San Francisco on the 11th and it wasn't as bad as I thought. Of all the practice exams and study guides I've looked at (including: Secrets of the TEAS, McGraw 5 practice exams, ATI study book, and the ATI online practice exams.) I found the ATI study book and the online practice exams to be the MOST helpful in my opinion. My suggestions would be:

1. Time yourself!! (make sure you finish early on each section when you practice)

2. Study the things that you're weak on. (The online practice exam will let you know what you'll need to focus on after you take it.)

3. Get plenty of sleep the night before. (eat a healthy meal the night prior and morning of)

4. If you're stuck on a question, choose the best possible answer and come back to it; try to be efficient with your time as much as possible on the actual test. (I cant stress this enough)

Ultimately, I found the actual exam to be somewhat easier than the practice tests. (especially the science!!) The reading was a little longer than expected (like the practice test)/math and science were similar to the ATI book and the English/grammar was like the practice test.

I hope this helps!!!! Let me know if you have anymore questions.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in PCT, RN.

Thank you for your input! It is very appreciated! I'm doing well on time so far for my practices but I'm nervous at the difficulty level of the science portion. I've been spending the last few days focusing mainly on that area for the parts that I need to work on. I'm taking it in three days so hopefully all goes well :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hi Miranda,

Like the poster above mentioned, I would agree that the real test was easier than the practice tests. I spent the most time on the science section, because like you, some of my science classes were pretty old (5-6 years ago). I found the ATI practice manual to be the best investment for content review. I supplemented a bit with YouTube videos on the science material I hadn't covered in awhile. I didn't spend much time on English or Reading Comprehension, because I find those to be easier subjects. For the math section, I went through most of the practice questions in the ATI manual, making sure I understood all the math concepts covered.

I tried to do at least one or two practice tests per week under timed conditions. I found that I finished much earlier than the time allotted for each section. Just take your time and read each question thoroughly, giving your full attention and eliminating all distractions, if possible. I took one of the online exams that the ATI website offers. This exam was more difficult than the practice tests in the ATI manual (especially the science section) and the 5 Teas Practice Tests by McGraw-Hill. However, it does help you become accustomed to the testing format, so I would recommend doing at least one of these tests. One caveat is that they do give you immediate feedback as to whether you got the question right or wrong on EACH QUESTION. This was rather annoying, but it won't happen on the real test, so don't worry about that. You do have to pay $44 per practice test.

I took my test last month and received a 95.3% overall score. I also found this thread VERY helpful in keeping me organized and focused on the important material:

https://allnurses.com/teas-exam-help/how-i-passed-804222.html

Best wishes on your upcoming exam!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in PCT, RN.

herbie06

That is AWESOME! Good for you! I can only hope to get a score that high!

The thread you posted, I did actually find that a while back and I copied all of the need-to-know bullet points and that's been what my main focus of study has been on. So I haven't been studying what's in the practice tests, but rather mainly by that post. So I'm hoping that even though my practice tests are averaging a total between 75 and 85 (depending on the test questions), my actual test score will come out higher.

I will post an update when I take it and get my score. I have today and tomorrow to study and then it's go time on Wednesday morning so I think I'll have a late night tonight.

Thank you for your input :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Oh, awesome! It sounds like you had a great strategy! Looking forward to hearing how it goes for you--I found that taking it a little easy on the studying the day before is helpful, so you can have a fresh brain for test day. Some people suggest no studying at all the day before. Just do what works well for you. . . best wishes!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in PCT, RN.

My Adjusted Individual Total Score was a 77.3% (Proficient).

The National average is 64.3% and the Program average is 64.9% so I scored about 13% above the average. I was shooting for the 80s, but I'm definitely feeling good about my score.

My Reading score was 81%

Math was 90%

Science (killer) was 62.5% and ultimately why my individual score was so low.

English was 83.3%.

I'm happy that the results came with a "sections to review" cheat-sheet that directly reference the ATI book! I will definitely be getting more in-depth with those areas.

I can take the TEAS V once more in 30+ days so I plan on spending my time refocusing my energy on the areas I missed.

There is not a "set" score that will guarantee acceptance since it's point-based (from my post above) but the woman I spoke to whom is in charge of the program said most applicants have a score in the 80s to be accepted. I'm so close but so far!

Wish me luck on my studies for the next month!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Nice job on your test!! Isn't it great to have that breakdown of areas to focus on? Best wishes on your studying this next month--you can do it!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment