TEAS EXAM: I failed...Anyone take it with some advice?

OneDayAttaTime, BSN, RN · Apr 2, 2009

I'm sorry karenroxx. I just took it this past Tuesday. I don't know if the ATI study guide is good or not--I see posts that say it helped and others that say it didn't help to much. I used the NLN book to study for it. I also need to take the NLN so I had already bought the book and didn't want to buy another one. Plus, I found out I had to take the TEAS at the last minute (as a post-acceptance test). I found the parts of the NLN book that I studied to be helpful...it was the same kind of questions. I only had a few days, so I looked at the math first. I haven't had math since 2001 so I felt RUSTY...but after reviewing some of that stuff it came back. The NLN books also gives little tips and short-cuts for stuff. Next, I started to review the science section. This had some good info in it too. I didn't get to finish studying this part so I didn't do as well on the questions on the test that had to do with earth science--like rocks and cloud questions--b/c I didn't review that (and I've never taken that sort of class)

Other than that, you can't really study for the English part...the practice tests in that area really just help you practice increasing your speed.

But I scored in the 90th percentile nationally, and 93rd in the program. They told me not to worry about my sucky physical science (rock stuff, lol) score because I got a 100% in the A&P section and that's what we really need to know in nsg school anyway...

Good luck!

karenroxx · Apr 3, 2009

I am just poor in the science part... there is so much science information that when it comes to studying it's kind of the luck of the draw...

For the school I am applying for you need a 78% or better on each section and science I got a 60%, on top of that there is only 3 Lifetime tries!

Thinking about it makes me sick!

Thanks for the help and encouragement....

Karen

OneDayAttaTime, BSN, RN · Apr 3, 2009

I didn't know about the three-lifetime tries thing... I think the NLN you can only take it once every six months, but I don't know if there's a limit.

Jackiex620 · Apr 3, 2009

Hey karenroxx

You will do fine the next time around. I haven't, personally taken the exam, I will in May. A friend of mine took and did poorly on the life science section, also. It is so random how they have that on there. I could understand why... but really??!

If you did well on the other sections, focus on the life science section of the study, and that should increase your score. My friend did do, and scored a lot higher, since she already knew everything else on the other sections. They are different question, though.

Good luck, stay focused!! I'm sure you'll do great!!!

JackieX620

booke24, CNA · Apr 4, 2009

Hey all, how are you? I too am getting ready to take the TEAS exam. I went to Barnes and Nobles today to buy some helpful study tips and told myself I will read that book from cover to cover! It seems that things are getting quite competitive everywhere you try to get into. So did you all have to take the TABE or something and then the TEAS? I do have a question. So if I take the TEAS here in Florida and choose to get into a nursing program outside of Florida, those test scores are good no matter where I go right?

tfleuter, BSN, RN · Apr 4, 2009

Sorry to hear you didn't pass the science section. It was my lowest score as well. I used both the ATI TEAS study guide and the Kaplan study guide. Kaplan's went into much more depth then ATI, but both are worth reviewing. I know with all the money we already spend on school, a lot of people hesitate to spend extra on more than one study guide, but the Kaplan was only $15 and ATI's was $39. I will say that I didn't bother to study the English section in the ATI book and now I wish I had. From what I browsed through after taking the TEAS, I think it would have helped me quite a bit to refresh myself on those types of questions.

Good luck on your next try! You will have different questions the next time, so maybe you will get more anatomy vs. earth science.

tcs26 · Apr 10, 2009

Karen,

Are you applying for the program at NVCC? I'm getting ready to take the teas there, and the requirements are the same as you described above. I'm also really worried about the science section. We have a study group for the teas test if you are in the northern VA area. Let me know if you're interested. Good luck!

booke24, CNA · Apr 10, 2009

I live in FL but am studying to take the TEAS for a LPN school and a University out West that I was accepted to. I'm just going to take the test then decide if I will go to that university and do there nursing program or, if I pass the TEAS do the LPN and then bridge over. I have already been accepted to the LPN program according to my TABE score but, they're requiring another test since they have so many qualified applicants. So, I'm studying for both schools. What is passing on the TEAS? I didn't buy an actual TEAS exam study guide, I bought a book that is geared toward all the nursing entrance exams called Nursing School & Allied Health Entrance Exams made by Peterson. We'll see how it goes.

rn2bnwi, BSN, RN · Apr 21, 2009

Sorry to hear you failed. I took the teas earlier this week, I didn't study because it's just a formality for our program(we already were accepted) anyway I only got 73 percent on the science which was my weakest area. Someone gave me a teas manual which I didn't even look at the science, I did run through it while I watched tv for the math once a couple days before the test and I got and 88 .9 percent on that section which math is not my favorite thing so I do think the guide probably is pretty helpful in preparation. Good luck!

seasoned hopeful · Apr 21, 2009

I am so sorry, karenroxx. But the good news, is now you know what to expect. Me, reading about stinking earth science (like that is something we need to know to nurse) know now, thanks to you, about the earth science section. Keep going, you will get them next time. Go get them! You can do this!

tracyd77, RN · Apr 21, 2009

I didn't do as well on it as I thought I would. The science was my worst section too. I made a 79% altogether but I don't remember what I got on the science portion. I think if you study just the science part, you will do better the next go-round. Good luck!