TEAS V Anxiety*

Take a few deep breaths, it will be okay! I am a 32-year-old woman who started back to school in 2009 after having been out for about 6 years. I left due to personal issues (having lost my father suddenly) while studying a different major. When I came back in 2009 I had some medical experience (medical office, billing, transcription, etc) but had never taken any courses. After having taken both Anatomy and Physiology classes that were required I prepared myself for the TEAS exam. I did not, however, taken chemistry or any other earth science before taking the TEAS.

The first time I took the TEAS test I really didn't study as much as I could have or should have. I received a 74%, which is okay (and would have gotten me into the LPN program at my school) but I wanted better. I purchased the ATI Study Guide and used it for a full month. I really focused on the areas that I did not do as well on when I took the TEAS the first time. I also worked with a friend to study, as I tend to retain things when I talk out loud and work problems out that way. After having studied for a month with the study guide I took the TEAS again and scored an 84% (enough to get me into the RN program!). I was very happy with that score. I still did not do fabulous in the earth science area, as I still hadn't taken chem, but it was better and for that I was thankful.

I was obviously not right out of high school. I am naturally good at math and scored very high in that area. Otherwise I had about a 3.8 in high school and a 3.7 GPA in college before nursing school. It's not easy and the studying is boring but break it up into sections. Work with someone if that's an option. The study guide is worth it and if you're able to get through it, it will definitely help you to be more successful. Good luck!

First of all, take DEEP BREATHS!
Have confidence in yourself, and you study study study!

The first time I took the TEAS in April I scored a 60.4%. I am 26 years old, so definitely not out of high school. My current program GPA is 3.81 so not the brightest crayon in the box, but doing okay.

When I saw my TEAS score, I about had a heart attack. How could I score so poorly on a test about ESSENTIAL SKILLS?! Things we've learned in high school, possibly even in middle school.

I got the ATI Study Guide and focused on everything! I also visited the library and got extra books on reading comprehension, algebra, biology, grammar and chemistry. And I found a Paramedic friend to help me with chemistry because that is what killed me on the first test!

I retook the TEAS on July 13, 2012. I went into the room ready to kick some test butt!! I took my time on the test, used ALL the time I had available. And just tried to relax. ( I have horrible anxiety, not so much test anxiety, but when I feel stuck I begin to panic. Being in a room for 3 hours with a door shut and not being able to run out of the room mad it act up a little bit...)

I walked out of the room with an 80.7% !!!! I was ecstatic! I know its not a 90%, but I am not an over achiever- I was happy with my 80% .

I know it will be hard to concentrate. I am a stay at home mother with 2 kids and a potty training puppy. I can't do coffee or soda or any caffeine because of my anxiety. And my husband is gone all the time doing asphalt in here in Georgia, he might as well be deployed again.

I am sure you will do fine!! Turn off the computer and sit in a quiet room and make yourself study. At least read the study guide while doodling. You're mind will pick things up.

Good luck to you!!!!!!!!!!!! Keep us posted on how you did!

I was getting ready to get on here and post the same thing. I'm actually taking the test this Friday, yikes! I've been studying for months off and on, as much possible for a single mom, working 40 hours a week. I'm a nervous wreck!! The science is getting to me. :/

It's not easy but it's 100% worth it. I have a 5-year-old and an almost 4-year-old, which makes studying a challenge sometimes. You just have to schedule it and treat it like a job. Good luck and definitely keep us posted on how you do! :-)

I took mine for the 1st time and scored a 71%. I did well in reading and science, barely passed math and failed english. I have been in college on and off for 9 years but I have not taken an english or math class in probably 5 years so I think I just forgot the basics. I also just skimmed over the study manual which was a HUGE mistake. I darn near had an aneurysm when I saw my failing score. I too was shocked that I failed an "essential skills" test. The 2nd time around I studied the manual from cover to cover, multiple times and scored a 77% and passed in all 4 sections. According to my school, (ADN program at a community college) my score was "exceptional". I didn't think so but it is what it is and I'm not going through the stress and aggravation of re-taking it. They also give you information on which areas you performed poorly on your test report so I studied those areas even more. I know it's tough but you just have to study, study, study! Good luck!!

Good advice! I'm taking mine for the first time in September. I have a study book but am currently putting all of my study energy into algebra (prepping to take the CLEP on the 22nd), when that's behind me, I will take on a subject per day-- keeping a notebook of info that stumped me or things that are new-- I've been out of high school for more than 20yrs, so my perspective is, I will put all I have into succeeding; but if I don't this time, I will get it next time!

I'm planning to apply for the Fall 2013 term, but if I don't make it, I will shoot for the Spring 2014. I will keep trying until I'm in!

With age comes wisdom. You got this. I know because you have your mind in the right spot!! I have not seen anyone on here say "...but if I don't this time, I will get it next time!"

I was devastated when my first test came out 65.4%. I studied my butt off and the second time I got an 80.7% in a little under 3 months. (Thanks to the ATI study guide too...)

So proud. =)