ATI TEAS 6 - Final attempt usage

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I am a college student trying to get into a nursing program. As of today, I have taken the TEAS a total of four times. The school that I currently go to only allows students to take the TEAS a total of five times. In this case what is my best option to do here? Please be honest.

Option A) Should I retake this exam one more and final time at the end of this month right before applications are due and risk using my last attempt on trying to get a higher score.

or

Option B) Would it be better to apply with my highest score of a 70 and save my last attempt in case I don't get accepted to any school that way I can retake it later on.

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Are your scores getting any better? Have you figured out what your weak areas are? Have you tried studying differently? What is the school's minimum test score requirement?

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My scores fluctuate, I'll improve in one section and weaken in another. It's really frustrating because I have studied and focused on my weaker subjects and then slip on my stronger subjects, no winning. I have altered study habits and see minimal improvement. The school I want to get into strongly encourages a score of 80 or higher.

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My scores fluctuate, I'll improve in one section and weaken in another. It's really frustrating because I have studied and focused on my weaker subjects and then slip on my stronger subjects, no winning. I have altered study habits and see minimal improvement. The school I want to get into strongly encourages a score of 80 or higher.

Have you tried a tutor?

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Specializes in LTC.

If it were me, I would not take the TEAS again until I was solidly seeing scores of 80+ on the ATI practice tests. Taking it four times already and not scoring above a 70 would make me wonder how I'd do with nursing school. It is only going to get more difficult from here.

Have you used the TEAS Mastery app? I used it for months, every spare second I had, and it really helped me see where I needed to focus.

This comes down to "how bad do you want it" and "what is your plan B"?

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No I haven't tried a tutor. I'm not sure who to ask because its composed of four different subjects. (Reading, Math, Science, and English)

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I have used practice exams and scored 76-80's on them before. I also use the teas pocket prep app everyday and take mini 10 question quizzes on there daily sometimes multiple times a day. I really don't want to change my major because I'm already a junior now.

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No I haven't tried a tutor. I'm not sure who to ask because its composed of four different subjects. (Reading, Math, Science, and English)

I know, I've taken it. Have you talked to any of your teachers? One of them might have a tutor suggestion. You could also just google "teas online tutoring" or "teas tutoring your area here".

How's your GPA?

I wouldn't take it again unless I was sure I was going to do well.

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I would personally save that last attempt. Apply and see whether or not you are accepted. During that time, prepare for the worst and make a TEAS study schedule. Like Jen said, you may need to find a tutor (your school may have tutors for certain specific subjects/classes, but they may be able to help you). Also consider watching videos. I am not sure what study materials you use aside from an app and practice exams, but if you were to give us a more detailed approach to how you have studied for the TEAS up to this point then that will help others to give specific advice. I'm not sure if you're taking these back to back to back, but consider taking extra time to prep before taking using up your last attempt either way. I hope to hear more about what you're doing so we can try to give you an individualized plan of attack.

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Specializes in LTC.

Another tip I thought of: There is a site called Moby Max. I used this when homeschooling my children. They have a free trial, so you could get on there and take all of the placement tests available to you.

Now, when you go there, you'll see it says "K-8" curriculum. This may sound silly to you. I assure you, it's not. I took the placement test on there for math before I went back to college -- and it found some gaps in my knowledge / what I remembered from school. When it was all said and done, I scored 100% on the math section of TEAS... so, clearly I was able to improve my areas of weakness, and ace it.

A friend I have who is a nurse used to be an 8th grade teacher. She told me that basically everything on the TEAS is in the 8th grade curriculum. Now, I don't believe that to be true for the science section -- most of the A&P were things I had never been taught. But the rest? I believe there is some truth to that.

Check out the placement tests and see how you do. The program will start your first lesson in each area wherever you need help. It's pretty cool. And since it's free -- you have absolutely nothing to lose.

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I highly recommend the TEAS Secrets study guide by Mometrix. I studied exclusively out of that book and did all of the practice exams in the book over the course of a month before my exam date. I was more than happy with my score, so I definitely recommend this book to everyone! Also, I agree with everyone saying a tutor might be of use to you.

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I have used practice exams and scored 76-80's on them before. I also use the teas pocket prep app everyday and take mini 10 question quizzes on there daily sometimes multiple times a day. I really don't want to change my major because I'm already a junior now.

You don't have to change your major if Nursing is what you really want to do but I can see how it can be frustrating. I personally would not take it a 5th time right away, sometimes it is ok to wait but don't give up. You may also consider looking at other school options that require other entrance exams like HESI or consider other schools that may take a lower score of the TEAS. Don't give up!

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