Do I really need a tutor for the Pre-NLN entrance exam?

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Hi everyone

At the moment I'm in community college taking my prerequisites for nursing my GPA is 3.58 but to be honest I'm a really horrible test taker. And I've been having a hard time concentrating on studying.

My school has a mini course for the pre-nursing students to help them review for the test. But its $220 , tbh I can't afford that out of pocket.

Should I still enroll in that course or should I hire a tutor or should I study on my own?

If I should study alone could you guys give me some tips

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Only you really know if you need the tutor. Try some practice exams and see how you do. You also need to commit more to studying.

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Specializes in Cardiac ICU.

I'm assuming this is the NLN PAX RN test?

If it is, I would suggest purchasing a study guide with practice questions in it and making sure that you continue to review all the way up until you take your exam. Seeing as you can't afford the $220 to go through the class that would be the best bet and a cheaper alternative.

Also, seeing as you are already taking pre-reqs I would suggest just making sure you focus a lot of your efforts in understanding the material you are covering in those classes especially your science and math courses. I recently took the test and ended up doing pretty well and I didn't study for the test at all because I had prepared so much for another entrance exam at another community college and have recently finished a semester of courses.

Let me know if you have any questions of if you need any clarification on what I had said.

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Thanks so much, I've actually ordered a review online and I'm waiting for it I guess that would be a good way to test the waters.

Do you what kind of science topics they might have on the test? I'm assuming biology and chemistry.

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Specializes in Cardiac ICU.

Honestly, it was a lot of physics which I have never taken before. I got 63% of the questions right and still managed to score in the top 86th percentile I believe if that is any clue on how hard it is. I scored in the top 92nd percentile as far as my composite score went.

Also, there was a good amount of chemistry on there as well which I've only been exposed to briefly in my anatomy and microbiology courses.

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Oh my goodness physics, I was required to take that in high school. Ugh, ok thanks I'm going to have to study that most of all

Thanks so much:cat:

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For mathematics, use khan academy - it's amazing!

The list of stuff included on the exam is long; it seems daunting but when you break it down it's not so bad -

Free In-depth PAX-RN Test Prep - PAX-RN Review Course!

Exams will also differ in content slightly but I do strongly suggest the use of a textbook; if you're taking the NLN exam, the 'Review guide for RN Pre-entrance exam - third edition' is pretty amazing (ISBN: 9780763762711). Comes with a CD Rom so you can test yourself and whatnot.

I used to be an awful test taker, and one of my old teachers way back in high school helped me break out of that by forcing me to take more tests until I became so familiar with the routine that now I don't bat an eye.

As others have said; keep reviewing right til the exam day - this material isn't tough by any means, but it's still a very broad scope, so try to just take your time and get familiar with it. :D

A final note! (sorry, I'm rambling!) - For mathematics and physics, not all formulae will be provided, so you're going to have to memorize things like area, perimeter etc. Just keep reviewing it and it'll stick! :)

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Hi

I actually ordered that book, but I didn't know it came with a DVD but that will help too!

I guess I'm going to have to review a lot of things. Since I'm taking College algebra this semester I guess that'll be my review for math.

My biggest concern is physics.

and maybe reading I'm and avid reader but when it comes to the test its like I can't concentrate

Thanks anyway for the tips and heads up on the math and physics part

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Specializes in Cardiac ICU.

An idea on the reading thing would be to read the question before reading the entire passage. There really is no need to read the entire passage before answering questions. I finished that section with plenty of time to spare. Just make sure you are managing your time wisely and not getting hung up on one question. Look for key words within the questions and locate them in the passage to get a better understanding on how to answer it.

That tip has saved me with anything relating to reading comprehension questions from various tests. Also, I agree with what Capa said as far as using Khan. I used Khan for several of my college level courses to help explain material in a different way that I found useful.

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An idea on the reading thing would be to read the question before reading the entire passage. There really is no need to read the entire passage before answering questions. I finished that section with plenty of time to spare. Just make sure you are managing your time wisely and not getting hung up on one question. Look for key words within the questions and locate them in the passage to get a better understanding on how to answer it.

I'd like this more than once if I could - solid advice!

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