failed NET again, options?

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I am so disheartened. I took the NET the first time and did well on the math and missed the reading by 2 points. So I studied my butt off, took it again, and was so sure I did better - I did WORSE! I got worse on the reading than the first time, and the first time I hardly even studied the reading portion! They only give us 3 chances - after that, they send us to the community college career counselors to help us find another career! :scrying:

I want this soooo bad. I think about it constantly. I really am so upset about it. Most programs in my area require NET scores for admission except for BSN programs.

Any tips for the reading comp portion of the test or advice on what to do next? I am going to take it the last, third time, I think... but I'm so terrified of what will happen if I do take it and fail and I feel that failure that I've avoided it until now. I took it last in October. (My mom died on Thanksgiving and my sister has been in the hospital as well...)

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Specializes in med surg, icu.

Did you try getting that study guide made specifically for the NET?

http://www.eriproduct.com/detail.aspx?ID=1

The reading comprehension section in this book mirrors the NET style (most likely because this guide was written by the people who wrote the test). I think most problems come from the semantics of the questions asked (there's a whole section dedicated towards the various technicalities of how questions are worded... reading that section REALLY helps you understand what exactly they're looking for in the test).

The practice tests (there are two reading comprehension practice tests) also give good explanations for why selections are correct and incorrect.

I'm not quite sure what's considered passing for your school (I had a splitting headache because a certain monthly cycle decided to start right in the middle of the test... but I still managed to get a 90 despite my inability to concentrate.. however, passing for us was a 55)... You should do the practice tests timed so that you can figure out a good, steady pace for yourself to take the test at. I don't remember having much time to review my questions (they called 5 minutes when I had about 5 or 6 questions left)... but I remember taking a decent amount of time to answer each question comfortably and confidently. Don't stray too long on one question.. mark it for later reference and go back to it later on (when you can look at it from a slightly freshened perspective).

Oh... and don't try to impress them with your speed reading skills in the reading speed section right before it. That part is actually a minute or so of extra time that you can actual spend READING the stuff the first few questions will be about. Read it at a comfortable pace that you can soak in the information well in.

Hopefully that helps... and best of luck during your next testing. Hopefully you'll be better prepared (and more relaxed) from experience. =)

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I purchased books on reading comprehension.

Here is a list of possiblities"

1) Read Better, Remember More

2) Reading Comprehension Success in 20 Minutes a Day

3) 501 Reading Comprehension Questions

These books are excellent. I purchased mine on Amazon. I did not buy the read better book, but it sounds good also.

The books teach you the method of active reading. I studied these books before taking the test. I also took daily reading test offered free on the internet.

One tip, remember to get plenty of rest before the test and eat. The brain needs glucose. Also try not to be nervous. Take the bible with you on test day and put all your trust in God.

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duplicate

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Specializes in med surg, icu.

Here's some paraphrased information I snagged from the ERI NET Guide regarding the different types of Critical Reading questions you might be asked:

1. Reading for the Main Idea

- can be a statement of the topic or theme for a paragraph

- normally near beginning or end of a paragraph

- identifies how the topic is or does something

- serves as an umbrella structure for the rest of the details in the paragraph

Two Common Errors:

- too narrow (sometimes seems attractive because it contains details given in the paragraph; however, ignores wider range of details introduced)

- too general (looks attractive because it seems broad and references more than a few details in the paragraph; however, it goes beyond the supporting details)

Common question types:

- Which states the main idea of this paragraph?

- Which is the best statement of main idea for the paragraph?

- Identify the main idea for this paragraph

2. Inferential Reading

- Draw conclusions from facts and statements within a paragraph

- Unwritten/unstated relationship among details of a paragraph

- Expresses understanding of unstated links between paragraph ideas

- Utilize deductive reasoning

Common question types:

- Identify an inference that can be derived from this paragraph.

- Which statement is true based upon the paragraph?

- Identify a conclusion that can be drawn from this paragraph.

3. Paragraph Function and Significance

- Establishing the theme, purpose, and predicted outcomes of a paragraph

Theme

- typically only a phrase (ex: Book Titles)

Common questions

- Which would be a statement of theme for this paragraph?

- Identify the central, unifying theme of the last 3 paragraphs.

- What is the common theme of this article?

Purpose

- goes beyond statement of either main idea or topic

- make a value judgement about why a selection was written

Common Questions:

- Identify the purpose of paragraphs J-L

- What is the best statement of purpose that can be supported by paragraphs B-F?

Predicting Outcomes

- project an action

- project a result based upon premise developed by paragraph

- must be supported by details or reasoning evolved within a paragraph

Common questions:

- Which is an outcome resulting from paragraph G?

- Based on these two paragraphs, which is a true conclusion?

While this information (basic question types) seems insignificant at the first glance, if you go through the study guide's answer key and read the reasoning behind the correct (and incorrect) answers for EVERY question, you'll eventually find a general pattern in how they phrase each question and how they come up with the various optional answers (and, ultimately, what makes the correct answer correct)... and how it's all connected to the semantics or wording of each question.

I hope that helps... Hopefully you'll get a hang of it... and good luck on your next try.

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woohoo thank you for your advice. I'm ON IT! :clown:

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Specializes in Geriatrics.

I agree that you should get the NET study guide, it is exactely like the NET test. One question for you though, and I am not trying to discourage you but are you allowed to take the NET more than 2 times in the state you live in? In my state we were told that we only had 2 attempts to pass it. My best friend went with me and failed 2 times also then when she applyed to take it a 3rd time she was denied. Just something you should check out. Good Luck to you!!

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The sad thing is that i studied that NET study guide to death. It's the EPI one everyone else has, too. So depressing. I swear I'm not dumb in English. I got A's my whole life and have been in advanced English my entire life as well! That test is just plain crazy!

The college I am going to says we can test three times. This will be my last and final try before I either chuck it out the window or try to figure something else out. I just can't believe my dream can be completely crushed because of a test! :angryfire

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Specializes in PeriOp, ICU, PICU, NICU.

Sorry to read this, best wishes to you on your next try.

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