How many of you guys studied the TEAS this way

ScarletJones · Jun 20, 2014

I did take the practice test first just to see where I stood and what my final result would be. Then I read through the whole book and spent extra time in the science portion. Before studying I scored a 71,and after studying and taking the real test I scored an 82.

Honestly, I would take the time to read the explanations with the test answers and most definitely read the entire book.

Good luck - its not as bad as it seems. To me the science portion was the most challenging.

SeattleJess · Jun 20, 2014

I did the same as ScarletJones. I thought it would be good to have a baseline. Mine was in the high 70s. I also bought the two online tests from ATI and was very glad I did because they were a better simulation of the actual test than the paper-and-pencil tests in the study guide.

I thought the questions on the TEAS were a little more difficult than the ones in the booklet. I made my own study outline based on the areas presented in the study manual. (The study manual was excellent for that. Every item presented there was on the test. For example, absolute values. Hadn't seen THAT since junior high and could have blown that without the heads up from the guide.) Know your DNA/cell bio and scientific method inside and out.

I made a study plan and stuck to it. For the schools I applied to, passing wasn't enough. I needed a score in the upper 90s and the supplemental study gave it to me.

It was work, but no more than A&P. You can do it!

Spangle Brown · Jun 24, 2014

My school uses all 4 sections and looks at the over all total. So I knew that every answer I got right,would count in the long run. So I didn't just focus on the areas I needed the most help. But I did look at the areas that I only needed to 'refresh" and I got the most jump from quickly going over those. This made me more comfortable with the book and began reading the whole thing. Easy peasy. When I took the test again, my scores were much higher. Then I took the second one, and scored decent as well. I studied everything I got wrong. Then I went and took the test and passed. This all took me less then 2 weeks.

Fearless_leader · Jun 25, 2014

That's a great idea. I'm going to try that. Why waste time. Also I feel crummy because I was in a nursing program (Jan. 2014) and failed the first semester. That program required the Hesi. The new program I'm enrolling in requires the TEAS. UGH..... :nailbiting: Therefore I must attempt the TEAS test now and I'm feeling like a prenursing student all over again. It's really driving me crazy. Oh well I just needed to vent and I pray we all pass the TEAS. :yes:

LaurenJulia · Jun 26, 2014

It helped me mainly in grammar, which was my weak spot. The first practice exam I got a 70% in grammar. The second practice exam (after going over the correct and incorrect answers in the first one) I scored a 90%. On the actual exam I scored a 90% in that section. In all honesty I'm not sure how much it helped me in science (I did much better on the practice than the real thing), reading I didn't bother practicing because it's my strong point, and math I did well on the first time so I didn't take the second test. I'd think the practice tests will mainly help you with grammar and math.

nlitened · Jun 30, 2014

I did this as well. Yes, it does give you an idea of your weaknesses. But I also find that its easier to remember what you got wrong for the next time. Does that make sense? Say I got a certain chemistry question wrong, when I see a similar question like that again I'm gonna be like "hey I remember that"...because it was something I got wrong on the first go around. I think taking the pretest first is a great strategy!

dorkypanda · Jul 22, 2014

Hi , did you guys have a real study schedule while studying for the teas test? Let's say you have certain topics that you're weak at and you spend an hour or so on it each day. Did this study schedule method help you out a lot ? Thanks

LoyalWeim · Jul 28, 2014

Hi dorkypanda,

If you are like me and currently not working then there is simply no (good) reason to not overprepare. I suppose the only exception would be that you already have all four sections mastered; however, most do not. I probably spent on average 4-6 hours per day the first two weeks and then as I panicked increased it to 6-8 hours per day the last two weeks before the exam. There were a few days in there that I took a break completely. Also, I prefer to not study at all the night before or the morning of the exam. I don't want doubt or panic in my brain and besides how much can you possilbly add by studying an hour before the exam? If you are like me and you study the night before then you mighy literally panic and prevent a quality sleep. A lot of students looked tired on exam day... don't be one of them!

dorkypanda · Jul 30, 2014

Hi dorkypanda,
If you are like me and currently not working then there is simply no (good) reason to not overprepare. I suppose the only exception would be that you already have all four sections mastered; however, most do not. I probably spent on average 4-6 hours per day the first two weeks and then as I panicked increased it to 6-8 hours per day the last two weeks before the exam. There were a few days in there that I took a break completely. Also, I prefer to not study at all the night before or the morning of the exam. I don't want doubt or panic in my brain and besides how much can you possilbly add by studying an hour before the exam? If you are like me and you study the night before then you mighy literally panic and prevent a quality sleep. A lot of students looked tired on exam day... don't be one of them!

Hey LoyalWeim,

Wow you sound dedicated to your studying, I bet you did great! I took the online assessment version A about 2 weeks ago and oh man my score was around the middle 60's(sad face).I don't feel too happy about that. I'm thinking of taking the teas in early September. With daily studying of 4-5 hours till then do you think that will be enough to be prepared for the real test? I'm focusing on my weak areas and also practicing what I'm okay with. I have an actual study plan for each day as well.

Thanks

LoyalWeim · Jul 30, 2014

Dorkypanda,

Don't feel bad about scoring in the 60's. I scored a few 60's in the science section during practice but did very well on the science on exam day. For me, the key is to hammer those that you are weakest so that you maximize the benefit. So I studied nothing but science for two weeks. If your overall score on the practice is around 65%, then you probably have multiple areas that need work. I don't know when you are needing to apply for the college of interest but if it were me I would not schedule the exam until I was doing much better. Perhaps shoot for a consistent 80% or better before scheduling the exam? Everyone's study and test-taking are different and so I do not want to steer you wrong.

It is great to keep to a schedule; however, I would treat the schedule as a minimum. If you are feeling particularly strong and alert one day after the 4-5 hours, then work another 2-4 hours. Do not study by just taking the ATI practice exams repeatedly because I believe this really provides a false sense of readiness. Anyone taking the exact same test over and over is likely to score better so it does not necessarily indicate that one is ready for the exam. Use a new practice exam in between maybe a week of study to re-gauge your progress. Do not be discouraged when one of them suddenly kills your confidence. You actually want to be rattled each time a bit so that you can continue to hone in on those weak areas.

What are your two weakest areas at the moment?

Regards,

LW

LoyalWeim · Jul 30, 2014

Dorkypanda,

In case you have not seen this... here is a link to rainbowvahmet's post that spent a lot of time and effort to provide advice on the preparation for the TEAS:

https://allnurses.com/teas-exam-help/how-i-passed-804222.html

It is definitely a good read with excellent advice.