I blew my teas exam :(

Published

I am so discouraged by my teas test score 74.7%. I did really bad at reading and english (66%). The teas results just swallow up all the efforts I ever made. I got A in everything. My GPA is 4.0. Never got any scores under 90% in all of my biology class. Oh well, I guess they are good for not nothing now. I don't plan to retake it, because I will get the same result on my english and reading. I could get a higher score on other areas, but somehow, I feel this teas test is extremely stressful for me, and I don't want to go through this again. I am applying for CSUSB and CSUB, but I don't see any chance for me since me teas score is way to low. I guess I have to go with 2nd plan, is to apply for 2 year RN program, then RN-BSN. I am not gonna say the teas exam is hard, but it is confusing. I have no clue how I get this score. I just want share my thoughts. anyway, good luck to anyone who will take the exam.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I got the exact same score as you the first time, and was really uoset. So I waited a month and retook it. The second time I got an 82.7. I was frustrated too with the English and grammar section the first time because I always do really well in English classes.

if you buy the ATI practice tests they give you the correct answers with explanation. I took my time reading thru why I got answers wrong and researched online examples.

i also focused on areas I could improve. I searched teas math problems on the Internet and watched a few videos to refresh my memory and raised my math score.

This is just my opinion but I think you should reconsider your decision and retake the exam. When things get hard you shouldn't give up, especially with all the time and hard work you have put in with your prerequisites. Whats the worst that can happen? Assuming your school will take your highest grade? Plus you don't want to wonder if you could have improved your test score, you will know.

Anyway whatever you decide I wish you luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

What did you do to prepare? I'm a 4.0 student and even I had to study to re-learn how to take those types of exams. I studied for about a month.

Did you just go in and take it without preparing? You seem to be getting awful down on yourself. I have a feeling if you change your study habits you will be able to see dramatic improvements.

I also did the worst in the english/reading sections. From what I understand, it's pretty common. You may never bring those scores up to 100%, but I firmly believe with your academic record, you have what it takes to bring the test up.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

I'm sorry you have had such a disappointment. But - if you really want to pursue nursing education, you're going to need to develop more resiliency. Nursing education is challenging and many people find it very stressful. If you give up after falling at the first hurdle, you're never going to complete the race. When you're as old as I am, you'll be able to look back and realize that in life, failure is much more common than success, so it's very important to become adept at handling failure. My advice? Fail fast and get it over with... learn from it and move on to your next attempt.

Maybe you don't realize it, but you DID learn a lot from your first TEAS attempt. Now you know what to expect, and you have a much clearer idea of the way it is structured. In education, there is a thing called "test - re-test phenomenon". It means that students usually improve their results each time they take a test... even if they don't do any additional studying. If you put forth some additional preparation effort - as PPs have advised, you'll undoubtedly have better results.

C'mon - get back on that TEAS horse. You can do this.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you so much for all of your comments and advice. They are such a great encouragement to me. It is the time first I easily give up on something. After reading all yours replies, I realize that I am going against my life philosophy. To be honest, I didn't focus on reading and English that much. When I did the practice tests, even though I understood the reading but the questions and answers really confused me. Anyway, my strategy is to go over the ATI book, take note, and do more practice tests. I plan to take the exam on 3/27. I am so stressed by the teas test. This never happened to me before. I felt pretty comfortable taking exams even though I used to have chem, bio and math exams on same week and I still aced all 3. Any tips to study for reading and English?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I am going retake the test on 27th or 28th. I was focusing on science more than other parts. I like biology, so I just spent 3 days to review for science. I did some practice questions on reading and English, but I felt like that doesn't help that much. I got around 75 to 85 on reading and English on the practice tests. I didn't expect to have 66 on my real exam. I don't where to start with those areas.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

You can retake the test after 30 days right?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

Thread moved for best response

Up Vote Up Vote ×

i hated that test. Just retake it. Maybe that day wasn't your day for passing but you will probably pass it once you de-stress and try again. Make sure you are in the right state of mind to take it and make sure you eat a nice breakfast. Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

What did you use to prepare? I used the TEAS booklet and Keshwani's videos on Youtube. I also studied for about a month every day. I honestly don't remember what my score was but it was good enough for me to be accepted into my program.

I agree with other posters about needing resiliency to make it through nursing school.. I'm 7 weeks into my nursing program and there are so many things that can knock you down! Honestly, I would study again and retake the TEAS if I were in your situation.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

You failed! You're nursing dreams will NEVER come true!

Unless you gain some tenacity. :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I'm going to take the exam again when I am ready. I need to really focus on science reasoing, reading and english portion.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion