I went from a 78 to a 90 in two attempts

min01. · Jan 24, 2017

Hi, I'm new to the site but I'm pretty sure you posted this a few days ago. I am taking the teas next week and I'm pretty nervous (second time). And I just want to basically know how you improved in science because that is my weak area. I have been studying the mometrix study guide. I have been studying the systems of the body in depth and trying to know the hormones but what would you suggest?

conjer · Jan 24, 2017

Have you taken A&P yet? If so, review notes from your classes.

One thing that seriously helped me with A&P was making flow charts. I'm a visual learner, so i like drawing pictures or making maps of information. If you've been studying the concepts of a body system, and you make a concept map of all of the major details, it'll solidify a lot of information. I tried to use cause-effect relationships within the system to draw arrows to each detail. If you can answer the what, how and why of important details in each system, then you fully understand it. For example: what happens when a pathogen makes it past the first line of defense in the immune system? How did this happen? Why? What will the system do as a response?

Making flow charts helped me in three ways: it helped me remember by writing everything out, it taught my brain to think of the concepts differently by organizing all of them together, and it gave me a large "cheat sheet" to go to.

Elven_RN, ASN, RN · Jan 24, 2017

How should I study for the body systems? What exactly should I be studying? I read that I need to study the 11 body systems, but then I get overwhelmed and don't know exactly what about or how far in depth I need to study for the systems.

min01. · Jan 24, 2017

The first time I took it I was about 1/3 into A&P1 so by the time I took the test and went back to class I was still being taught stuff that was on the teas exam. I'm trying to memorize and study it all. I am making list with bullet points and reviewing definitions. I think asking how and why will help me even more. My goal is to improve my science score so I can make the nursing application score. It's all stressful but I'll keep your tips in mind. I think the whole randomized questions thing also freaks me out because I don't want to over study one topic when it just might not be on there.

min01. · Jan 24, 2017

trust me you need to know the systems; know the functions and hormones they produce. During my first time I noticed alotttt of genitourinary questions you can probably guess what I made pages of notes on.Know the organs involved, their placement in the body, what they do.

conjer · Jan 24, 2017

if you're taking the test next week, you still have a little time if you just want to focus on science.

It helped me to break down the A&P section into several days of studying. It allows you to focus on each system without getting super overwhelmed. Try focusing on 1-2 systems each day so you don't get burned out in a huge cramming session.

Also remember to use general test taking strategies. Process of elimination helped me on my test. If you can narrow it down to 2 answers, you have a better chance of getting it right. If you don't immediately know an answer, write down the question number and go back to it later. There were several questions that i realized the answer to once i came back to it.

min01. · Jan 25, 2017

That's a good idea. I spent the day rewriting the systems and taking practice tests and taking notes on what I didn't understand. But instead of absorbing all this info I'm going to go in sections like you said. Hopefully second time is a charm. Seriously, I can't go through this stress again.

zmahamad · Jan 25, 2017

Hello,

Congrats on your test score! What study materials did you use when you took the TEAS for the second time? I did lowest in the Science section and would like any advice overall on how you studied.

Thank you so much!

Zahrah

conjer · Jan 26, 2017

(Keep in mind that I waited to take the teas until i had the majority of my prereqs finished. Having classes like A&P and chem finished were helpful for me when studying for this exam; it felt more like a huge review rather than a struggle to teach myself science concepts. I also registered over a month in advance so i had plenty of time to study. I'm not very good at cramming, so i'm the type of person that likes to study a little bit over a long period.)

When i studied i used: notes from past classes, the mometrix teas secrets book, the pocket prep app, the ati study manual, and both of the practice tests.

There are a few main things that contributed to improving my score that might help you too:

1. Know your learning style and utilize those learning techniques.

2. Study in increments, instead of having cramming sessions. Trying to force-feed yourself tons of information two days before your exam will just stress you out; it'll probably be harder for you to retain information as well.

3. Learn the information in several different ways: make flash cards, watch videos, draw pictures, take notes on the study manual.

4. Take as many practices tests as you can, and time yourself while doing them. This will give you an opportunity to get used to the time limits on this exam.

5. Don't rush through the test because you're nervous; it can only hurt you. I definitely rushed through the test during my first attempt and i know i missed questions simply because i didn't take the time to read them thoroughly.

6. Try not to think about your score while you're taking the exam. Only focus on each question and answering it to the best of your abilities.

It all boils down to: practice, practice, practice!

ChristinaR · Jan 26, 2017

What did you differently to score higher? I scored low like you the first time and I am really discouraged right now. I have finished all pre-reqs and now won't be accepted to any CAL STATES this year, so now I have to wait another year

conjer · Jan 26, 2017

Well, considering a 78 is "advanced", i wouldn't say that it's a low score. A score can be decent but it still might not be what you need for the campus you're trying to apply to.

The paragraphs that i posted on this thread state what things i did to score higher.

You really just have to keep trying. It's stressful, but if it's what you really want then don't give up.