Info. about the NET

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Okay, so yesterday I took the NET at Samuel Merritt College in Oakland and I think I did okay. I took the written exam, which was a relief! I agree with you though, the reading is NOT simple. I am sure that I passed and did well, but I wouldn't say that it is a breeze like some of you have said. It was certainly a challenge. So study, study for that part for sure!! Okay, here is the info. about what is exactly on the NET. After taking it, the study guide from Educational Resources Inc, is probably the best one to prepare you for the math and reading section (which are the two parts that schools look at in determining acceptance into a program). I also used a study guide called "Nursing School Entrance Exam" by Learning Express. It was helpful, but the math section in this book explains more than you need to know for the NET. But it does have a good reading section, and it does cover basic science, which is on the NET, and also a CD rom to take practice tests on the computer. Okay, here below are the sections of the NET:

1) First came the MATH section. You get 30 minutes for 30 problems. All the math that you need to know is in the ERI study guide. You don't need to know any more than that. The overall concensus was that the math was pretty easy.

2) Next, was a 60 second evaulation of your reading rate. You read a passage, and when the proctor says "stop" and you write the number down that is next the line of the passage that you reached. Very straightforward.

3) Third, was the Reading Section. You get 30 minutes to answer 33 questions. The passages were very similar to those in the ERI study guide, in terms of format. I suggest studying inference-type of questions, because those are generally the toughest. And try to practice speed-reading!

The above sections are what schools actually look at in determining acceptance, therefore, they are the only important ones. The sections below are not counted and are more just used as a diagnostic of your strengths/weaknesses for once you are in the program.

4) Written Expression. You get thirty minutes, for around thirty questions. This includes grammar and sentence structure, capitalization, etc. The ERI study guide has a great section on this. I actually didn't think this was going to be on the test! So it was a surprise to me, but luckily since I had the ERI study guide anyways, I skimmed it.

5) Basic Science. Fifteen minutes for fifteen questions. It covers basic Chemistry, Biology, Physiology, etc. I didn't remember much...but I think I did okay. I didn't know this was going to be on the test either!!

6) Stress-level. I think you get like 12 minutes for this or something. I don't remember how many questions there were. Easy.

7) Learning Styles. You get 20 minutes for this. Don't remember how many questions. Easy.

8) Test-taking skills. You get 20 minutes for this. Don't remember how many questions. Easy.

So anyways, if you are taking it at Samuel Merritt, the test is not computerized (phew!). But those of you who are taking it at other testing centers might want to call and find out...because if it is on the computer, you should definately take practice reading sections on the computer as well...because it is soooo different! For me at least!

Hope this was helpful...let me know if you have any other questions.

Diddle

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Hi Diddle,

That is interesting I took the NET @ Samuel Merritt in Sacramento at the end of may and had no science or grammar portion on my test???

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:studyowl: Thanks for the info. I will be taking the NET in two weeks and am studying as hard as I can. I'm just feeling a little stupid --- I've been an accountant for 20 years and still have to brush up on my math a lot -- I've used a calculator and computer so long I can hardly do things long hand! I have the Study Guide for The NET.................... THANKS!

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Specializes in CNA; LPN Student.

Thanks for the info!

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Specializes in Tele Step Down, Oncology, ICU, Med/Surg.

Hey Diddle:

Do you happen to know if/when Samuel Merritt allows you to retake the NET should one not do well on their first pass? I'm confident I'll do well, but you never know....

Thanks, g.b.

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The academic counselor in Sacramento told me Samuel Merritt allows you one retest.

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Hi Nodean

That is weird that the science and grammar section wasn't on your exam! Maybe they just changed it or something...I don't know. But in the end, only the reading and math ones are the important ones I guess, right?

Hi Diddle,

That is interesting I took the NET @ Samuel Merritt in Sacramento at the end of may and had no science or grammar portion on my test???

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Specializes in None...YET!.

Thanks for the helpful info. Great thread!

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Again thanks for the info Diddle!

Question: Is the math section word problems or is it just like the practice math tests in the ERI study Guide? I keep reading different things...

THANKS!

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The math problems are JUST like the math problems in the ERI study guide. So if you feel strong and confident with those, you will be fine. There are no word problems at all. Lots of fractions, decimals, percentages, division, multiplication, and algebraic equations (such as solving and simplifying them). Good luck!

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