Need help understanding test score...

pandorasbox · Mar 8, 2010

Hi! I was wondering if anyone could help me figure out my NLN test scores. I have already been told that I did not pass, that the cut off score was 70.
So my question is, which score do they mean is the cutoff score? Do they mean my composite score? My composite percentile score? Or my score for each section on the test. I am very confused lol. Any help would be appreciated!

That really depends on your school. For example, my school first looks at the Composite Percentile Score in the ALL section and then the Percentile score of the verbal in the ALL section. They do not consider the composite score at all, nor the raw scores. From reading this forum I'm finding out that all schools do their own thing so you will have to ask the nursing advisors what it is they consider. Is this the first time you're taking the exam? Look at your raw scores and see which area(s) you need to bump up. Take time to study and retake the exam. I'm sure you will do better next time around. Good luck!!!

Michelle132 · Mar 9, 2010

Thanks for your help! It was my first time taking it, I scored really high on the verbal section, and low on the math and science. I have tried to get information from the school, but they are not very helpful. All they want to tell me is to take it again in August. So hopefully I will do better next time!

pandorasbox · Mar 9, 2010

Me too!! I scored very high on verbal and just average on math & science. Have you tried looking at your school's catalog to see if it explains the NLN scores? Maybe you can get some insight there. My school explains that more-or-less in the admission requirements page. If you can't find anything in the catalog make an appointment with the advisor and insist (nicely) that they explain to you what areas they use to rank students.

What state are you in? what school? I'm in Illinois....

Michelle132 · Mar 9, 2010

My school does not even have a catalog or book, so it's hard to find out anything. Hard to believe, but true. I'm in Florida. It's not a college, it's Okaloosa Applied Technology Center. The thing is is that the staff is not friendly and they do not want to help. I was so upset today that my mom called the school to ask a question about how they score, and they would not tell her. They refused and when we asked to speak to a counselor, they said they had no counselors. So I really don't know what to do...

pandorasbox · Mar 9, 2010

Hmmmm.....that doesn't sound right at all. Maybe keep trying until you get someone that is willing to help you. Are you able to retake the exam in less than 6 months, or do you have to wait a whole 6 months before retaking? My school only allows retakes every 6 months so that's why I ask. At any rate, study some more, take practice tests, etc. This will help build your confidence for the real test.

I just thought of something......maybe you can ask to speak to the President of the school. If it is a tech school it should be easier to get a hold of that person. I say this because I've had friends that attended a vocational school here, and the President was almost always available. Just a thought..... Good luck!!!

Michelle132 · Mar 9, 2010

I have to wait 6 months. But like you mentioned, I will study more, and it gives me a lot of time to prepare. And I will definitely try to talk to the President! I never thought of that. Thank you!