So I applied to CSULA and didn't get in. I understand that they have standardized tests like the SAT and TEAS or GED. They "need" them because they wouldn't be able to differentiate the gpa from one school to another school. Okay I get that, whatever.
I take the TEAS and I get a 76%. I'll admit, I'm horrible at English. But my gpa was close to a 4.0. A in Anatomy, Physio, Micro, Stats, Chem. The only "B" that I have gotten were in some random history class or something. My friend on the other hand had straight B's and C's in her science classes and she scored higher on the TEAS and got into the nursing program.
SHE GOES TO THE SAME SCHOOL AS ME. Like, WHAT?!
Oh and btw, she didn't even VOLUNTEER. I volunteered over 150 hours. So the TEAS test which tests you on a couple of science questions, 2+2, grammar, and reading counts more than hours upon hours upon hours of studying, labs, and lecture/lab exams in a 16 week class? I just can't grasp my mind around this. How could they weigh so much on the TEAS to determine whether or not you will succeed in nursing school?
Am I going to be taking a reading test and math test at the end of each nursing class that I take? How in the world does the TEAS tell you that I am less qualified? Am I giving grammar lessons to patients that come in? Am I teaching them math? Am I there to take care of them with my knowledge of medicine or teaching them basic Algebra? I just don't understand how they could put so much weight on a single test. Two years, I tried so so hard to keep my 4.0 for TWO years and this test stomps on my dreams. It boggles my mind.
I spent six years in nursing education (while I was working on my own MSN) and as has been pointed out several times here, the TEAS is a test of ESSENTIAL ACADEMIC SKILLS. Both PN programs I was involved with had lower cut scores than most RN programs, but nevertheless were a good guide to how well an applicant was likely to do in school, and, more importantly, was strongly correlated with first time NCLEX pass rates.
The test is intented to evaluate the skills that a high school graduate should have mastered before the end of 12th grade. It is not rocket science, but does often indicate a PROFOUND lack of reading ability and basic math skills in the population. In fact, in my study (thesis) the scores on READING were most significantly correlated with academic performance in nursing school. (I had hypothesized math or science!).
Frankly, OP, if you cannot read and write, you are not going to do well, no matter how many hours you have volunteered. You must be able to understand content, connections, and make informed links between material. There is a reason both programs I taught in required an essay in the applicant's OWN handwriting....to see if someone could put together a legible essay without glaring spelling, syntax, or usage errors...and have it make sense. The lack of this is scary....too much text-speak and TV, not enough time with books and pencils!
OP - I think everything that could be said has been said here. I personally understand your frustration, it's not a good feeling to have worked so hard to keep a high GPA only to find out you've been focusing your energies in the wrong area of the application.
I will add that I hope you retake the TEAS after some studying and up your score. The fact of the matter is that most of us haven't had formal english and grammar lessons since grade school. We are also a generation where composition isn't used on a daily basis, leaving us prone to pulling in colloquial speech and grammar for our writing.
My advice, look at an ESL class (yes, english as a second language) work through the basic grammar and sentence structures to uncover your areas of weakness. It really does help - I upped my score by 15% in the English and Composition portion of the exam in the TEAS practice tests and ended up with a high overall score.
Great luck to you, I hope you're able to move forward from here.
I would like to know how you can review your TEAS5 exam questions. Is there anyway to do that to see what you missed? I took it and only got a 73. I am planning on taking it a 2nd time in a few months. Also, since most schools are not using the interview process, then they cannot possible know who a candidate really is and what their personal level of integrity or strengths and weaknesses are. To become an RN almost feels like a near impossible feat! Everything I have read about says not to give up and keep trying. For all those lucky RN students that made it in on their first try I applaud you! For those of us who must attempt again to gain access into this elite group, I pray all of us will be chosen for our intellect as well as our human gifts.
Your score report should have the topics you missed on it
Unfortunately, looking for nursing programs involves researching the requirements of individual programs and finding one that appreciates your strong suits, grades in your case. Some here focus entirely on TEAS and a writing test, others healthcare experience and reccomendations, others are heavy on GPA and community involvement. If you don't want to mold to a particular school's ideals then you have to come up with other options.
With dedication and the proper tools (the TEAS study guides), it is entirely possible to become good at English...at least per TEAS standards. And you may retain some of what you learn for application during your nursing career! That being said, don't discourage yourself. Many who score poorly on the TEAS are accepted to excellent nursing programs. The test doesn't define you, it simply uncovers your strengths and weaknesses and gives you a chance to better particular areas and mold yourself in to a more well rounded student!
Putting your obvious anger at being rejected, look at the hard facts. Grade inflation has made it necessary to weed out those who truly KNOW the basics in more of a way than memorizing it in chunks to get through the test only to forget it later on.
grammar, if you cannot properly communicate that puts your patients at risk due to illegible, or unclear charts.
reading is even more important. if you cannot deduce the idea of what the author is saying how will you grasp abstract nursing concepts?
math goes without saying. make a mistake and you'll cause injury even death.
Better yourself and lose the woe is me attitude. Life is about making your own path, not being handed everything only to get smacked down when you hit a wall due to your lack of knowledge and unwillingness to learn.
Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.
Oh, I have to add. I had an acquaintance who took all her sciences with this one teacher (bio, micro, A&P 1 & 2). I took micro & A&P 1 with different teachers & got Cs in both classes. I took A&P 2 with the same teacher she did. I took A&P 2 during a summer semester with a full course load. I made an A in that class, I'm assuming she did too (as well as As in the rest of her sciences).
We both applied to a local university's BSN program. She got in, I didn't. I don't know how much she actually learned in those classes since the professor was really easy & she made other people do her work.
So you might have strong grades but obviously grades can't be everything!
trishmsn
127 Posts
I spent six years in nursing education (while I was working on my own MSN) and as has been pointed out several times here, the TEAS is a test of ESSENTIAL ACADEMIC SKILLS. Both PN programs I was involved with had lower cut scores than most RN programs, but nevertheless were a good guide to how well an applicant was likely to do in school, and, more importantly, was strongly correlated with first time NCLEX pass rates.
The test is intented to evaluate the skills that a high school graduate should have mastered before the end of 12th grade. It is not rocket science, but does often indicate a PROFOUND lack of reading ability and basic math skills in the population. In fact, in my study (thesis) the scores on READING were most significantly correlated with academic performance in nursing school. (I had hypothesized math or science!).
Frankly, OP, if you cannot read and write, you are not going to do well, no matter how many hours you have volunteered. You must be able to understand content, connections, and make informed links between material. There is a reason both programs I taught in required an essay in the applicant's OWN handwriting....to see if someone could put together a legible essay without glaring spelling, syntax, or usage errors...and have it make sense. The lack of this is scary....too much text-speak and TV, not enough time with books and pencils!