Opinion: Do bad TEAS scores = Bad nursing students?

Published

Hello everyone. First of all, I am not the biggest dummy ever but I can't name any past standardized tests that I have aced. I have a 4.0 in prereqs, a 3.6 cumulative (3.8 last 60 credits) and I am extremely focused on becoming a nurse. I am currently focusing on schools/accelerated BSN programs that don't require a TEAS score. There are enough out there so this isn't the worst thing. However, there is a school right down the road from me that costs two-thirds less than others. This school requires the TEAS and IT IS WORTH 60 PERCENT YOUR ADMISSION SCORE!!! I have been looking at my guide book, taken a few excerpt quizzes and read tons of forum posts. I know that this test is going to give me plenty of trouble.

My question here is not how to study for this test. I have read all of the tips and I have nine months to study before I have to apply anywhere (most Accelerated BSN programs start in the summer). My actual question is:

Do you agree with the idea that a good TEAS score represents the ability to earn a BSN? Did you score poorly on the TEAS and earn your BSN? Did you get a great score but disagree with the idea that the TEAS is a solid indicator of success? Do you agree that the TEAS means everything? I would love to read lots of replies from lots of different people! Thank you!

Specializes in hospice.

TEAS V Study Package

I was decades out of high school when I took the TEAS. If you ever learned it, it will come back. If you didn't, buy the ATI prep book and go through it cover to cover. It's expensive if you buy it straight from ATI. You probably can find a much cheaper copy on craigslist or ebay or somewhere like that.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
Do you agree with the idea that a good TEAS score represents the ability to earn a BSN?
Multiple duplicate threads have been merged to remain in compliance with the site's terms of service. In the future, please remain mindful that identical threads in multiple forums are strictly disallowed. Thank you. :)
Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you. I am aware of that but my topic was in the wrong category. I wanted a discussion among grads about their experiences, not TEAS help.

Multiple duplicate threads have been merged to remain in compliance with the site's terms of service. In the future, please remain mindful that identical threads in multiple forums are strictly disallowed. Thank you. :)
Up Vote Up Vote ×

I was told today by the dean of my school that the Teas test is an excellent indicator for how well a person will perform on the NCLEX. She stated that their program is standardized test driven in that they require these type tests throughout the program in preparation for the big wig NCLEX. She also stated that the TEAS helps them weed out people that will most likely NOT be successful in the program. That being said I do believe the test ultimately will be a good indication on whether or not you earn a BSN because you need to take NCLEX to earn your credential as an RN. Then trek over to BSN. What is the point in obtaining a bachelors degree in a field if you can't perform and pass the standardized exam, I.e Board Exam?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I was going to ask a question similar to this. Ok, your Teas score is indicative of how you will fair through nursing school, but do they take into account that people study their butts off for this test? For example... on my first practice test before my science prereqs I scored a 58%. on the real deal after my prereqs were finished I scored 81.3% Does it still mean the same if you studied really hard?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

That is precisely why I asked the question. I wanted to perhaps hear from someone that either got a lousy score and is now a great nurse after passing the NCLEX or someone who took the test, did well, but can say that it wasn't "that" factor that made them a successful student. This post is categorized in TEAS Help now, not success stories so we probably won't get that answer.

I was going to ask a question similar to this. Ok, your Teas score is indicative of how you will fair through nursing school, but do they take into account that people study their butts off for this test? For example... on my first practice test before my science prereqs I scored a 58%. on the real deal after my prereqs were finished I scored 81.3% Does it still mean the same if you studied really hard?
Up Vote Up Vote ×
That is precisely why I asked the question. I wanted to perhaps hear from someone that either got a lousy score and is now a great nurse after passing the NCLEX or someone who took the test, did well, but can say that it wasn't "that" factor that made them a successful student. This post is categorized in TEAS Help now, not success stories so we probably won't get that answer.

In my opinion, how many years since you graduated HS has little to do with it. I graduated in 1991, and scored well on the TEAS V exam. Granted, we more seasoned people more likely have more need for preparation and study for the exam compared to fresh HS graduates, but it stops there. To go into an exam with the thought that you are incapable of performing well on the exam based soley on your age simply sets you up to accept a poor score. The reality is that you can overprepare and beat the national average by a long shot. To make my point, imagine if you studied 24/7 for a year for this test... do you really think that you would not score well simply because you graduated HS long ago? Of course not!

There are of course other factors of course, but in my opinion age or how long one has been out of school is the least relevant. Preparation and diligent study is the number one issue.

Regards,

LW

Up Vote Up Vote ×

As for the TEAS itself and what it represents... well I think overall that the test is pretty basic. So if one cannot study for it and do well on the test, then it is likely that the person would really struggle in nursing school because the material in nursing school goes beyond just basics. Being proficient at study and learning is key for success in the school and I think the TEAS is probably a decent indicator. I am not saying that scoring poorly predicts a poor nurse either. Some people express that they are not good test-takers... well there will be an abundance of tests in nursing school. Some claim that they are not good at math. Well, nursing school does require some basic math... so logically a student that struggles in math will struggle with say... dosage calculations or conversions.

For most people that score poorly on the TEAS, my guess is that it was for lack of preparation. Many think that they are prepared simply because they score well on the practice tests- often after having taken them repeatedly. This is not how one should prepare for a test!

Regards,

LW

Up Vote Up Vote ×

The teas is DEFINITELY not an indicator of how well you will do in nursing school. I got a 60 on the teas. And I finished nursing school a few weeks ago with honors! Nursing classes and exams are nothing like the teas.. Not comparable. In don't even know why they use it.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency Department.

The TEAS is an indicator, but isn't 100% reliable, and it's not the only indicator of student success in a program.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

i think the teas test and ones like them are getting future students used to the testing in medical programs, and specifically to predict their success in taking the boards - as its a similar style test.

they want to weed people out that get scared of tests, or that don't think well under pressure.

i took teas v at the age of 44 and scored high 90's simply because i had also been studying gre's (i have a bachelors already). i've always been a good standardized test taker, but i wouldn't have done as well if i hadn't practiced under timed conditions, and refreshed my basic math and problem solving skills.

I agree with a prior entry that it tests a little bit of academics, and ability to think critically under pressure. But doesn't say squat about you as a person, compassion, ability to work hard, people skills etc, all which make great health care providers. So I don't rely to heavily on my scores to think ill be a great nurse, so dont think if your scores aren't high that you wont be good in the profession. its merely measuring one aspect of the career - getting the RN license.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU, Trauma, Oncology.

The only thing the teas really does is determine if you've retained you basic knowledge from pre reqs. It levels the playing field because bio 101 is not the same when taught by different professors much less from school to school. Also schools are really looking for you to not only complete the program but pass the nclex. So it also determines your test taking ability.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion