Questions about the Pre-entrance RN exam

emtb2rn, BSN, RN, EMT-B · May 6, 2006

Which specific test are you talking about? There are a few different ones out there. I took the NET which is math and reading. The math was basic algebra which I hadn't done in, oh lets say decades. I spent a month brushing up (got some books like Algebra Unplugged and Algebra for Dummies) and scored in the 85th percentile. The reading was pretty much speed and then comprehension. I'm better at reading than math and scored in the 99th percentile. Don't take these tests cold - practice, practice, practice...

amiee · May 6, 2006

I think I will be taking the paper test in my campus. Yeah I did find the reading part is hard because, I tried to read it fast but i didnt get the right answers. lol.

Travellpro · May 6, 2006

Ask your school what they recommend for a study guide. The people who write the NET test also write a study guide so it helped me tremendously before I took the test and I passed with flying colors.

CTRNTOBE · May 7, 2006

First of all, slow down. You are probably rushing because of the time limits. When I took the NLN, not one person I spoke to ran out of time.

The test is pretty much like the book's sample tests. Go on line and look for basic physics info and also some prefix/suffix info.

Just take your time and read everything, don't skip around. Pick one letter to bubble when you don't know (I picked C and used it everytime).

Good luck

barbnyc · May 8, 2006

Hi everyone,

I took the NLN-PAX exam in April and did very well. I attribute my success to doing every exercise in the MacDonald book and completing every test in the back of the book. I started the book about 6 weeks before I took the test. I had to spend extra time in addition to the MacDonald book doing math problems without a calculator. Review all of the answers you go wrong in the practice book.

The test is manageable once you are prepared. Don't spend too much time on any one question. Use a timer when you take the practice tests at home to see how you are managing time. If you find yourself running out of time during your own practice, spend extra time reading and doing math problems. The internet has a lot of math websites with practice problems.

I had to get my brain in shape and I can honestly say spending the weeks before the test getting prepared for the math gave me more confidence. If you're cramped for time, try to focus on your problem areas.

I had about 10 minutes remaining after each section (80 verbal, 54 math, 80 science). The NLN I took was 3 hours and in paper format.

Good luck and trust you have what it takes to succeed!

jpaschen · May 8, 2006

Aimee,

I sat for the NLN exam back in January and I, like yourself, have been out of school for quite a while. The Macdonald book was an ok tool to help you prepare, but beware--there are quite a few physics (ohms questions) that are NOT in the study guide! as well as several questions on chemistry laws. As far as the math is concerned, KNOW your ratio proportion problems! also be prepared to solve several story/word problems, there are tons of them! very little algebra on the test.

In my opinion the reading and vocabulary was the easiest part of the exam. I do agree with the other people, in that you should allow as much time as you can completing the sample tests. It is a bit of a challenging exam- especially for someone who doesn't have the information fresh in their mind. Even though I studied for the exam, I did feel rushed for time trying to complete the math and science sections of the exam (although I did answer all the questions).

In the end I scored in the 85th percentile and I am wait listed for the program I was trying to get into. Also just FYI- when I took the NLN exam, about 70% of the people that were there were RETAKING the exam! so just to give you an idea.....

I hope this helps you out! Good luck!!!