Retaking the Teas not feeling Motivated at all... Someone Help Me!

MurseJJ · Feb 14, 2014

Hi! I recently took the TEAS for the first (and only) time, and got a 90% (99/97th percentile). Here is what I used:

-the ATI book. I read this completely. I started with the science section, then math, then english, then reading. I focused on the areas I knew I had to review. I did all of the questions in the book, as well as both practice tests. Whenever I got a question wrong, I would read the explanation and make sure that I understood why I got it wrong.

-Mcgraw-hill 5 TEAS Practice Tests-Admittedly, I didn't do a timed TEAS. I just went through the questions in this book. These tests are a little more difficult than the ATI practice tests, mostly because they test material that isn't found on the TEAS V, but previous versions of the TEAS. I did the same thing I did as in the ATI manual: read the explanations for incorrect answers and understand why I got it wrong. If the explanation wasn't enough, I Googled it.

-TEAS Secrets Book-this is a short book that covers most of the material found in the ATI book, but sometimes it's more understandable (it's also shorter). I read this book twice-once thoroughly, as well as the practice questions, and the second time was the day before the test, mostly just skimming to refresh my memory. I saw one girl had this book in her hand at the test, I guess quickly reviewing just before (they tell you to do that in the book).

-Basic Math Review for Nurses-I highly recommend this book. It explains most of the math (can't remember if it covered algebra) found on the TEAS. It's been awhile since I was in high school, and I forgot things like how to multiply and divide decimals, and things like that. This book is very helpful, and includes lots of practice questions, with answers and explanations for all. If you're weak in math, get this book.

Those are the only resources I used. I started by going through the ATI manual (and did the Math for Nurses book while I was reading the math section in ATI), then when I was about half done with that, I did a practice test in McGraw-hill, then finished the ATI manual, did both practice tests in there, did 3 more MGH tests, read the TEAS secrets, did all questions there, then did the last McGraw-hill test and reviewed TEAS secrets the day before the actual test.

For Reading, I focused on the different styles of writing and how to identify them (like expository, technical, narrative, etc).

For Science, I was good with most of it, but had to focus on basic physics (like gas laws, potential energy/kinetic energy), as well as classifications (like Kingdom, Phylum, etc) Yes, that was on the test.

For Math, I was good with most of it as well, but focused on Roman numerals (yep, on the test), and those inequality questions. Everything else was easy to me, and I strongly suggest you get the Math Review for Nurses, in addition to the TEAS manual, if you have difficulty.

For English, I was good with that. I only really had to review parts of speech (like adverbs, adjectives) and punctuation.

Anyway, hope that's helpful. How much time do you have? I assume it's at least the 45 days you have to wait to retake? If so, you have more than enough time, just sit down and focus on studying. I dedicated time to study, and took a book with me to work to study when I wasn't doing anything.

If there's a specific area you're having difficulty with, just ask and we can help you! :)

NurseRee-Ree · Feb 15, 2014

Thank you so much for these helpful tips, I actually have the MGH book but I figured that the ATI book was better but I will study with both, I will also get the Math Review for Nurses because I suck at math that was my downfall on the test the first time and the science so I will start off with the Math, then Science and then review the rest. I plan on taking the test March 25th because the deadline for my school is April 1st. What material was on the science part I forgot did you use the ATI book for the science? I am actually using my friends A&P book or should I use another book for that section???

tasheena · Feb 15, 2014

I have been studying the exact same materials as well. Very helpful resources! I've been out of college 7 years. I highly recommend the math review for nurses! Math is my weakest! Another book I've been studying to help with word problems is the Math Word Problems Demystified I've been studying on and off since December. Im taking the teas on Tuesday :) feeling pretty confident. Yes, the Teas secrets book is straight explanations. Easy to understand. Im thinking of taking that book day of test and my own notes. I hope i past! I need a score higher than 62%. But definitely check into all book mentioned above.

MurseJJ · Feb 15, 2014

Thank you so much for these helpful tips, I actually have the MGH book but I figured that the ATI book was better but I will study with both, I will also get the Math Review for Nurses because I suck at math that was my downfall on the test the first time and the science so I will start off with the Math, then Science and then review the rest. I plan on taking the test March 25th because the deadline for my school is April 1st. What material was on the science part I forgot did you use the ATI book for the science? I am actually using my friends A&P book or should I use another book for that section???

Yes, if math is hard, then definitely get the Math Review for Nurses, it's extremely helpful (but remember like I said that a few topics on the TEAS aren't covered in that book, so use it in addition to ATI). For the science I used the ATI book, as well as TEAS Secrets. You should focus on the ATI book (in addition to TEAS Secrets if you get that), and not the A&P book, because the science section covers more than A&P. There will be chemistry, very simple physics, maybe 1-2 earth science, and general bio stuff (like genetics/punnett squares). These are all covered in the ATI book. There were maybe 1 or 2 questions I had that weren't covered there, but at least one I knew because we had just gone over it in A&P II. The main thing to realize though is that you need to focus on the ATI book. Make sure you understand it completely, and supplement with other books.

And do all practice questions/tests you have! This helps you be familiar with the format of the questions, which can be tricky sometimes.

Hope that helps!

MurseJJ · Feb 15, 2014

I have been studying the exact same materials as well. Very helpful resources! I've been out of college 7 years. I highly recommend the math review for nurses! Math is my weakest! Another book I've been studying to help with word problems is the Math Word Problems Demystified I've been studying on and off since December. Im taking the teas on Tuesday :) feeling pretty confident. Yes, the Teas secrets book is straight explanations. Easy to understand. Im thinking of taking that book day of test and my own notes. I hope i past! I need a score higher than 62%. But definitely check into all book mentioned above.

Good luck! And yeah, I'd say take the book with you on test day. At least for me, I had about an hour of time from getting there to actually beginning the test (check in took forever, then they gave a restroom break, then we waited a bit for any late people). Perhaps in that time you can quickly skim it.

NurseRee-Ree · Feb 15, 2014

Thank you for those helpful tips I have at lease 6 weeks hopefully I can take it all in within that time frame!!!! I will officially start studying tomorrow until March 25th when I take my test I am shooting for a 85-90 %!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WISH ME LUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Molly12 · Feb 26, 2014

I just took the TEAS today for my first time. I am discouraged because I didn't do well, and the science portion is really bugging me. I also feel like when I retake it, I am going to fail again. I am thinking about buying an online practice test. I don't want to buy it because it is expensive for me, but its an option that could help me out more. The lady there told me to score high in reading and science because those are the two sections that have the most questions in. And it's also hard for me because currently, I am a senior in high school. I have homework and tests from that I have to do and study for. I am also taking a college class, I have a mob, and tennis season is starting in a couple weeks. So I feel so overwhelmed with everything. Trying to get into college and pass all of my classes. I thought I did way worse than I actually did. I am not sure when I will retake, but I definitely need to study, study, study science. Any tips with science would be great!!!

Scorpio26 · Mar 3, 2014

Hi! I just took the TEAS in February and didn't do so well as well. I myself have been feeling unmotivated due to not doing so well. For me, the sections that I thought I was going to do well in I did horribly in. So, I've been quite down on myself , Luckily, I have a great support system to help me get my confidence back. For the first test I only used the McGraw-Hill study guide. Now, I have the ATI book, Basic math review for nurses and will go back over the McGraw-Hill study guide to retake some of the tests. I guess the point of me writing this is too say don't get too down on yourself about the first test, just take your time and study as much as you can for the second test and you will do just fine! Good Luck ! :up:

NurseRee-Ree · Mar 3, 2014

Thank you so much for those encouraging words. I am currently studying everything in the ATI book and the McGraw-Hill Practice test at times when I get an question wrong on the practice test I feel discourage and feel like I will fail again but I am hoping that I get some extra money to get the online practice test. But I will continue to study in the meantime!!!!!!!!!!

Future#nurse · Apr 2, 2014

hello,

How long did you have to wait to retake the test? do u know where to the Retake Teas exam info.

Please help!!

THank you

LA,CA

NurseRee-Ree · Apr 3, 2014

You have to wait at least 30 days before you can retake it again, you can go on the ATI website and check the test location in your area to see the availabilities.