Should I retake the TEAS?

(David) · Nov 1, 2018

Hi everyone,
Im starting my nursing applications but I still have time to retake the TEAS if I need to. I scored an 84% on my first try but I dont know if thats enough to get into a nursing program in california. My GPA is about a 3.8 and I've never had to retake a class. Should I retake the test, or should I be okay with the 84%

Where are you applying in CA? With the schools I applied to (BSN only) in the SF Bay Area, I wouldn't settle for anything less than about a 90-92 - the higher the better.

It really depends on how competitive it is in your area. Most BSN schools in the Bay Area have many hundreds of applicants each semester so the higher score is needed. However, elsewhere I have heard an 84% is enough.

Best thing is to look on the schools' websites and/or call them to ask for the average TEAS score from previous accepted classes.

Good luck!

tshigeru, CNA · Nov 25, 2018

what did you use to study for the TEAS? the programs I'm looking into require a 70% or higher overall, so i would be happy with that. But hey, if you know you can do better then I say go for it!

MRAPRN808 · Oct 4, 2019

An 84 is pretty sad. You wouldn't even be able to get into kapiolani community college without at least a 90 and a 4.0 gpa. You should take it again. it doesn't hurt to retake it because they take the highest score. I think anyone with less than 90 is sad. it's sad that anyone has to keep retaking it to even score high. I graduated from UC Davis with a an ABSN and USC with an DPN. i'd recommend UC Davis as they don't require a TEAS if you have a bachelors already.

Etak, BSN, RN · Oct 5, 2019

It really depends on the school. I’m in the Sacramento area, and while 84 isn’t competitive, it’s also not a deal breaker if you have points from other things. Again, that depends on the school. Speak a second language? First generation student? Healthcare experience? Veteran? Stellar GPA with no W or repeats? Are you a local student to the school you’re applying to? These are all things I’ve seen at the various schools in my area that can compensate for a less competitive TEAS score. If you don’t the criteria for these extra points, it basically comes down completely to your teas and you need over 90.

Personally, I’d retake it if you have nothing to lose by doing so. The worst that can happen is you end up with a higher score to apply with. Good luck! Nationally, 84 is a solid decent score and not something to scoff at. It’s just tough in competitive, impacted areas where your seat in a program can come down to 1/10th of a percent on the teas!