Taking the NLN PAX RN on Friday...

[mich9385]

...and I am so nervous! I'm taking it at Farmingdale State College. I've been studying but I feel like I'm not studying enough even if I study for 5 hours a day. Has anyone taken this test recently? What should I expect? What should I really focus on? I feel pretty confident with the math and the vocabulary but I am FREAKING OUT about the science (physics) part. Any advice?

[shakeytails]

I just took mine today, the computer version. At the end I was afraid to look at my scores because I was afraid I'd totally bombed the science part. I've been out of school for over 20 years, and though I'm taking A&P1 now, I've forgotten almost everything I knew about earth science and physics and such. I actually did bomb the science part- my raw score was only 47 out of 60- but surprisingly it was still in the 97th percentile. I was totally thrilled with my composite of 156. I had the MacDonald study guide, but barely used it because I thought I wouldn't have to take the test for another month and I didn't have time to study it.

The math was pretty easy, I only missed one, but I've always been pretty good at math. There were a few exponent questions (glad I did a quick brush up on that!) , a few "solve for X" type problems, and several fraction problems. If you can't quickly "solve for x", plug the answer choices into the equation to find the correct one. "Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally" is a good thing to remember. Watch for decimal places, especially if the question has a % in it. I was surprised that I almost ran out of time for math- I used every bit of 60 minutes. Skip the ones you can't figure out quickly and go back to those at the end.

I missed 3 on the English portion- which I guess isn't too bad since I don't read as much as I should. For the vocabulary, if you don't know the meaning of the word or the answers, look at the roots to try to figure it out.

Good Luck!

[oldcatlady71]

KL2010,

I took the test on 2/28 for Farmingdale and was accepted. I basically read the Macdonald book front to back and highlighted a lot of the science part. I took all the practice tests. I am not the greatest math student so I thought that would be my weak point but I ended up doing the worst on the science portion. I scored an 89 (or 129 composite) Well I ended up having trouble with the math and ran out of time and had to guess a few.

I am not trying to say all this to scare you because I went in with terrible expectations I did not think I was going to do well at all but it ended up being easier than I thought. The fact that it is on the computer is very convenient just have a lot of scrap paper. All in all make sure you study and do the best that you can do!

Good luck hope this helped!!

[lillysmomma]

Hey everyone,

Sorry for popping in late on your thread, but I had a question. The online version of the NLN PAX, can it be taken any day any time, or is it certain days & times like the ones scheduled at colleges?

Also, how does the scoring work? All the schools I'm applying to require scores of 50 or above on all sections to even be considered... how do they figure out that score? Is it the # you got right?

Thanks!

[987!]

Oldcatlady - What was your GPA and compostite percentile score when you got accepted? I ask because I took the NLN today and got a composite score of 121 with an 82 as the composite percentile score.

[lexuan]

Is it true that if you test on the computer you receive your results right then? I hope so...I would hate to wait for those!!

[SingingRN2Be82]

lexuan -

Yep, it's true. On the computer version you can get your results immediately after finishing the exam! Best of luck to you!

[shay&lynn, ASN, RN]

does anyone know how they get the percentile score?

at my school [which just started this test] they require a score of greater than the 50th percentile on a national standard...can someone explain that to me?

[Rachg03]

Hello,

I am soon taking the PAX test and I have read what you all have wrote about the questions, but what about the essay? It's worth 15 points, so I was wondering what the essay is on? Do they ask you a specific question or is it a free for all?

Thanks!

[shay&lynn, ASN, RN]

Hello. Best of luck on the PAX.

My school didn't have an essay question on it...only multiple choice.

-jennifer

[ruaalien2]

The NLN I took only had the multiple choice, no essay.

I got a 132 and I think it was the 92 percentile?

Biggest tip I can give, for the paper version: make sure your answering in the right section and the right numbers!

[Multi-tasking Mommy]

Hello all. Took the PAX-RN today at Farmingdale computerized. I got a 133 composite score which under AD percentil is a 92% overall. I feel good about this and my AD scores were Verbal 74%, Math 96%, and Science 91%. Does anyone know if this should be good enough to get into the program??? So stressful. I hate the waiting game!