TEAS exam failure

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Hello,

After taking the TEAS exam I have been feeling pretty depleted lately. The first time taking it I winged it honestly. Never studied for it and just felt like I could pass it without studying honestly (bad choice). My first attempt I received a grade of 64%. For my second attempt I bought the ATI TEAS study manual along with the practice A & B tests. I took the practice tests and I was getting low 80's-high 80's on both. I was feeling pretty good honestly understanding the material and looking forward to testing again. Today was my second attempt and after completing it received a grade of 62%. I have finished all my prerequisites for the nursing program and the only thing holding me back is the TEAS exam. My overall GPA is a 3.5 with a competitive GPA of 3.1. My hope was to get an 80 or higher on the TEAS exam for a good outcome regarding the nursing application because the application points mainly come from the TEAS. Last I checked it makes up 60% of it.

I have been doubting myself all day today after failing this exam twice. Doubting my abilities in regards to the nursing program and if this is a sign that I am just not cut out for nursing. I truly want to be a nurse but it seems like I can't pass this test no matter how much I study for it. The school I am applying for is West Georgia Technical college.

Has anyone ever been in a similar situation to me? If so what advice do you have? What did you do for better study methods? Thank you for anyone who read this post.

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If you’re young (20s/30s), time shouldn’t be a factor. Retirement age is 65+...you’ll have many years to work. I’m 32 and just submitted my applications yesterday. If I don’t get in, I’ll apply next round! Check how many times you can retake the test and go for it. Don’t give up just yet.

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Specializes in ICU.

What have your scores been in each of the four areas (science, math, English, and reading)? Did you score similarly in these sections both times you took it? This might help us narrow down a specific problem. If this is your dream, don't let the TEAS of all tests be the one that robs you of your dream.

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On 9/26/2018 at 12:30 PM, NYCNative21 said:

I have been doubting myself all day today after failing this exam twice.

Please don't give up. I know it seems like a far reach, I know you failed a few times and that it's scary to try again because you're afraid that you may not pass or may not be fit for the program. You have a high GPA, and I know you want this. I really hope you go for it.

You need to find the study method that works for you. You are cut out for this. You are good enough, and you will succeed. Please keep trying, please go for it!! Good luck.

I went through similar type of situation last semester but this doesn't have to do with the TEAS exam. I took anatomy and Physio and a psych at the same time. I never took a science course before so Physio was very hard for me and it was an extremely tough professor. I failed a lab exam, and couldn't get a high score on any exam. I thought about giving up. I thought nursing path wasn't for me. I sound dramatic but I was so hard on myself because it was such a tough class without a science background. I thought I wasn't good enough many times. I put in countless hours of studying even when I thought I wouldn't make it out with a good grade after all of that hard work. Somehow I passed each class with an A. With physiology it was by 1% getting that A, but I did it. I found a study method that worked for me by the end and I learned how to do well for that professor.

I guess my advice would be never give up!! You are worth it, and even when you fail a few times, just please keep showing up. It's not a failure. You need to keep at it.

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On 1/15/2019 at 8:13 PM, Pre.Nurse_tobe said:

I’m 32 and just submitted my applications yesterday. If I don’t get in, I’ll apply next round!

I like your attitude!!

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18 hours ago, NursingStudentakr said:

I like your attitude!!

Thank you! I’m all about positivity and trusting the process!!!

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Hey- This is such a bittersweet thread. I say that because I know exactly what you are going through. I started school in 2014. I went away to a University, applied to the Uni's nursing program that I attended twice and was denied twice. I then applied to Chamberlain CON and was accepted, passed the HESI on my 2nd attempt and all, and was ready to attend, that is until I met with the FIN-AID department and was informed that I would have to take out an $8,000 private loan for my first year of classes and on top of that, would have to take additional pre-reqs that were similar to what I had already taken in the past. My parents would not sign on my private loan so I take that as a blessing in disguise.

There's this school that I applied to called Resurrection here in Chicago a while ago, because I strongly felt I would not get into the Uni I was attending due to how competitive it was, which I was right, my intuition is strong. I called Resurrection, talked to them about my situation and they did nothing but help me apply into the program.

With this being said, my biggest obstacle, just like yours is passing my TEAS! The first time I took it I got a 62% (I need a 68% to be accepted into my program), The 2nd time I took the exam I got a 60%! I was extremely discouraged, I wanted to cry, I could not understand how my score went down! I bought the smart prep on the TEAS site and didn't use it all that much but took my test for the third time and got a 61%. I'm going to be honest and say I was extremely discouraged once I started my 3rd exam because the moment I started testing I noticed the reading passages were the exact same passages from the first time I took the test, so was science. I did well in science 70% and reading I got a 59%, I have always been amazing at reading. On my first attempt I got a 83%.

I want to say that it is my nerves and insecurity that is holding me back from getting the score that I need. I am 23 years old. Everyone tells me I'm young and have time, which they are not wrong..., but this is exhausting!

Rememeber there is failure in all success. Michael Jordan failed so many times before he became one of the best players. Just remember these types of test are designed to discourage you, they do not measure your intelligence. Anyone could go in and take this test and just by guessing, get high scores.

I can honestly say I am proud of myself for not giving up and being this determined because many others would have given up. I have a point to prove to myself and that is what matters most. We can do this, people who want things the most always have to face more barriers than the one's who could care less, but I believe in us. We need more nurses like us, driven and hungry when it comes to our career and anything else. We should stay in touch, i'm going to apply for my test for a 4th time and this will be my final exam, I will not score anything less than what I need and I wish you the best as well!

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Specializes in Nursing.
On 4/8/2019 at 4:50 PM, Brittney Harvey said:

Hey- This is such a bittersweet thread. I say that because I know exactly what you are going through. I started school in 2014. I went away to a University, applied to the Uni's nursing program that I attended twice and was denied twice. I then applied to Chamberlain CON and was accepted, passed the HESI on my 2nd attempt and all, and was ready to attend, that is until I met with the FIN-AID department and was informed that I would have to take out an $8,000 private loan for my first year of classes and on top of that, would have to take additional pre-reqs that were similar to what I had already taken in the past. My parents would not sign on my private loan so I take that as a blessing in disguise.

There's this school that I applied to called Resurrection here in Chicago a while ago, because I strongly felt I would not get into the Uni I was attending due to how competitive it was, which I was right, my intuition is strong. I called Resurrection, talked to them about my situation and they did nothing but help me apply into the program.

With this being said, my biggest obstacle, just like yours is passing my TEAS! The first time I took it I got a 62% (I need a 68% to be accepted into my program), The 2nd time I took the exam I got a 60%! I was extremely discouraged, I wanted to cry, I could not understand how my score went down! I bought the smart prep on the TEAS site and didn't use it all that much but took my test for the third time and got a 61%. I'm going to be honest and say I was extremely discouraged once I started my 3rd exam because the moment I started testing I noticed the reading passages were the exact same passages from the first time I took the test, so was science. I did well in science 70% and reading I got a 59%, I have always been amazing at reading. On my first attempt I got a 83%.

I want to say that it is my nerves and insecurity that is holding me back from getting the score that I need. I am 23 years old. Everyone tells me I'm young and have time, which they are not wrong..., but this is exhausting!

Rememeber there is failure in all success. Michael Jordan failed so many times before he became one of the best players. Just remember these types of test are designed to discourage you, they do not measure your intelligence. Anyone could go in and take this test and just by guessing, get high scores.

I can honestly say I am proud of myself for not giving up and being this determined because many others would have given up. I have a point to prove to myself and that is what matters most. We can do this, people who want things the most always have to face more barriers than the one's who could care less, but I believe in us. We need more nurses like us, driven and hungry when it comes to our career and anything else. We should stay in touch, i'm going to apply for my test for a 4th time and this will be my final exam, I will not score anything less than what I need and I wish you the best as well!

Love this ❤️ This is exactly what i needed to Hear your strive To become a nurse is just amazing. I completed the teas for the first time today and did not make the score needed for my program to be competitive. I would love to keep in touch with your progress. But good luck on your upcoming teas exam

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