TEAS V Advice?

Honey Clover · Dec 26, 2015

Math is basically following a logical set of steps to obtain a solution from a problem. The Teas test mainly contains simple math problems that are covered in the ATI manual and keshwani YouTube videos. My advice is after reviewing both resources, Google online practice problems/math exams, and do them repeatedly until you get the hang of the logic of mathematics. I suggest Khan academy too. That website makes you do different math problem over and over again until you get it right. Okay I'm just gonna be blunt. If you already think you will do bad on the TEAs, you WILL indeed do poorly. I know it's hard when you feel you've always been bad at something but if you keep feeling that way, it's going to impact how you study now and eventually later on, how you do on the exam as well. That's no way to approach a difficult situation. Nursing school will be 10x more difficult than any Teas test so this will be good practice in building your self esteem. Keep things neutral and logical... Meaning, don't think about how much you don't know and all your past failures with math. Instead, think about what you DO know and build upon it. Look at each problem/math concept one at a time and figure out a way you can understand it. Do practice problems on that specific math concept until you get the hang of it. Then continue on with another concept or type of problem. Build upon your knowledge. Repeat that until you cover all the math concepts in the ATI book, then test yourself with long practice exams. If the problems are already difficult for you or you're making simple addition/subtraction mistakes, then I suggest going back to basic math and doing long addition/subtraction or division/multiplication to improve your attention to details. Again, find a way to get to the root of the cause as to why you aren't doing well right now. It takes some discipline but it's worth it in the end. Hope this helps!

sadieb95 · Dec 26, 2015

Well hey, I appreciate the bluntness! The logical, rational part of my brain fully realizes that and tells me to stop, then you have the other part that's like, "what's multiplication?" it's frustrating, because I've never done poorly or below average in any math class I've taken, I just freeze up when there's a time constraint flashing in my face. I'm sure anybody with test anxiety can vouch for me-standardized testing is a nightmare. But anyways, I really like your way of thinking! It's far more optimistic than mine has been, so I'm going to try my best to adopt it. :) I feel ready for nursing courses, and I know that I can excel because I've always been a 3.8 GPA high school/college student. I just feel like this test is a roadblock, and I haven't even taken it yet! So here's to taking it by storm.

Advice from anybody is appreciated if you have something to add!

RaggedyAm · Dec 31, 2015

When I was taking the TEAS practice exams for math online I noticed that most of the questions were things I learned in grades 6 through 9, which I remember very little of. So what I did was go to khanacademy.org (make an account, it's free and amazing!) and start at grade 6.I have always dreaded math. I've been terrified for so long and this site/program is the ONLY thing that has calmed me down. I'm now starting pre calc on KhanAcademy and I never thought I'd be saying that I'm starting to enjoy math...but I am!!

Good luck!!

FDF288 · Jan 2, 2016

Everything everyone has mentioned here is right on point. I was never great at standardized tests but my TEAS scores were great because I made it a point to remain focused, logical, and calm during the test.

If you have 3 weeks to study, utilize those 3 weeks. Study consistently - don't cram. Make some kind of plan for yourself to make sure you don't end up cramming because it'll just make you more anxious. For instance, study for the English/grammar portions Mon and Tues each week, science on Wed and Thur, and Math on Fri-Sun. It doesn't have to be this exact model but you get the picture. The math portion was basic algebra, but it focused on concepts that I definitely had to review extensively before the exam.

Take as many practice tests as you can so that you're familiar with the way the questions will be worded. This made a huge difference for me as well, especially in maintaining my composure during the test. Since I had already seen these kinds of questions a million times in the practice tests, the only things tripping me up were the actual numbers, not the concepts, which isn't a problem as long as you take your time to do the calculations.

Stay positive and keep telling yourself you're going to do great. It really makes a difference! If you know you have test anxiety, practice some breathing exercises or make it a point to listen to a guided meditation every other night or so on youtube. It can be a 5-10 minute thing and you'd be amazed at the results! You're going to do just fine. Good luck!

sadieb95 · Jan 22, 2016

Update: math ended up being my highest score. LOL! Life is so weird sometimes. Good luck to anyone taking the TEAS! You've got this-just breathe.