TEAS V Anxiety*

BloomNurseRN, ASN, BSN, RN · Jul 30, 2012

Take a few deep breaths, it will be okay! I am a 32-year-old woman who started back to school in 2009 after having been out for about 6 years. I left due to personal issues (having lost my father suddenly) while studying a different major. When I came back in 2009 I had some medical experience (medical office, billing, transcription, etc) but had never taken any courses. After having taken both Anatomy and Physiology classes that were required I prepared myself for the TEAS exam. I did not, however, taken chemistry or any other earth science before taking the TEAS.

The first time I took the TEAS test I really didn't study as much as I could have or should have. I received a 74%, which is okay (and would have gotten me into the LPN program at my school) but I wanted better. I purchased the ATI Study Guide and used it for a full month. I really focused on the areas that I did not do as well on when I took the TEAS the first time. I also worked with a friend to study, as I tend to retain things when I talk out loud and work problems out that way. After having studied for a month with the study guide I took the TEAS again and scored an 84% (enough to get me into the RN program!). I was very happy with that score. I still did not do fabulous in the earth science area, as I still hadn't taken chem, but it was better and for that I was thankful.

I was obviously not right out of high school. I am naturally good at math and scored very high in that area. Otherwise I had about a 3.8 in high school and a 3.7 GPA in college before nursing school. It's not easy and the studying is boring but break it up into sections. Work with someone if that's an option. The study guide is worth it and if you're able to get through it, it will definitely help you to be more successful. Good luck!

nurynmarrone · Jul 31, 2012

Thanx for your words of wisdom. I sincerely appreciate it. I'm going to get this started because time is flying and 8/25/12 is right around the corner. I hope to be as successful as you. Crossing my fingers!

CallieNM, ASN, RN · Jul 31, 2012

First of all, take DEEP BREATHS! :yawn:

Have confidence in yourself, and you study study study!

The first time I took the TEAS in April I scored a 60.4%. I am 26 years old, so definitely not out of high school. My current program GPA is 3.81 so not the brightest crayon in the box, but doing okay.

When I saw my TEAS score, I about had a heart attack. How could I score so poorly on a test about ESSENTIAL SKILLS?! Things we've learned in high school, possibly even in middle school.

I got the ATI Study Guide and focused on everything! I also visited the library and got extra books on reading comprehension, algebra, biology, grammar and chemistry. And I found a Paramedic friend to help me with chemistry because that is what killed me on the first test!

I retook the TEAS on July 13, 2012. I went into the room ready to kick some test butt!! I took my time on the test, used ALL the time I had available. And just tried to relax. ( I have horrible anxiety, not so much test anxiety, but when I feel stuck I begin to panic. Being in a room for 3 hours with a door shut and not being able to run out of the room mad it act up a little bit...)

I walked out of the room with an 80.7% !!!! I was ecstatic! I know its not a 90%, but I am not an over achiever- I was happy with my 80% .

I know it will be hard to concentrate. I am a stay at home mother with 2 kids and a potty training puppy. I can't do coffee or soda or any caffeine because of my anxiety. And my husband is gone all the time doing asphalt in here in Georgia, he might as well be deployed again. :cry:

I am sure you will do fine!! Turn off the computer and sit in a quiet room and make yourself study. At least read the study guide while doodling. You're mind will pick things up.

Good luck to you!!!!!!!!!!!! Keep us posted on how you did!

nurynmarrone · Jul 31, 2012

Thank you! I'm studying as we speak! Those deep breaths do help lol I will definetly keep you guys posted! P.S. You ladies are strong. If I had kids I don't know how I would manage all this!

FutureNurse114 · Jul 31, 2012

I was getting ready to get on here and post the same thing. I'm actually taking the test this Friday, yikes! I've been studying for months off and on, as much possible for a single mom, working 40 hours a week. I'm a nervous wreck!! The science is getting to me. :/

BloomNurseRN, ASN, BSN, RN · Jul 31, 2012

It's not easy but it's 100% worth it. I have a 5-year-old and an almost 4-year-old, which makes studying a challenge sometimes. You just have to schedule it and treat it like a job. Good luck and definitely keep us posted on how you do! :-)

christina731 · Aug 1, 2012

I took mine for the 1st time and scored a 71%. I did well in reading and science, barely passed math and failed english. I have been in college on and off for 9 years but I have not taken an english or math class in probably 5 years so I think I just forgot the basics. I also just skimmed over the study manual which was a HUGE mistake. I darn near had an aneurysm when I saw my failing score. I too was shocked that I failed an "essential skills" test. The 2nd time around I studied the manual from cover to cover, multiple times and scored a 77% and passed in all 4 sections. According to my school, (ADN program at a community college) my score was "exceptional". I didn't think so but it is what it is and I'm not going through the stress and aggravation of re-taking it. They also give you information on which areas you performed poorly on your test report so I studied those areas even more. I know it's tough but you just have to study, study, study! Good luck!! :)

daisygarten · Aug 5, 2012

Good advice! I'm taking mine for the first time in September. I have a study book but am currently putting all of my study energy into algebra (prepping to take the CLEP on the 22nd), when that's behind me, I will take on a subject per day-- keeping a notebook of info that stumped me or things that are new-- I've been out of high school for more than 20yrs, so my perspective is, I will put all I have into succeeding; but if I don't this time, I will get it next time!

I'm planning to apply for the Fall 2013 term, but if I don't make it, I will shoot for the Spring 2014. I will keep trying until I'm in!

CallieNM, ASN, RN · Aug 5, 2012

Good advice! I'm taking mine for the first time in September. I have a study book but am currently putting all of my study energy into algebra (prepping to take the CLEP on the 22nd), when that's behind me, I will take on a subject per day-- keeping a notebook of info that stumped me or things that are new-- I've been out of high school for more than 20yrs, so my perspective is, I will put all I have into succeeding; but if I don't this time, I will get it next time!
I'm planning to apply for the Fall 2013 term, but if I don't make it, I will shoot for the Spring 2014. I will keep trying until I'm in!

With age comes wisdom. You got this. I know because you have your mind in the right spot!! I have not seen anyone on here say "...but if I don't this time, I will get it next time!"

I was devastated when my first test came out 65.4%. I studied my butt off and the second time I got an 80.7% in a little under 3 months. (Thanks to the ATI study guide too...)

So proud. =)

sjtrk · Aug 5, 2012

I haven't taken my TEAS V yet, won't take mine until this fall so I don't know how well my study tip is actually going to work but I thought I'd share just in case. : ) I got a 5 subject notebook and as I'm reading each section in the ATI study book I'm making notes of important things to remember, ex: for the reading portion I have outlined things like the title, main idea, etc. my 5 the subject area is for my own personal notes on what I need to study more on as I take the practice tests. I'm more of a quick visual learner so it's easier for me to read my notes on each thing I need to learn than to go back over the entire section in the study guide, of that makes sense. When I read a short definition my brain is sparked to remember all the other stuff I read about it. I don't know if that helps at all but I thought I'd share. Good luck!!! I wish you much success!

adntobe · Aug 12, 2012

Here's some feedback from my experience taking the TEAS a few days ago:

I took the TEAS V yesterday and wanted to share some of my observances:

1) My testing facility had a large computer lab (filled with people, with overflow going to another lab), and when we walked in we showed our ID and chose a chair. All books, water, phones, etc. were placed on a large table. Each station had one pencil and three pieces of blank paper. We started at the same time.

2) We all had to log in according to what test we were there for. I would say there were 25% taking the TEAS for RN and 25% for LPN. The remaining 50% were taking the HOBET (Allied Med). One thing I noticed, they gave different log in codes for specific TEAS/HOBET tests..if you were taking the TEAS V for the first time you got one code, if it was your second time got a different code, etc. I'm sure this is to make sure you don't get the same test.

3) The computerized test was in the same format as the practice tests you can buy on the ATI website. I found it helpful to already be familiar with the style of testing. When you buy the online practice tests you also know which subjects take the time allotted since there's a timer on the practice test, just like the real thing. Also, they allow you to take a break when you finish a session, just like the online practice. The timer starts when you select the "start section" button.

4) The HOBET people seemed to leave more quickly than the TEAS people.

5) Our scores were available on line about two hours after the test. Our Proctor said that everyone's time (in the 8 areas around the county that were giving the test starting at 9am) must expire before posting.

6) The scores were broken down into the four sections, and they gave you a score for each one, ie. Science, Math, Reading Comprehension, Grammar. They also gave you a composite score and where you stand in the national percentile for the test.

7) I used the ATI study books, McGraw Hill study books, and the ATI online practice tests. I really thought the ATI online tests were worth buying, especially if you are nervous about taking the test. I also found Quizlet to be quite helpful (type in Teas V and loads of flashcards will pop up).

8) I scored an 82 overall, and I will retake it soon because I know I can do better now that I really see how the test works. I ran out of time for math and didn't finish 6 of the questions. I had not paid attention to how long it took me to complete the math when practicing, so now I know. Algabraic equations, percentages, and figuring out how much something costs seemed to be a common theme. I found the practice tests were harder than the real test. Again, time was my enemy. I'm usually a pretty fast test taker, but not this time. English/reading was very similar to the books and practice tests, so if you got those down, you'll be fine. The science section was random, just as everyone says. I did notice a theme about bonds, reactions, acid/base, photosynethesis, derm layers (ectoderm, etc), organs/glads, and a question about the beakers and taking some ml into one test tube, then another, then another. The McGraw book went into a lot of Physics, so don't overstudy that section. You'll need to know about potential/kinetic energy, too. Not nearly as bad as I envisioned it to be, and I had enough time to finish that section.

9) Bring earplugs if you are easily distracted. There was a lot of coughing, throat-clearing, and sneezing going on.

I hope this helps some of you, especially those with test anxiety. I have been out of school for 30 years (chemistry, algebra too) and was very nervous. So many people had told me "Oh, you'll do fine" that I felt like I wanted to smack them since most had no earthly idea about how much time and effort it takes to do well on this test, especially since they revamped TEAS V. Then you have to worry about your score being high enough to get into your nursing program. Ugh! Good Luck to all. I'm sure you'll do fine.:loveya: