Teas V... just scared

nlitened · Oct 4, 2014

Totally understand...these tests are so important for getting into nursing school, and you never feel 100% ready. But don't let it stress you out. You seem to be a good student, and have given yourself enough time to study. I am sure you will do just fine. Good Luck!

LoyalWeim · Oct 4, 2014

dave1234,

Your fears are palapable which is understandable given that you are shooting for an 87%. You sound like somebody that is actually quite prepared for the test. This is stating the obvious, but going in with nerves rattled is not going to help you at all. If anything, it will hurt your score. In my opinion, the night before the exam you should take the night off. Do something you really enjoy and that hopefully burns some energy a bit so that you sleep better. A lot of people provide very good advice on taking these tests, but rarely do we seem to even think of the obvious ones... relaxation and rest. You need to be sharp in the morning (assuming this is a morning test). If you are stressing out now, then you could easily be in trouble simply because you cannot fall asleep. So, in my opionion study for a few more days, but the night before you take "me" time. Go out, have a nice dinner and a movie... jog around a lake... etc... The day before the exam, I was a nervous wreck so I went dancing. I had a few adult beverages and danced a lot! I came home that evening fairly exhausted and sweaty. I took a long, hot shower and went to bed. I don't think that I would have fallen asleep as easily if I had not gone out that evening.

For me, I ate very lightly in the morning. You do not want to risk stomach upset nor do you want your body working hard on digestion when you want it working hard mentally/in the brain. But each is different here too- so do what you think works best for your body. You need energy, but you don't need a comatose-like brain from overindulging either.

Other than this, it seems that you have done your best already. Hopefully, you have taken as many sample tests as possible along the way during these past two months? If you decide to take the ATI online assessment tests, be advised.... they are quite difficult in my opinion. I did much more poorly on those than the actual test. However, they are great for providing more depth and study to help do better on the real thing. I wonder though, that in your case it might actually be counterproductive because you are already nervous and scoring less than an 87% would simply freak you out. If you still had say two weeks to test day, then I'd say to take the online test.

If you don't mind me asking, why does your entire career ride on this one test? Re-takes are not allowed? You cannot apply again next year? And why the 87% minimum- how did you come up with this number?

Regards,

LW

dave1234 · Oct 4, 2014

This year was the first year that the teas was required for entry into the program. When I originally started my pre-reqs they required about a 3.8 GPA in the pre-req classes along with an interview.

When I visited the nursing department they informed me that the average teas was an 87 give or take, and they will only allow you to take it two times within two years, from the time you submit your original test scores. I am able to retake it, but am hoping thats not the case.

Jay-bo · Oct 6, 2014

I don't know if you live in a state of over achievers or what, but the national average score on the TEAS-V test is a 64. Where they got 87 is beyond me. I made an 84 on the test and my national ranking was 94th percentile. The highest score I was able to make on the ATI practice tests was a 74, but when I took the actual test I did much better. Don't freak out.

LoyalWeim · Oct 6, 2014

Jay-bo,

I am with you on this one. I suppose that maybe dave1234 is looking to attend a very prestigous school. I understand how going big/Ivy can be beneficial, but I wonder how many people get caught up in the name of an institution. I mean, some of these students are graduating college owing over $100,000. Is it really worth it? I am not advocating necessarily to attend a no-name college either... To each their own I guess!

Regards,

LW

FLstateGirl · Oct 6, 2014

I understand where dave1234 is coming from because in order to get into a Bachelors program in most the Universtities in Florida, you need a minimum of 78%. One school requires at least an 82 and these are just minimums which will not really get you access into the program even with a nearly perfect GPA. The programs are extremely competitive and not Ivy league by any means. I also am aiming for an 85 or better on my second take of the test. I hope you did as well you wanted dave1234!

dave1234 · Oct 7, 2014

I took the TEAS V through PSI testing which makes me wait 48 hours until the scores are posted. As you can imagine I'm practically dying inside wanting to know what score I got. Ill keep everyone posted.

LoyalWeim · Oct 8, 2014

FLstateGirl,

Thanks for clarifying... wow that is crazy competitive! Best wishes on your retake!

Dave1234,

Take that well-deserved break! We are "pulling" for you! :)

Regards,

LW

sam1971 · Oct 10, 2014

What did you get Dave? Sending positive wishes and thoughts that you got the score you needed.

dave1234 · Oct 10, 2014

I got a 75, which isn't as high as I wanted. Im scheduled to retake it again on the 28th and hopefully I can shoot that up. I think what got me was the constant time going down. Thats all I could focus on.

LoyalWeim · Oct 11, 2014

dave1234,

I am sorry to hear that and I am sure that you are stressed about it. It sounded like you studied very hard for the test. Did you time yourself during practice tests? Which sections did you run out/low time? And which area(s) surprised you in scoring lower than expected? Did you read the link on this website from rainbowvahmet? It is very helpful and thorough.

Regards,

LW