10 Tips To Pass The TEAS
So, you’re nervous because now you’ve gotten past the hump of applying to nursing schools and gathering all necessary documents to send off, but now you have to sit for these entry exams. No worries! I passed my TEAS on the first try. Here is what I did and what I recommend.
DO NOT go into the TEAS dry. I know plenty of us hear that we should take tests like these first without studying so you can get a gist of what the test is like, but don’t. You may end up psyching yourself out if you get a low score, you probably won’t learn much about what you need to focus on, and it’s a WASTE OF COINS.
Here’s what you SHOULD do:
Schedule your test at least three to four months out from when your application is due so that way you can have time enough to retake the exam if you have to. The TEAS allows you to retake the exam in 30 days. (I know, I know, if you’re like me, you waited until the very end to even sign up so now you need a crash course on how to prep in less than a month. No worries, the rest is all that I did to prepare and did amazingly well).
Take Sample/Practice Exams. These are available online for free if you want to try your hand at some shorter mini assessments. These are good for down-time at work or on a lunch break if you have access to the internet. A quick google search of “Practice TEAS test” can land you on any of these places that are great practice areas: https://www.mometrix.com/academy/teas-practice-test/
Get your hands on a test prep book. You can find them cheap(er) on Amazon. I chose to order both the HESI prep booklet and the TEAS prep booklet from Amazon (as I was studying for both). I found that using both to prepare for the exams was worth-while. HESI booklets are more concentrated on sciences and TEAS is general knowledge of subjects. At the time of my preparation I used this book for the TEAS and this book for the HESI. I’m sure Amazon will guide you to an updated version of the books.
Once you have the test prep books, I suggest you take the practice exams first and then score yourself. When you are looking over the exam you should NOT look at the correct answer, but rather look at what subject matter it was that you missed. This will allow you to see what you need to be focusing your studying on and then you can spend your time productively. Once you’ve brushed up on that topic, retest. You can block off the answer choices with a sheet of paper and only look at the correct letter, or whatever works best. This may seem confusing, if you cannot stop yourself from memorizing answers, have someone score you and tell you what the question was asking and you’ll be able to figure out where you need work.
If you plan on studying for two weeks or two months, have a study schedule. Life happens, but if you plan around your study times as best as you can, then you should be fine. Expect to block off about 4 hours at the least of your day if you’re doing a 2 week session.
Don’t overdo the studying. I blocked off about 4-5 hours of my day to just review and do practice exams. Also, make sure you practice taking the exams with a timer. You’ll be able to see what your nerves do when you’re timed.
Choose an exam time that works for you. If you find that taking exams in the morning is when your brain fires the best, then don’t schedule a late exam time. If you need it to be in the evening, then go for an evening time. Also, with that being said - make sure you don’t schedule anything stressful for exam day. You may not be able to concentrate.
Don’t waste your time on answers you just can’t figure out. Take an educated guess and move on. Usually your brain knows the answer and that first guess is probably right. No second guessing.
Get rest the night leading up to your exam. No need to do another run-through, or cram any information. You should make sure you are relaxed and well rested for your big day. You don’t want to go in with a foggy mind.
Get there early and make sure you know where you are going. If you arrive late to your exam you automatically cannot enter and take the exam. You’ll have to reschedule and pay your money again. Unless you’re rich and ready to waste money, I’d advise you get there on time. By getting there early enough, you’ll also be able to shake off any nerves before getting into the room and get your mind right.
Pro Tip 1: There are HESI prep and TEAS prep apps available on android and also iPhone. Go ahead and download them and also just test your knowledge on the different subjects that they allow. You’ll get a feel of how they ask questions and where you may be weak at.
Pro Tip 2: Don’t try to study or take an exam while exhausted. Get rest and make sure you have snacks ready while studying. Make sure you take about 10 minute or 30 minute breaks for every 1 or 2 hours if you’re planning long study sessions. Your mind can’t retain anything worthwhile if you’re not rested.
Pro Tip 3: Reward yourself with fun after you’ve studied. I usually like to tell myself I can’t go out on the weekend if I don’t study first. Once I finish, I’m free to go out and have fun. Also, reward yourself after your exam no matter the score. You studied, you gave your all, and you still deserve to unwind.
At the end of the day, you should do just fine if you’ve prepped yourself and are confident. A lot of the time we psych ourselves out when it comes to exams like this. Remember that you’ve got this and one exam doesn’t determine your entire future. You can retake it if need be. Breathe and get to business.
- Begum, Over And Out ;)