5 Common Mistakes Students Make on the TEAS and HESI A2 (And How to Avoid Them)
Nurse Logic
Introduction
Preparing for the TEAS and HESI A2 exams is no small feat. Many students spend weeks or even months studying, only to find themselves struggling with certain sections of the test. But what if the reason you're not scoring as well as you'd hoped isn't because you didn’t study hard enough? It's possible that you're unknowingly making some common mistakes that could hurt your score.
In this article, we’ll break down the five most common mistakes students make on the TEAS and HESI A2 exams and, most importantly, how to avoid them. By understanding these mistakes and learning from others' experiences, you can increase your chances of success and boost your confidence on test day.
Mistake 1: Not Understanding the Test Format
Many students fail to pay enough attention to the exam's structure and format, which can result in poor time management or misinterpretation of the questions.
How to avoid it: Familiarize yourself with the exact format of the TEAS and HESI A2 exams. Know how many questions are in each section, how much time you have, and the types of questions you’ll face. This will help you pace yourself during the exam and avoid unnecessary stress.
Tip: Use The Exam Hive’s practice tests to simulate real test conditions and get a feel for the timing and question types.
Mistake 2: Underestimating the Reading and English Sections
It’s easy to think of the reading and English sections as "easy," especially for those who feel confident in their language skills. However, many students are surprised by how challenging these sections can be, especially when questions require a deep understanding of the material.
How to avoid it: Take the time to practice reading comprehension and English grammar regularly. Don’t just breeze through these sections—read carefully and focus on understanding the nuances of each passage.
Tip: Use targeted practice from The Exam Hive to review key grammar rules and sentence structures and practice reading passages at a timed pace.
Mistake 3: Skipping Over the Science Section
The Science section of the TEAS and HESI A2 can be intimidating, and many students struggle with this part. Skipping over or neglecting to study key areas like Anatomy and Physiology or basic biology and chemistry can seriously affect your score.
How to avoid it: Prioritize your study time for the Science section and break down the topics systematically. Spend extra time on high-yield topics like Anatomy and Physiology, as they tend to come up frequently on both exams.
Tip: Focus on memorizing the basics of human body systems, especially the cardiovascular, respiratory, and digestive systems, as these are often tested heavily.
Mistake 4: Not Taking Practice Tests
Many students study hard but forget the importance of practice tests. Practice tests not only help you assess how much you’ve learned, but they also give you a feel for the test’s timing and pacing.
How to avoid it: Set aside time each week for full-length practice tests. Make sure to take the practice tests under timed conditions to simulate the real exam experience.
Tip: After each practice test, review your mistakes thoroughly. The Exam Hive’s practice tests provide rationales for every answer, helping you understand why you missed certain questions and how to avoid the same mistakes on the real exam.
Mistake 5: Cramming the Night Before
While staying up all night cramming may seem tempting, this is a huge mistake. Cramming the night before the exam will not help you retain the information for the long term and will only leave you feeling exhausted and stressed.
How to avoid it: In the last few days before the exam, focus on reviewing key concepts and practicing a few questions, but don’t try to learn new material. Prioritize rest and mental clarity to ensure you are fully prepared.
Tip: Take breaks during study sessions, eat healthy, and get a full night’s sleep before the exam day to ensure you’re mentally sharp.
Conclusion
Avoiding these common mistakes can make a significant difference in your TEAS or HESI A2 exam performance. Understanding the exam format, taking time to practice, and focusing on your weakest areas will set you up for success. At The Exam Hive, we are here to guide you every step of the way offering comprehensive study materials, practice tests, and expert advice. Check out our latest study guide for even more in-depth strategies!
Take the time to follow this strategy, and you'll walk into the exam room feeling confident and ready to tackle any question that comes your way.