Preparing for the TEAS exam (Test of Essential Academic Skills) in just two months can seem like a daunting task, but with the right plan and focus, it's entirely possible to achieve a great score. The TEAS exam covers four major sections: Reading, Mathematics, Science, and English and Language Usage and you'll need to be prepared in all areas to succeed.
In this article, we’ll provide a step-by-step guide on how to study for the TEAS exam in 2 months. With The Exam Hive’s resources, tips, and strategies, you’ll be well-equipped to ace the exam and reach your nursing school goals.
Step 1: Assess Your Starting Point
Before diving into your study schedule, take a practice test to assess your current level of knowledge. This will help you identify which sections you need to focus on the most. At The Exam Hive, we offer free TEAS practice tests that replicate the real exam, allowing you to gauge your strengths and weaknesses.
Here’s how to get started:
Take a Full-Length Practice Test: Set aside 2-3 hours to take a practice test under timed conditions. This will give you an accurate reflection of your current skills and help you understand the format and timing of the TEAS exam.
Analyze Your Results: Review your results carefully and note which sections need more attention. For example, if you’re struggling with science concepts like anatomy or chemistry, focus more time on those areas. Similarly, if math or reading comprehension is your weak point, dedicate extra time to practicing those sections.
Step 2: Create a Study Schedule
With only two months to prepare, it’s essential to have a well-structured study plan. The Exam Hive offers personalized study guides to help you break down your preparation into manageable tasks. Here’s how you can create your study schedule:
Plan Your Weeks: With eight weeks to prepare, divide your study time into four-week segments. In the first four weeks, focus on familiarizing yourself with the material and identifying any gaps in your knowledge. In the final four weeks, concentrate on review, practice, and reinforcing your strengths.
Set Daily Goals: Set aside 2-3 hours each day for focused study sessions. Each session should cover a specific section of the exam, such as math one day, reading the next, and so on. The Exam Hive has a variety of practice questions and study guides that make it easy to target specific skills and topics each day.
Include Breaks: Don’t forget to take regular breaks! Studies show that taking short breaks during study sessions can improve focus and retention. Plan for 5-10 minute breaks every 30-45 minutes of studying.
Step 3: Focus on Weak Areas
After reviewing your practice test results, focus your efforts on the sections that need the most improvement. For example, if you struggle with reading comprehension, practice reading passages and answering questions about the main idea, context, and inferences. Similarly, if math is your weak point, dedicate time to practicing algebra, fractions, and percentages.
Here’s how to focus your efforts:
Use The Exam Hive’s Study Guides: The Exam Hive offers detailed study guides for each section of the TEAS exam. These guides break down the material into easy-to-understand concepts, making it easier to tackle the sections where you’re struggling.
Practice, Practice, Practice: The key to improvement is consistent practice. Make use of The Exam Hive’s free TEAS practice tests to simulate exam conditions and identify areas where you need more practice.
Targeted Practice: Focus on your weakest areas during each study session. For example, if science is your weakest area, spend 3-4 days per week focusing specifically on anatomy, biology, or chemistry concepts.
Step 4: Use Active Learning Techniques
Passive learning (just reading through study material) isn’t enough to prepare for the TEAS exam. Active learning techniques, such as testing yourself and explaining concepts aloud, will help you retain information more effectively.
Here are a few active learning techniques to incorporate into your study sessions:
Teach What You Learn: After studying a topic, try to explain it to someone else or even to yourself out loud. Teaching the material reinforces your understanding and helps you identify areas where you may need more practice.
Self-Quizzing: Use The Exam Hive’s practice tests or flashcards to quiz yourself regularly. Testing yourself helps you retain information and boosts your confidence.
Visualization: When studying complex topics (like anatomy or math formulas), create mind maps or diagrams to visually organize the information. This will help solidify your understanding and make it easier to recall on test day.
Step 5: Take Regular Practice Tests
Taking full-length practice tests is one of the most effective ways to prepare for the TEAS exam. Regular practice tests will help you:
Get used to the time constraints.
Build stamina for sitting through a long exam.
Measure your progress over time.
Start with Full-Length Practice Tests: Use the first few practice tests to assess your baseline knowledge, then take additional tests as you progress in your study plan. Focus on accuracy and timing.
Track Your Progress: The Exam Hive allows you to track your practice test scores and see how you’re improving. Use these results to adjust your study plan and focus on the areas where you’re still struggling.
Simulate Exam Conditions: When taking practice tests, try to mimic the real exam conditions as closely as possible. Set a timer and make sure you’re answering the questions under timed conditions.
Step 6: Focus on Time Management
The TEAS exam is timed, so managing your time effectively is critical. Here’s how to improve your time management skills:
Practice Time Limits: When taking practice tests, set a timer for each section to simulate real exam conditions. For example, give yourself 64 minutes for the reading section or 54 minutes for math.
Don’t Get Stuck on One Question: If you’re stuck on a question, don’t spend too much time on it. Move on and come back to it later. This will help you avoid wasting time on difficult questions and ensure that you finish the exam on time.
Pacing Strategies: Divide your time according to the number of questions in each section. For example, in the math section, if you have 36 questions and 54 minutes, you should aim to spend 1-2 minutes per question.
Step 7: Review and Rest Before the Exam
In the final days before your exam, review the material and focus on reinforcing your strengths. Avoid cramming the night before, as it can lead to burnout and anxiety. Instead, take a day or two off from studying to rest and recharge.
Review Key Concepts: In the last 2-3 days, go over any challenging concepts that still need attention. Use quick study guides or flashcards to review important facts.
Rest and Relax: Take a break from studying and ensure you’re well-rested on exam day. Proper rest will help you stay focused and calm during the exam.
Conclusion: Achieving Success on the TEAS Exam in 2 Months
Studying for the TEAS exam in two months is an achievable goal if you follow a focused and structured study plan. By assessing your strengths and weaknesses, creating a detailed study schedule, using active learning techniques, and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared for the exam.
At The Exam Hive, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Our TEAS practice tests, study guides, and personalized resources are designed to help you succeed. Start your preparation today, and with two months of focused study, you’ll be ready to ace the TEAS exam!