You’ve taken the first big step toward a nursing career by registering for the TEAS exam. That single action represents the beginning of a life-changing journey—a path toward compassion, care, and professional fulfillment. Whether you’re fresh out of high school, returning to school later in life, or simply shifting paths toward healthcare, the TEAS is your gateway to nursing programs across the country.

The Test of Essential Academic Skills, or TEAS, isn’t just another standardized test. It is specifically designed to assess your readiness for nursing school by evaluating the academic skills essential for success in rigorous health science programs. The exam includes four major sections—science, mathematics, reading, and English and language usage. Together, these sections form a powerful filter that helps schools determine who’s prepared for the academic challenges ahead.

But here’s the truth: over 40 percent of students who take the TEAS end up taking it more than once. That number is not meant to scare you. Instead, it reveals how essential proper preparation is. Most who struggle on their first attempt aren’t lacking intelligence or potential—they’re simply underprepared. The good news is that success on the TEAS isn’t a mystery. With the right strategy, materials, mindset, and dedication, you can maximize your performance and take that next step with confidence.

Why the TEAS Matters More Than You Think

While the TEAS score is just one factor in the admissions process, it can be a decisive one. Your application may include grades, letters of recommendation, interviews, and personal essays—but the TEAS score is the one standardized metric that gives admissions officers a clear picture of your academic readiness. That means this exam has the power to move your name from the waitlist to the acceptance list.

A strong score on the TEAS can also make up for less-than-perfect grades. If you’ve struggled in science or math classes before, your TEAS performance is an opportunity to show admissions committees that you’re capable of mastering those subjects now. It’s your chance to rewrite your academic story, and for many aspiring nurses, it becomes the turning point in their educational journey.

Understanding the TEAS Format: The Four Core Areas

Before diving into the preparation process, it’s crucial to understand what exactly you’re preparing for. The TEAS is composed of four timed sections:

1. Reading – Tests your ability to comprehend passages, identify themes, analyze arguments, and follow instructions.
2. Mathematics – Focuses on numbers, algebra, measurements, data interpretation, and word problems.
3. Science – Covers topics in human anatomy, biology, chemistry, and the scientific method.
4. English and Language Usage – Assesses grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and vocabulary.

Each of these sections is tailored to reflect the real-life demands of a nursing curriculum. For instance, nurses must be able to follow written instructions accurately, make quick calculations under pressure, understand biology and human physiology, and communicate clearly with patients and medical teams. In other words, the TEAS is designed not just to test your knowledge, but your ability to apply that knowledge in meaningful, high-stakes situations.

Laying the Groundwork for TEAS Success

The key to doing well on the TEAS isn’t just cramming a week before your test date. It’s about building a consistent, smart, and personalized study plan that gives you enough time to grow, reflect, and master the material. Many successful test-takers report studying for six to eight weeks, balancing their preparation with school, work, and family life. That kind of timeline gives your brain the space to retain information and build confidence steadily.

So how do you begin this preparation journey? The first step is self-awareness. Before you even open a textbook or take a practice test, you need to assess your current strengths and weaknesses. Are you great at reading but rusty on math? Do you breeze through biology but struggle with grammar? Knowing your baseline helps you avoid wasting time on areas you’ve already mastered and focus instead on what needs improvement.

Creating a Study Schedule That Works for You

Every student’s life is different. Some are full-time workers, others are juggling parenting responsibilities, and still others are balancing college coursework. That’s why your study schedule must be tailored to your unique rhythm. Start by carving out consistent blocks of time—whether it’s one hour each morning before work or three hours on weekend afternoons. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but it must be realistic and sustainable.

Break your study blocks into focused sessions by subject. For example, dedicate Mondays and Wednesdays to math, Tuesdays and Thursdays to science, and reserve weekends for reading and grammar practice. Rotate topics weekly to keep your brain engaged, and always allow time for review.

It’s also important to schedule regular assessments to track your progress. Short quizzes at the end of each week can help you measure how much you’ve retained. Full-length practice tests every two or three weeks simulate the actual exam environment and train you to manage your time under pressure.

Choose Study Resources That Match Your Learning Style

There’s no shortage of study resources out there—books, flashcards, video lessons, practice tests, and even mobile apps. But the best materials are the ones that match how you learn. Some students prefer traditional reading and note-taking, while others thrive with interactive video content or audio explanations they can listen to on the go.

Visual learners often benefit from colorful charts, labeled diagrams, and infographics—especially in science and anatomy. Auditory learners might consider recording their own notes or using podcasts that explain math concepts and grammar rules. Kinesthetic learners, who learn best by doing, might gravitate toward practice-based activities like filling out worksheets, solving problems with physical tools, or teaching concepts to others.

No matter your learning style, make sure your resources are aligned with the structure and content of the TEAS. The more closely your materials resemble the real exam, the better prepared you’ll be.

The Role of Practice Questions and Assessments

It’s one thing to study a concept. It’s another to apply it under pressure. That’s where practice questions come in. They simulate the kinds of challenges you’ll face on test day and train your brain to think critically and quickly. But not all practice questions are created equal. Focus on quality over quantity.

Make sure each question comes with a detailed explanation—not just for the correct answer, but for why the other options are wrong. This kind of analysis helps you understand how questions are constructed and how to avoid common traps. Keep a notebook of questions you got wrong and revisit them regularly. This habit reinforces your learning and builds test-day resilience.

Avoiding Burnout and Maintaining Motivation

Let’s be honest—studying for a major exam can feel overwhelming. It’s easy to start strong and then hit a wall of fatigue or frustration. That’s why it’s crucial to pace yourself and build rest and recovery into your plan. Take short breaks every hour to stretch, breathe, or step outside. Celebrate small wins, like scoring higher on a quiz or mastering a tricky concept.

Create a study environment that energizes you. Find a quiet, well-lit space. Put your phone on silent. Use a dedicated notebook or binder to track your progress. Add motivational quotes to your study area to keep your spirits high. And most importantly, remind yourself regularly why you’re doing this. Every page you study and every question you answer brings you one step closer to your goal—becoming a nurse.

 Mastering the Language-Based Sections of the TEAS – Reading and English Skills That Matter

Once you’ve committed to preparing for the TEAS, the next crucial step is understanding how to approach each of the four content areas. Among these, the Reading and English & Language Usage sections play a major role in assessing your ability to comprehend, analyze, and communicate effectively—skills that are essential in nursing school and your future clinical practice.

Whether you’re identifying a main idea from a patient care report, interpreting technical instructions on a medication label, or editing a chart note for accuracy, language-based skills show up in daily nursing responsibilities. That’s why these sections of the TEAS matter just as much as science or math. Fortunately, there are effective, practical strategies that can help you improve your performance and gain confidence with language-related tasks.

Understanding the TEAS Reading Section

The Reading section of the TEAS tests your ability to read various types of passages and answer questions about them. It assesses your comprehension, logic, and ability to interpret meaning. On the surface, that might sound simple—after all, you’ve been reading since elementary school. But the TEAS Reading section is designed to challenge how quickly and accurately you can extract important information under time pressure.

You’ll encounter questions that ask you to determine the main idea, locate supporting details, evaluate arguments, draw inferences, and recognize logical structures. The texts might range from narrative and expository passages to procedural instructions or even charts and visual data.

Building Effective Reading Comprehension Skills

Improving your reading skills is less about speed and more about strategy. The key is active reading—engaging with the text as if you’re having a conversation with it. Start by skimming the passage to get a general sense of its purpose and tone. Then, go back and read more carefully, highlighting or underlining key ideas, transitional words, and keywords that indicate contrast, causation, or emphasis.

After reading a paragraph, pause and paraphrase it in your own words. This helps reinforce the content and ensures you’re not just reading but truly understanding. As you practice, begin timing yourself. Train your brain to read efficiently without losing comprehension. Set a timer for five minutes and read a short passage, then summarize it and answer three or four questions about it. Over time, your ability to process and recall key information will improve.

Identifying Main Ideas and Supporting Details

On the TEAS, you’ll be asked to identify the main point of a passage. This is often the central argument or message the author is trying to convey. The main idea is usually found in the first or last paragraph, but not always. Supporting details, on the other hand, are the facts, examples, or explanations that back up the main idea.

To master this skill, look for repeated themes or ideas. Ask yourself, “What is the author really trying to say?” and “What facts help prove that point?” Practice this with everything you read, from news articles to blog posts. Over time, you’ll develop an instinct for locating and organizing the structure of any written piece.

Making Inferences and Drawing Conclusions

Inference questions on the TEAS require you to go beyond what’s explicitly stated and use logic to fill in the gaps. For instance, a passage might describe a scenario in which a nurse must respond to a patient’s declining condition. Even if it doesn’t say outright what the nurse should do next, you’re expected to infer the proper response based on context.

To practice, read short passages and ask yourself what is implied but not directly said. What can you reasonably conclude based on the facts presented? This skill mirrors real-life clinical judgment, where nurses often make quick decisions based on indirect clues and patient cues.

Recognizing Text Structures and Author’s Purpose

Another important component of the Reading section is understanding how a text is organized. Is it comparing and contrasting? Describing a sequence of events? Explaining a cause and effect relationship? Recognizing these patterns helps you predict what’s coming next and how the details relate to each other.

Likewise, identifying the author’s purpose—whether to inform, persuade, entertain, or explain—is essential for answering higher-order reading questions. Clues such as tone, word choice, and sentence structure can help you decode why a passage was written and what point it’s trying to get across.

Test-Taking Tips for the Reading Section

Here are a few tactical strategies for reading success:

• Read the questions before the passage to know what to look for.
• Eliminate obviously incorrect answer choices quickly.
• Look back at the text to find direct evidence for your answers.
• Don’t overthink; go with the most straightforward, evidence-based choice.
• Use the process of elimination to narrow down your options.

Now let’s turn to the English and Language Usage section, which often feels intimidating to students but is entirely manageable with the right approach.

Demystifying the English and Language Usage Section

The English and Language Usage portion of the TEAS evaluates grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, word choice, and spelling. It is designed to assess how well you understand the mechanics of written English and whether you can apply this knowledge accurately. Why does this matter? In the healthcare setting, even a minor error in written communication can lead to major misunderstandings. That’s why precision in grammar and clarity of language are highly valued.

This section can be especially tricky for those who haven’t reviewed grammar rules since high school. But don’t worry—brushing up on these skills is easier than you think.

Key Grammar and Usage Topics to Review

Start by reviewing basic parts of speech—nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, prepositions, and conjunctions. Understand how these components work together to form grammatically correct sentences. From there, focus on:

• Subject-verb agreement: The subject and verb must match in number.
• Pronoun-antecedent agreement: Pronouns must match the nouns they replace.
• Verb tenses: Be consistent with past, present, and future tenses.
• Modifier placement: Keep descriptive words close to the words they modify.
• Parallel structure: Use consistent grammatical structures in lists and comparisons.

Use grammar exercises to reinforce these rules. Practice identifying the error in a sentence and rewriting it correctly. Pay attention to explanations to understand why a choice is right or wrong.

Punctuation and Sentence Structure

Knowing where to place commas, apostrophes, colons, and semicolons can seem like a minor detail, but on the TEAS, it’s often the difference between a right and wrong answer. Focus on the basic uses of:

• Commas: separating items in a list, before conjunctions in compound sentences, and after introductory elements.
• Apostrophes: showing possession and forming contractions.
• Colons and semicolons: linking related ideas or introducing lists.

You’ll also need to recognize fragments (incomplete thoughts) and run-on sentences (two complete thoughts joined incorrectly). When practicing sentence correction, ask yourself: does this sentence express a complete idea clearly and correctly?

Vocabulary and Context Clues

Another part of the English section tests your knowledge of vocabulary, especially as it appears in context. You might be asked to define a word based on the surrounding sentence or paragraph. This skill is vital for medical professionals who often encounter unfamiliar terminology.

Practice by reading challenging texts—such as academic articles or non-fiction—and highlighting words you don’t know. Try to guess the meaning from context before looking it up. Over time, this strengthens your intuition for language and helps you build a broader vocabulary base.

Strategies for Tackling English Questions Effectively

• Read each sentence aloud in your head to hear mistakes.
• Eliminate answer choices that sound awkward or wordy.
• If unsure, go with the clearest, most concise option.
• Don’t get distracted by fancy-sounding grammar; focus on clarity.
• Review the basic rules regularly so they stay fresh.

Blending Both Sections for Holistic Language Mastery

Though tested separately, Reading and English skills work together. Strong readers often write well, and those with a solid grasp of grammar are better equipped to analyze language. Think of your preparation for these sections as complementary. For example, practicing reading passages and identifying main ideas will also improve your ability to structure your own written sentences. Similarly, analyzing sentence structures helps you become a more precise reader.

Building Confidence Through Practice

Language skills improve with repetition and reflection. Don’t be discouraged if you make mistakes during practice sessions. Instead, treat each mistake as a learning opportunity. Track your weak points—whether it’s misplaced commas or inference questions—and set targeted goals to improve them.

Use a notebook to log tricky grammar rules, new vocabulary words, and question types you frequently get wrong. Revisit this notebook weekly and turn it into a personal guidebook for success.

 Conquering the Numbers and the Body – A Smart Approach to TEAS Math and Science Prep

If you’ve made it this far in your TEAS exam prep journey, then you already understand the importance of strategic study. After reviewing the reading and language sections in detail, it’s now time to face two of the most content-rich and intimidating parts of the TEAS: Mathematics and Science. These sections evaluate critical skills that form the backbone of a nurse’s ability to reason, calculate, assess, and take action based on data.

Many students are initially overwhelmed by the math and science components. But the truth is that success here doesn’t come from being a natural genius—it comes from focused practice and knowing how to think like a test-taker. Let’s break down how to approach these subjects in a way that’s manageable, repeatable, and results-driven.

The TEAS Math Section – It’s About Logic, Not Just Numbers

Math on the TEAS exam isn’t about complex calculus or abstract theories. It’s about practical applications of math concepts used in healthcare scenarios. You’ll be tested on basic arithmetic, algebra, measurements, data interpretation, and a touch of geometry. Think medication dosages, IV drip rates, conversions, and calculating percentages—these are skills you’ll use every day in the clinical world.

What’s Tested in TEAS Math?

You can expect two types of math questions:

1. Number and Algebra: This includes operations with whole numbers, fractions, decimals, percentages, ratios, proportions, and basic algebraic equations.
2. Measurement and Data: These questions assess your ability to interpret graphs and tables, understand units of measurement, convert between units, and apply formulas for things like area and perimeter.

Every question requires logical thinking, attention to detail, and fluency with numbers. Even students who haven’t touched algebra in years can perform well with the right approach.

Building Foundational Math Skills

Before diving into practice tests, begin with a refresher on core math principles. Review the order of operations (PEMDAS), how to work with fractions, how to convert decimals to percentages, and how to solve basic equations. These are the building blocks.

Many math errors on the TEAS come from rushing through these basics. Take your time to really master each concept, and don’t be afraid to go back to middle school material if needed. The stronger your base, the easier the more advanced questions will feel.

Practice with a Purpose

Use short, targeted practice sets. Instead of sitting down to solve 100 random problems, break your study into skill-specific drills. For example:

• One session can focus on solving proportions and cross-multiplication.
• Another can center on understanding how to convert between different measurement systems (like inches to centimeters).
• A third session might be entirely about interpreting line graphs or bar charts.

By working in small, focused sessions, you’ll develop deeper understanding and better retention.

Strategies for Solving Word Problems

TEAS math is full of word problems that mirror real-life situations. To handle these:

• Read the question carefully and underline the actual problem being asked.
• Identify all the numbers and units given.
• Write down any formulas you might need.
• Plug in the values step by step.

Practice translating word problems into equations. This is especially helpful for dosage calculations or determining rates over time.

Use Estimation and Logic

On the test, estimation can be your secret weapon. Even if you don’t know the exact answer right away, narrowing the options down based on rough math or logic can help you eliminate wrong choices. This is particularly useful when working under pressure or when the numbers get intimidating.

Memorize Key Conversions and Formulas

Create a cheat sheet of important math facts you want to memorize before test day. Examples include:

• 1 kg = 2.2 lbs
• 1 in = 2.54 cm
• Area of a rectangle = length × width
• Volume = length × width × height
• Percent increase/decrease = (difference ÷ original) × 100

Knowing these by heart will save you time and mental effort during the exam.

Time Management Tips for Math

• Don’t linger too long on one problem. If you’re stuck, mark it and move on.
• Use scratch paper to organize your calculations clearly.
• Double-check units in every problem—this is where many small errors creep in.

With steady practice, math becomes less of a mystery and more of a routine.

Transitioning to Science – Understanding the Human Machine

Now, let’s explore the TEAS Science section. This portion of the exam covers human anatomy and physiology, biology, chemistry, and scientific reasoning. It may feel like a whirlwind of topics at first, but with the right structure, it’s absolutely conquerable.

What’s Covered in TEAS Science?

The science section generally includes the following domains:

1. Human Anatomy and Physiology: You’ll need to know the major organ systems—their structures, functions, and how they work together. This includes the respiratory, circulatory, nervous, muscular, digestive, and endocrine systems.
2. Life and Physical Sciences: This involves cell biology, genetics, chemical properties of substances, reactions, and the basics of physics in a healthcare context.
3. Scientific Reasoning: This area tests your ability to apply the scientific method, interpret results, and reason logically about experiments and outcomes.

Why Science Matters in Nursing

Science isn’t just about memorizing facts. It’s about understanding how the body works, how medications interact, and how to interpret symptoms in a meaningful way. Nurses rely on scientific thinking daily to assess patients, administer treatments, and adapt to constantly changing medical information.

Mastering Anatomy and Physiology

This is arguably the most content-heavy part of the science section. Start by focusing on organ systems individually:

• Learn the structure and main organs in each system.
• Understand how the systems interact (for example, how the circulatory and respiratory systems work together).
• Study common conditions or malfunctions (such as diabetes in the endocrine system or asthma in the respiratory system).

Use visual aids like diagrams and flashcards to reinforce your memory. Creating your own mind maps can help you connect systems and functions more effectively.

Breaking Down Life and Physical Sciences

This part of the science section includes foundational biology and chemistry topics. Focus on:

• The structure and function of cells
• DNA, RNA, and the basics of genetics
• Photosynthesis and cellular respiration
• Atoms, molecules, and bonds
• Acids, bases, and pH levels

These topics may seem far removed from nursing, but they provide essential context. For example, understanding pH helps you grasp how the body maintains homeostasis. Knowing about DNA informs how genetic disorders are inherited and diagnosed.

Getting Comfortable with Scientific Reasoning

This portion tests how you think, not just what you know. Expect to analyze experiments, interpret graphs, and evaluate conclusions. You may be given a description of a study and asked what the independent variable is or what outcome is most likely.

To improve your scientific reasoning:

• Read articles about scientific studies and try to identify the hypothesis, methods, and results.
• Practice interpreting data tables and drawing conclusions.
• Review how to apply the scientific method and control variables in experiments.

Smart Study Techniques for Science

• Break study sessions into specific topics: one day for the nervous system, one for cellular biology, one for lab experiments.
• Use mnemonics to remember anatomy terms. For example, “Some Lovers Try Positions That They Can’t Handle” helps recall carpal bones.
• Practice drawing diagrams from memory. Can you sketch the digestive system and label its parts?
• Teach concepts to someone else. Explaining material out loud reinforces your knowledge.

Using Practice Tests to Gauge Progress

After several weeks of subject-specific study, take a full-length science practice test. This will help you identify which areas are solid and which need more review. Make a chart to track your results:

• What question types do you miss most often?
• Do you struggle with diagrams, sequences, or definitions?
• Are you rushing or second-guessing under time pressure?

Let your mistakes guide your next study cycle. Focus not on avoiding errors, but on using them as learning tools.

Managing Test Anxiety for Math and Science

These sections often cause the most stress, but remember that preparation is the best antidote to anxiety. A few calming practices before and during the test:

• Practice deep breathing before starting.
• Tell yourself, “I’m prepared, I’ve practiced, I can do this.”
• When your mind goes blank, pause, take a breath, and reread the question slowly.

Confidence doesn’t come from perfection—it comes from repetition and resilience.

Bringing It All Together – Crafting Your TEAS Study Plan and Test-Day Success Blueprint

You’ve reviewed the Reading and English sections. You’ve studied the math and mastered the science. Now it’s time to turn all your knowledge and effort into a solid, realistic game plan. Preparing for the TEAS is not just about learning content—it’s about managing your time, boosting your confidence, and staying consistent.

This final step is where most students either thrive or fall short. The truth is, even the smartest students can underperform on test day if they don’t have a clear plan or let anxiety take over. That’s why this part of your journey matters just as much as any academic skill.

Let’s explore how to build a structured, adaptable, and empowering TEAS study plan that sets you up for success, and how to prepare your mind and body for the big day.

Creating a Realistic Study Timeline

One of the biggest mistakes students make is underestimating how long TEAS preparation takes. A rushed schedule leads to cramming, panic, and uneven subject coverage. Ideally, you should aim to give yourself six to eight weeks to prepare, depending on your familiarity with the material.

Divide your timeline into four major study blocks:

• Weeks 1–2: Diagnostic testing and Reading + English fundamentals
• Weeks 3–4: Math and Science content review
• Weeks 5–6: Practice tests and focused review
• Week 7–8: Light review, confidence building, and test simulation

By spreading your study out across multiple weeks, you give your brain time to absorb and retain what you learn. Plus, you minimize burnout and anxiety, two major hurdles on the road to success.

Designing Your Weekly Study Schedule

Once you know how much time you have, it’s time to plan your weekly study routine. This doesn’t have to be rigid. In fact, flexibility is key to long-term success. But it should include clear goals and enough consistency to keep you on track.

Let’s break down a sample weekly schedule:

• Monday: One hour reviewing Reading strategies, followed by 30 minutes of vocabulary flashcards
• Tuesday: 90 minutes of Math practice, focusing on word problems and conversions
• Wednesday: Science review—alternate between anatomy and physical science
• Thursday: English grammar and punctuation practice for an hour, plus 20 minutes of writing sentence corrections
• Friday: Full section practice test (one subject per week)
• Saturday: Rest day or light review of weak areas
• Sunday: Practice questions from all four sections and error review

Make sure to build in breaks, meals, and movement throughout your day. Studying for three hours straight without a pause will tire your brain. Try the 50/10 rule: study for 50 minutes, take a 10-minute break.

Setting Specific Goals Each Week

Vague goals like “study math” or “review anatomy” won’t drive results. Be specific. Here’s what strong goals look like:

• Complete 20 algebra word problems with less than 3 errors
• Master the structure and function of the digestive system
• Memorize 25 key vocabulary words and use them in context
• Take one timed English Language practice test

At the end of each week, evaluate yourself. What did you accomplish? What still needs work? Adjust the following week’s plan accordingly.

Tracking Your Progress and Staying Motivated

One of the best ways to stay committed is to track your wins. Create a study journal or spreadsheet where you record:

• Number of questions answered correctly per section
• Topics you struggled with and improved on
• Time spent studying each day
• Small victories like scoring higher on a quiz or understanding a difficult concept

Celebrate progress, not perfection. Improvement, even in small amounts, is a sign of momentum. Motivation builds when you see that your hard work is paying off.

Simulating the Real TEAS Experience

Practicing with individual questions is great, but eventually, you need to face the full exam experience. At least two weeks before test day, take a full-length TEAS practice test under timed conditions. Find a quiet space, set a timer, and go through all four sections in order.

Why is this important?

• It trains your brain to stay focused for longer periods
• It reveals your stamina and concentration levels
• It helps reduce anxiety because you know what to expect
• It prepares you to manage time across all sections

Afterward, review every missed question. Don’t just mark it wrong—ask yourself why you chose the answer you did, what the correct answer is, and how to avoid similar mistakes. This review process turns your mistakes into powerful learning moments.

Overcoming Procrastination and Study Fatigue

Even with the best intentions, procrastination can creep in. Maybe you’re tired, overwhelmed, or feeling stuck. Here are a few tips to beat the slump:

• Break your study down into bite-sized chunks—15-minute bursts still count
• Change your environment if you’re losing focus (try a new study spot)
• Set up mini rewards: for example, 60 minutes of study earns you a 15-minute walk or your favorite snack
• Use positive self-talk. Remind yourself why you started this journey and how capable you are

Remember, consistency beats perfection. Even if you don’t get it all right today, showing up to study is a win in itself.

Optimizing Your Mental and Physical Readiness

The final week before your test isn’t about cramming—it’s about sharpening your mindset and taking care of your body. Focus on light review, rest, and confidence building. Get plenty of sleep, stay hydrated, and eat brain-boosting foods like leafy greens, nuts, berries, and lean protein.

Here are a few final-week practices that make a big difference:

• Review your cheat sheets and flashcards once a day
• Do short review quizzes for each section
• Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day to align your internal clock with test day
• Avoid last-minute panic studying—trust what you’ve learned

Test Day Success Checklist

As the big day approaches, the goal is to stay calm and steady. Here’s a checklist for the morning of your test:

• Wake up early and eat a healthy breakfast
• Bring all necessary items: ID, admission ticket (if applicable), water, snack, and any permitted tools
• Wear comfortable clothes in layers (testing rooms can vary in temperature)
• Arrive early to your testing center or check your system if testing online
• Use the bathroom before the test begins
• During the test, read each question carefully and manage your time wisely

If you hit a tough question, skip it and return later. Don’t let one problem ruin your focus. Use deep breathing techniques to center yourself if anxiety hits.

The Power of Preparation and Belief

Preparing for the TEAS is about much more than passing a test. It’s a gateway to your future. Every minute you’ve spent studying is an investment in your dream of becoming a nurse. That dream deserves your full attention and effort.

You’ve shown discipline, resilience, and focus. You’ve taken on reading passages, conquered math formulas, memorized anatomy, and strengthened your grammar. That’s something to be proud of.

Believe in your preparation. Believe in your ability to figure things out. No matter what happens on test day, know that you’ve done the hard work.

Final Words

The TEAS test is just one step on your path. What comes after—nursing school, clinical practice, caring for patients—is why you’re doing this. It’s okay to be nervous. It means you care. But never let that nervousness turn into doubt.

Your preparation has armed you with skills. Your purpose has given you the drive. And your dedication has carried you this far.

When you walk into that testing room, hold your head high. Breathe deeply. Trust your training. And remember: you’re not just taking a test—you’re stepping closer to the life you’ve always envisioned.