A bad score on the TEAS test generally falls into the "Developmental" or "Basic" academic preparedness levels, indicating that a student may need significant improvement in foundational areas before entering a nursing program.
The TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) exam assesses a student's readiness for nursing school across four subjects: Reading, Math, Science, and English and Language Usage. Scores are categorized into different academic preparedness levels to provide a clearer understanding of a student's standing.
TEAS Academic Preparedness Levels
The scoring system for the TEAS test categorizes overall scores into the following academic preparedness levels:
| Academic Preparedness Level | Score Range |
|---|---|
| Developmental | 0.0%-40.7% |
| Basic | 41.3%-58.0% |
| Proficient | 58.7%-77.3% |
| Advanced | 78.0%-90% |
Based on these categories, a "bad score" is typically considered to be:
- Developmental (0.0%-40.7%): This is the lowest preparedness level. Scores in this range suggest a substantial need for review and improvement across the tested subjects to meet the demands of a nursing curriculum.
- Basic (41.3%-58.0%): While slightly better than "Developmental," a "Basic" score still indicates that the examinee may struggle with the academic rigor of a nursing program without further preparation. Many nursing programs will consider scores in this range, and certainly those in the Developmental range, as insufficient for admission.
Implications of a Low TEAS Score
Earning a score in the Developmental or Basic range can have several implications for aspiring nursing students:
- Admission Challenges: Most competitive nursing programs set minimum TEAS score requirements, often preferring candidates who score in the Proficient or Advanced levels. A low score might prevent admission to desired programs.
- Required Retake: Many programs will allow or require applicants with low scores to retake the exam after a waiting period.
- Further Study: A bad score highlights areas where a student needs to focus their studies. This might involve enrolling in remedial courses, utilizing TEAS study guides, or seeking tutoring.
- Delayed Enrollment: Achieving a satisfactory score may take time and effort, potentially delaying enrollment in a nursing program.
Ultimately, what constitutes a "bad" score can also depend on the specific requirements of the nursing school you are applying to. It's crucial to research the average accepted TEAS scores and minimum requirements for your target programs to understand what score you need to aim for.
