Failing TEAS 7
Top 10 Mistakes Students Make on the TEAS 7 (And How to Avoid Them)
6/18/20263 min read
Top 10 Mistakes Students Make on the TEAS 7 (And How to Avoid Them)
Preparing for the TEAS 7 (Test of Essential Academic Skills) is a major step toward getting accepted into nursing school. Every year, thousands of students take the exam, but many earn lower scores than they expected—not because they aren't capable, but because they make avoidable mistakes during their preparation.
The good news is that you can learn from these common pitfalls and develop a smarter study strategy. In this guide, we'll cover the 10 most common mistakes students make on the TEAS 7 and explain how you can avoid them.
1. Waiting Until the Last Minute to Study
One of the biggest mistakes students make is underestimating how much material the TEAS 7 covers.
Trying to cram weeks' worth of studying into just a few days often leads to unnecessary stress and poor retention.
How to Avoid It
Begin studying at least 4–8 weeks before your exam whenever possible.
Create a weekly study schedule.
Study consistently instead of relying on marathon study sessions.
2. Ignoring the Science Section
Many students spend most of their time reviewing Math and Reading while neglecting Science.
However, the Science section covers several important topics, including:
Human Anatomy & Physiology
Biology
Chemistry
Scientific reasoning
Because this section draws from multiple subjects, it often requires focused preparation.
How to Avoid It
Dedicate regular study sessions to Science and make sure you understand concepts rather than simply memorizing facts.
3. Skipping Practice Tests
Reading study guides is helpful, but it doesn't fully prepare you for the experience of answering exam-style questions under time constraints.
Practice tests help you:
Become familiar with the question format
Identify weak areas
Improve time management
Build confidence before exam day
How to Avoid It
Complete several full-length practice exams during your preparation and review every missed question.
4. Memorizing Instead of Understanding
Many students try to memorize answers or isolated facts.
Unfortunately, the TEAS 7 often tests your ability to apply concepts rather than recall information word for word.
How to Avoid It
Focus on understanding why an answer is correct and how concepts relate to one another.
5. Spending Too Much Time on Strong Subjects
It's natural to study topics you're already comfortable with because they feel easier.
The problem is that your weakest subjects usually offer the greatest opportunity for improvement.
How to Avoid It
Take a diagnostic practice test early in your preparation and devote extra study time to your lowest-scoring areas.
6. Not Managing Time During the Exam
Some students spend too long on difficult questions and then run short of time for easier ones later.
How to Avoid It
Keep an eye on the clock.
If you're stuck, move on and return later if time permits.
Practice answering questions under timed conditions before test day.
7. Overlooking Reading and English
Some students assume these sections will be easy and don't prepare for them.
However, Reading and English can contribute significantly to your overall score.
These sections may include questions about:
Main ideas
Supporting details
Author's purpose
Grammar
Sentence structure
Punctuation
Vocabulary
How to Avoid It
Review these topics regularly alongside Math and Science rather than leaving them until the end.
8. Studying Without a Plan
Jumping randomly between subjects can make studying feel overwhelming and inefficient.
How to Avoid It
Create a study schedule that includes each tested subject and allows time for review and practice exams.
Having a plan helps you stay organized and track your progress.
9. Letting Test Anxiety Take Over
Feeling nervous before an important exam is completely normal.
Unfortunately, anxiety can affect concentration and confidence if it's not managed.
How to Avoid It
Take timed practice tests.
Get enough sleep before the exam.
Arrive prepared.
Use slow, controlled breathing if you begin to feel overwhelmed during the test.
Confidence often comes from consistent preparation.
10. Not Reviewing Incorrect Answers
Many students finish a practice test, look at their score, and move on.
The greatest learning happens when you carefully review your mistakes.
How to Avoid It
Ask yourself:
Why was this answer incorrect?
What concept did I misunderstand?
How can I avoid making the same mistake again?
Reviewing mistakes helps strengthen your understanding and improve future performance.
Bonus Tip: Don't Compare Yourself to Others
Every student has different strengths, study habits, and educational backgrounds.
Instead of comparing your progress to someone else's, focus on improving your own understanding and building confidence one study session at a time.
Consistent progress is more valuable than trying to learn everything overnight.
Final Thoughts
The TEAS 7 is designed to assess the academic skills you'll need in nursing school, but success isn't about perfection—it's about preparation.
By avoiding these common mistakes, creating a structured study plan, and practicing consistently, you'll put yourself in a much stronger position to perform well on exam day.
Remember that improvement takes time. Stay consistent, review your weak areas, and use practice questions to reinforce your understanding. Every productive study session brings you one step closer to achieving your nursing school goals.
Ready to Prepare More Effectively?
If you're looking for additional support, our TEAS 7 Study Package is designed to help you prepare with confidence.
It includes:
Comprehensive study guides for all TEAS 7 subjects
Hundreds of practice questions with detailed answer rationales
Full-length practice exams that reflect the TEAS 7 format
High-yield Science review notes
Math shortcuts and problem-solving strategies
Reading and English review materials
Instant digital access so you can begin studying right away
Whether you're preparing for your first TEAS 7 attempt or looking to strengthen specific subjects, our study resources are designed to help you study more efficiently and build confidence before exam day.
Explore our TEAS 7 study resources today and take the next step toward your nursing school journey.