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# Nursing School Entrance Exams Prep 2021-2022: Your All-in-One Guide to Acing the Kaplan and HESI
Embarking on the journey to become a registered nurse is an exciting prospect, but before you can don those scrubs, there's a crucial hurdle to clear: nursing school entrance exams. These standardized tests, primarily the Kaplan Nursing School Admissions Test and the HESI Admission Assessment (A2), are designed to evaluate your academic readiness for the rigorous demands of a nursing program.
This comprehensive guide is tailored for aspiring nurses navigating the 2021-2022 application cycle. We’ll break down what to expect from both the Kaplan and HESI exams, provide a clear roadmap for effective preparation, share practical tips, and help you avoid common pitfalls. By the end, you'll feel equipped and confident to tackle these exams and take the next big step towards your nursing career.
Understanding the Landscape: Kaplan vs. HESI
Before diving into preparation, it’s vital to understand which exam your prospective nursing schools require – or if they require both! Each test has a slightly different focus and structure.
What is the Kaplan Nursing School Admissions Test?
The Kaplan Nursing School Admissions Test is designed to assess the academic skills and abilities that are essential for success in a nursing curriculum. It focuses less on rote memorization and more on critical thinking and the application of fundamental knowledge.
- **Purpose:** To evaluate your readiness for nursing school, including your ability to think critically and apply basic academic skills.
- **Sections Typically Include:**
- **Reading:** Assessing comprehension, identifying main ideas, and drawing inferences from passages.
- **Math:** Basic arithmetic, algebra, fractions, decimals, percentages, ratios, and conversions (often with a focus on dosage calculations).
- **Writing:** Grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and identifying errors.
- **Science:** A broad overview of biology, chemistry, anatomy & physiology, and physics concepts relevant to healthcare.
- **Format:** Primarily multiple-choice questions.
What is the HESI Admission Assessment (A2)?
The HESI A2 is another widely used entrance exam that evaluates fundamental academic knowledge. Unlike Kaplan, HESI often delves deeper into specific scientific concepts, making a strong foundation in these areas particularly beneficial.
- **Purpose:** To assess your academic preparedness across several key subject areas, ensuring you have the foundational knowledge needed for nursing school.
- **Sections Typically Include (check with your school, as modules can vary):**
- **Math:** Similar to Kaplan, focusing on basic math operations, fractions, decimals, ratios, proportions, and dosage calculations.
- **Reading Comprehension:** Identifying main ideas, finding supporting details, understanding meaning in context, and making logical inferences.
- **Vocabulary and General Knowledge:** Testing your understanding of common healthcare-related terms and general vocabulary.
- **Grammar:** Punctuation, parts of speech, sentence structure, and spelling.
- **Biology:** Basic cell biology, genetics, body systems, and microbiology.
- **Chemistry:** Atoms, molecules, chemical reactions, acids/bases, and organic chemistry basics.
- **Anatomy & Physiology:** Comprehensive knowledge of human body systems and their functions.
- *(Less Common but Possible)* **Physics:** Basic principles of motion, energy, and waves.
- **Format:** Predominantly multiple-choice questions.
Choosing Your Exam (or Preparing for Both)
**Always confirm the specific entrance exam(s) required by each nursing program you apply to.** Some schools might accept either, while others have a strict preference. If you're applying to multiple schools with different requirements, you might need to prepare for both.
Your Strategic Preparation Roadmap: Getting Started
Effective preparation is key to a high score. Here's a step-by-step guide to kickstart your study journey.
Step 1: Assess Your Starting Point
Before you begin intensive studying, it’s crucial to know your current strengths and weaknesses.- **Take a Diagnostic Test:** Many official Kaplan Test Prep study guides and online platforms offer diagnostic tests. This initial assessment will simulate the exam experience and highlight the areas where you excel and those that need more attention.
- **Analyze Your Results:** Don't just look at the score. Dig into which subjects or question types gave you trouble. This analysis will form the basis of your personalized study plan.
Step 2: Gather Your Resources
Having the right tools makes all the difference.- **Official Study Guides:** Invest in official Kaplan Test Prep books for Kaplan exams and HESI A2 study guides for HESI. These are invaluable for understanding the test format, question types, and content.
- **Online Practice Tests:** Supplement your book studies with online practice tests. These often come with detailed explanations for answers and can track your progress.
- **Core Subject Textbooks:** If you identify significant gaps in subjects like A&P or basic math, consider reviewing your old high school or college textbooks.
- **Flashcards:** Ideal for memorizing vocabulary, anatomical terms, or chemical formulas. You can buy pre-made sets or create your own.
- **Free Online Resources:** Websites like Khan Academy are excellent for brushing up on math and science fundamentals. YouTube tutorials can also provide clear explanations for complex topics.
Step 3: Master the Core Subjects
Each section requires a specific approach. Focus on understanding concepts rather than just memorizing facts.
- **Reading Comprehension:** Practice active reading. Highlight key information, identify the author's main point, and distinguish between facts and opinions. Work on making inferences from text.
- **Mathematics:** Review basic operations, fractions, decimals, percentages, and ratios. Pay special attention to unit conversions and dosage calculations – these are often heavily weighted and critical for nursing. Use practice problems constantly.
- **Grammar & Vocabulary:** Dedicate time to reviewing fundamental grammar rules (subject-verb agreement, pronoun usage, punctuation). Build your vocabulary using flashcards, focusing on prefixes, suffixes, and roots.
- **Science (Biology, Chemistry, A&P):** Focus on foundational concepts. For Biology, understand cell structure, basic genetics, and major body systems. For Chemistry, grasp atomic structure, basic reactions, and organic molecule types. For A&P, know the major organs, their functions, and how systems interact. Don't get bogged down in overly complex details; focus on the essentials.
Practical Tips for Success
Beyond studying the content, adopt smart strategies to optimize your preparation.
- **Create a Realistic Study Schedule:** Consistency beats cramming. Break down your study time into manageable chunks (e.g., 1-2 hours daily) rather than long, infrequent sessions. Allocate more time to your weaker areas.
- **Practice, Practice, Practice (Under Timed Conditions):** It's not enough to just know the material; you need to apply it quickly and accurately. Simulate exam conditions with timed practice tests to build stamina and improve pacing.
- **Understand Test-Taking Strategies:** Learn how to eliminate obviously wrong answers, make educated guesses, and manage your time effectively for each section. Don't dwell too long on one difficult question.
- **Join Study Groups:** Collaborating with peers can provide different perspectives, clarify difficult concepts, and keep you accountable. Explain concepts to others to solidify your own understanding.
- **Prioritize Self-Care:** Your brain needs rest! Ensure you get adequate sleep, maintain a healthy diet, and incorporate stress-reducing activities into your routine. Burnout is counterproductive.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- **Underestimating the Exams:** These aren't just basic high school tests. They require dedicated study and strategy.
- **Cramming Last Minute:** Information learned quickly is often forgotten quickly. Start early!
- **Ignoring Weaknesses:** It's tempting to focus on what you're good at, but true improvement comes from tackling your difficult areas.
- **Not Practicing Under Timed Conditions:** Knowing the material is one thing; performing under pressure and within a time limit is another.
- **Getting Bogged Down in Too Much Detail:** Especially in science, focus on core concepts. The exams test breadth over extreme depth.
Day of the Exam: What to Expect
The hard work is done; now it's time to perform!- **Logistics:** Confirm the test location, time, and required identification well in advance. Know what items are permitted and prohibited.
- **Rest and Nutrition:** Get a good night's sleep before the exam. Eat a balanced meal beforehand to maintain energy levels.
- **Stay Calm:** Take deep breaths if you feel nervous. Trust in your preparation. Read all instructions carefully and pace yourself.
Conclusion
The Kaplan and HESI nursing school entrance exams are significant milestones on your path to becoming a nurse. While they may seem daunting, with a structured approach, consistent effort, and the right resources, you can confidently prepare and achieve the scores you need. Start by understanding your chosen exam, assess your current knowledge, create a realistic study plan, and practice diligently. Remember, your dedication now will pave the way for a rewarding and impactful career in nursing. Good luck!
