Embarking on a journey toward becoming a nurse is exciting, but getting accepted into nursing school can also be highly competitive.
For many aspiring nursing students, the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) is one of the most important parts of the admissions process. The exam measures academic readiness in areas such as reading, mathematics, science, and English language usage.
But what happens if your TEAS score is lower than you expected?
A disappointing score can feel discouraging, especially when you have already invested time and effort into preparing for nursing school. However, a low TEAS score does not automatically mean your nursing career is over.
Many nursing programs consider multiple factors when reviewing applicants, and there may be opportunities to improve your application, retake the exam, or apply to programs with different admission requirements.
In this guide, we’ll explore whether nursing schools care about TEAS scores, what is considered a low score, and what you can do if your results are below your target school’s requirements.
Do Nursing Schools Care About TEAS Scores?
Yes, many nursing schools place significant importance on TEAS scores.
Also see: Can you pay someone to take my teas test for me
The ATI TEAS exam is designed to measure whether students have the foundational academic skills needed to succeed in nursing school. The test covers four major areas:
- Reading
- Mathematics
- Science
- English and Language Usage
Because nursing programs are academically demanding, schools often use TEAS scores as one way to evaluate whether applicants are prepared for coursework in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, dosage calculations, and other challenging subjects.
However, your TEAS score is usually not the only factor considered during admissions.
Many nursing programs use a broader admissions process that may also consider:
- Overall GPA
- Science prerequisite GPA
- Grades in anatomy and physiology courses
- Healthcare experience
- Volunteer experience
- Personal statements
- Letters of recommendation
- Interviews
- Previous college coursework
This means that a lower TEAS score may not automatically eliminate you from consideration.
The importance of the TEAS exam depends heavily on the specific nursing program. Some schools have strict minimum score requirements, while others evaluate applicants using a point system or holistic admissions process.
For this reason, it is important to research the admission requirements for every nursing school you plan to apply to.
Can You Get Into Nursing School With a Low TEAS Score?
Yes, it is possible to get into nursing school with a low TEAS score.
However, your chances depend on the specific program and the strength of the rest of your application.
A strong academic record can sometimes help offset a lower test score. For example, excellent grades in prerequisite courses such as biology, anatomy, physiology, microbiology, or chemistry may demonstrate that you have the academic ability needed for nursing school.
Relevant healthcare experience may also strengthen your application.
Experience as a:
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
- Medical Assistant
- Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
- Patient Care Technician
- Pharmacy Technician
- Medical Volunteer
can demonstrate your commitment to healthcare and provide evidence that you understand the responsibilities involved in patient care.
A compelling personal statement and strong letters of recommendation may also help demonstrate qualities that nursing schools value, including:
- Compassion
- Communication skills
- Resilience
- Professionalism
- Dedication
- Critical thinking
- Commitment to patient care
While these factors may not replace a required minimum TEAS score, they can make your overall application more competitive when schools use a holistic admissions process.
What Is Considered a Low TEAS Score?
What qualifies as a low TEAS score depends on the nursing program you are applying to.
There is no single TEAS score that guarantees admission to every nursing school.
Generally, nursing programs may establish minimum requirements, but competitive applicants often score significantly higher than the minimum.
A score that might be considered competitive at one institution could be below average at another.
For example, a nursing program with highly competitive admissions may receive applications from students with strong GPAs and high TEAS scores. In that situation, simply meeting the minimum score requirement may not guarantee acceptance.
On the other hand, some programs may place greater emphasis on GPA, prerequisite coursework, interviews, or other admission criteria.
The best approach is to research the average or minimum TEAS scores required by the specific schools on your list.
What TEAS Score Do You Need for Nursing School?
The TEAS score needed for nursing school varies by institution.
Some programs may establish minimum score requirements around the 60% range, while more competitive nursing programs may expect applicants to score substantially higher.
Your target score should depend on the schools you are applying to.
Instead of simply aiming for the minimum required score, it can be helpful to aim for a score that makes your application more competitive.
You should also pay attention to individual TEAS sections.
Some nursing programs may have separate minimum requirements for subjects such as science or reading. This means that even if your overall score meets the school’s requirement, a weak performance in a specific section could affect your eligibility.
Before applying, check whether your target program considers:
- Overall TEAS score
- Individual section scores
- Highest score from multiple attempts
- Most recent TEAS score
- Average score across attempts
Understanding these policies can help you create a more effective preparation strategy.
Can You Retake the TEAS Test?
Yes, many students are allowed to retake the TEAS exam.
Retaking the test can be an excellent option if your score does not meet the requirements of your preferred nursing program.
However, each school may have different rules regarding TEAS retakes.
Some nursing programs limit the number of attempts allowed within a certain period. Others may require students to wait a specific amount of time before taking the exam again.
Schools may also have different policies regarding which score they consider.
For example, a program might use:
- Your highest TEAS score
- Your most recent TEAS score
- The average of multiple attempts
- A specific score obtained within a certain timeframe
Before scheduling another exam, make sure you understand your nursing school’s policy.
How to Improve a Low TEAS Score
If you are unhappy with your TEAS score, retaking the exam without changing your study strategy may not produce significantly different results.
Instead, identify the areas where you struggled and focus your preparation accordingly.
Review Your Weakest TEAS Sections
Look closely at your performance in each section of the exam.
For example, you may discover that your science score was significantly lower than your reading or mathematics score.
Focus additional study time on your weakest subjects rather than spending equal time reviewing topics you already understand.
Create a Structured Study Schedule
Consistent preparation is often more effective than trying to study everything at the last minute.
Break your preparation into manageable sections and create a schedule that includes:
- Science review
- Math practice
- Reading comprehension exercises
- English and grammar review
- Full-length practice exams
A structured schedule can help you gradually build confidence before your next test date.
Take Practice Tests
Practice exams can help you become familiar with the format and timing of the TEAS test.
They can also help identify areas where you continue to struggle.
After completing a practice exam, spend time reviewing incorrect answers. Understanding why you made a mistake can be just as important as knowing the correct answer.
Focus on Test-Taking Strategies
Sometimes students understand the material but struggle with standardized testing.
Improving your time management and question-analysis strategies can make a difference.
Practice reading questions carefully, identifying key information, and avoiding spending too much time on a single difficult question.
What Should You Do If You Fail to Meet the TEAS Requirement?
If your TEAS score does not meet the requirements for your preferred nursing school, don’t panic.
You may still have several options.
First, determine whether the school allows you to retake the exam.
If retesting is permitted, create a focused study plan based on your previous performance.
You can also explore other nursing programs.
Different schools have different admission requirements, and some may place less emphasis on standardized test scores than others.
Another option may be to strengthen other areas of your academic profile before applying again.
This could include improving prerequisite grades, gaining healthcare experience, or completing additional coursework.
The path to becoming a nurse is not always linear. Many successful nurses faced setbacks during the admissions process and eventually found the program that was right for them.
Does a Low TEAS Score Mean You Won’t Become a Nurse?
No. A low TEAS score does not determine your future as a nurse.
It simply provides information about your current performance on a standardized exam.
If your score is below your expectations, view it as an opportunity to identify areas that need improvement.
Nursing requires persistence, discipline, and the ability to learn from challenges. These same qualities can help you improve your academic performance and strengthen your nursing school application.
There may be multiple paths toward achieving your goal, including retaking the TEAS exam, applying to other programs, improving prerequisite grades, or gaining additional healthcare experience.
Final Thoughts
The TEAS exam is an important part of the nursing school admissions process, but it is not always the only factor that determines whether you will be accepted.
A low score can be discouraging, but it does not automatically mean that your dream of becoming a nurse is over.
Research the admission requirements of your target schools, understand how they evaluate TEAS scores, and identify opportunities to strengthen your overall application.
If necessary, use your first TEAS attempt as a learning experience and develop a stronger preparation strategy before retaking the exam.
With persistence, preparation, and a clear understanding of your options, you can continue moving forward on your journey toward nursing school and eventually toward a career in healthcare.