If you are a student looking to apply to nursing school, then you must know that you have to pass the HESI exam to get admission. But there are a lot of students who ask the question “What is the HESI exam?” and how to start its preparation. They don’t understand what the exam assesses and what sections are included in it. However, it is not something to stress over, as with the right plan, you can start your preparation quickly.
So understanding how to prepare for HESI exam starts with learning the basics and also creating a study routine. Instead of trying to study everything at once, it is better to approach the study in a step-by-step manner. Here, you will get the complete guide as a beginner on how to prepare for the HESI exam from scratch.
Step 1: Know Your Enemy (Understand the Format)
The first step in starting your preparation is understanding the format of the exam as a beginner. You should know the number of questions, the HESI exam section, and the timing of the exam.
- The Sections: In the HESI exam, there are several subjects whose knowledge is tested, such as math, reading, vocabulary, grammar, biology, chemistry, anatomy, and physics. Each of these sections is there to test a specific skill, so preparing for each of them is very important.
- Check Your School Requirements: A lot of HESI candidates miss this step, but it is also very important to know your specific dream school requirements. There are some schools that don’t test physics, so it would be a waste of time for you to prepare such a subject that won’t be tested in the exam. This is why it is important to check your specific school requirements.
- Time Limit: Usually, the test duration is four hours, but certain schools can change the duration depending on the number of sections in the test. When you know the exact time you will be given in the exam, you can prepare accordingly. If you want to know the exact timing, check out this guide named “How Long Is the HESI exam.”
When you already know this important information, your preparation can become easier, and you can avoid all the confusion.
Step 2: Gather Materials (Quality over Quantity)
Once you understand the exam structure, the next step is to gather the study materials. It is not practical to gather a lot of books that you won’t be studying. Having a lot of books and materials often confuses the student as to which one to study from, and also wastes a lot of time. It is wiser to focus on getting quality HESI study materials.
- Official Review Book: The best purchase you can make is getting the official Elsevier HESI review book. Since Elsevier is the company that creates the exam, its content is the most accurate. It may appear a little tedious or heavy, but it is quite close to what you will find on the actual test.
- Mobile Apps: Using mobile apps in addition to books, you can learn in brief periods throughout the day. You can review vocabulary, practice questions, and self-test while on the road with these resources.
- Budget Consideration: You may feel that all the study materials are quite expensive and you cannot afford them. But you also need to consider the fact that these are the resources that will help you to pass the test. If you don’t pass the exam, then you will have to retake the exam, and that can be much more expensive and will also waste your one year.
This is why it is important to only buy quality resources so you can prepare effectively and without having to go over your budget as well. You can check the guide on “cost of HESI exam preparation,” so it is easier for you to plan your budget.
Step 3: Create a Realistic Study Schedule
The majority of students who are studying for the HESI test are preoccupied with obligations to their families, jobs, or schools. As a result, developing an understandable and useful study timetable is crucial. You can maintain consistency without feeling overburdened if you have a well-structured plan. This is the key to a successful “HESI study plan for beginners.”
- Backward Planning: First, decide on the exam date. After you have that, create a study schedule by working backwards. Give yourself a minimum of four to six weeks to get ready. This gives ample time to go over each subject in detail without hurrying.
- Topic Blocking: Instead of studying every subject every day, divide your week into concentrated subjects. For instance, you might study reading on Tuesdays, arithmetic on Mondays, and anatomy on Wednesdays. This method makes studying easier to manage and more structured.
- Avoid Burnout: Burnout and decreased productivity might result from studying nonstop. Incorporating rest days into your routine is crucial. Your brain learns more effectively when you take breaks. Keep in mind that being ready for tests and nursing school is a long-term process rather than a fast race.
If you are struggling to manage your time, then you will benefit from this guide about “balancing nursing school work and HESI prep“. This guide has the tips to help you manage everything effectively.
Step 4: Booking the Exam
When you have made your study plan and think you can prepare for the exam in that time, then the next and the last step is to book your HESI exam. When you already have a set exam date, only then will you feel that the exam is real, and you will be more serious about the preparation.
- Where to Take the Exam: You can either take the exam at a university or at a Prometric test center.
- Cost: The HESI exam cost depends on the school, and it can range from $40 to $100. You should set aside separate money from this amount in case you need to take tuition or buy study materials.
- Retake Policy: Before you book your exam, you should read the retake policy of your school. There are some schools that allow only one try in a year, whereas others have stricter rules and won’t allow for a retake.
Conclusion
Preparing for the HESI exam is not supposed to be hard. Only the candidates need to have a proper plan that they follow consistently. They need to understand the format of the exam, gather the right resources, and build a realistic study schedule. Aside from studying, book your test and try to complete the preparation at least a week before the actual exam date.
You should not wait for a perfect time to start studying. Just take a diagnostic test today, identify your weakness, and build a schedule from there. With small and consistent study habits, you will be fully prepared and confident on the exam day.
