Most aspiring nursing students find it quite challenging to get high HESI scores. To help increase their chances of getting a good score, they need to go into the exam with proper knowledge of the HESI scores, what is a good HESI score for nursing, and important tips on how to get high scores.
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HESI Scores
The HESI exam has a total of 10 subject exams. Most nursing schools will require nursing students to take 3 to 5 exam sections and only some 10 subjects. Every section scores separately on a scale of 0 to 100. Every nursing school sets its own HESI exam passing score. However, most schools have 75% as the minimum passing score for each exam section. Some schools require their students to get at least 75% on a particular section and 80% on another.
Apart from the subjects having separate scores, the nursing students will also get a composite score for the entire HESI exam. The composite score is the average score for all the subjects.
What is a good HESI Score for Nursing?
A good HESI score is any score that will get you into the nursing program of your choice. With every nursing school having its guideline, no particular good HESI score is cast in stone. The program you intend to undertake will guide you on the right HESI passing score you should target. Ensure you consult with the school you intend to get admission to for a good HESI score for nursing or the nursing program you intend to attend.
HESI Score Breakdown
The Table below will give you an idea of what percentage score you should aim at and what it stands for.
| Percentage Score | Breakdown |
| 90% to 100% | Excellent |
| 80% to 89% | Very Good |
| 75% to 79% | Satisfactory |
| Below 75% | Needs Improvement |
Aspiring nursing students who sit for the HESI exam on a computer will receive their test results immediately. However, they will have to wait about 7 days after the exam to get a more detailed score report. The extensive exam report will break down the performance of every section and give the students an idea of their performance in every section and areas where they did not score well.
The test takers will also get an individual student percentile ranking. However, this metric does not reveal the number of questions a test taker answered correctly. Instead, the percentile ranking reveals the percentage of previous candidates who scored below your score.
Tips on How to Get a Good HESI Score for Nursing
HESI score will help determine if a nursing school will deny or approve your admission to their program. It is, therefore, important that you strive to score high on the exam. Below are important tips that will help ensure you have a good HESI score.
Create a Study Schedule
Like any other test, you must devise a study schedule. Ensure you spare one or two hours every day for your studies. Ensure you prepare in advance and refrain from cramming last minute for the exam.
Know What to Expect
Doing a pre-test will help you improve your HESI exam scores on the actual test. Consider taking the HESI practice test frequently to help you understand the questions you will encounter during the real exam.
Naxlex HESI prep course comes with up-to-date practice tests that mimic the topics you will tackle during your actual HESI exam.
Consider Using Flashcards as Visual Study Aids
Flashcards are reliable visual study aids and will offer extensive information in ways that greatly benefit visual learners. They will help memorize definitions and terms, making it comfortable and effective to study HESI vocabulary.
Pay Attention to Instructions and Questions
HESI will always ensure aspiring nursing students pay attention to every detail, even in a stressful environment. Some questions will have instructions to distract students who are not keen on the correct answer.
Invest in HESI Prep Course
The HESI prep course will enable students to work through several struggles they encounter when preparing for the test. Stress plays a great part in the HESI exam; hence, getting ways to handle stress will help you score high on your test.
Take the Test, Starting with the Easiest to the Most Difficult
No rule will push you into taking the tests in a particular order. With this, you will be free to choose the sections to handle first.
You should start with the easiest sections first to help you not feel pressured when moving to difficult areas.
Always Double Check Your Answers
When you finish the sections, ensure you take your time and proofread the answers. Double-checking your answers will enable you to discover mistakes you made when answering the questions. Take your time with the questions to finish early. Have a mindset of making good use of all the time.
Struggling To Pass the HESI Exam? Pass On the First Time
Studying for the HESI takes much of your precious time and adds to the stress. Naxlex engages you through interactive learning tools such as quizzes, videos, and study guides.
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