8 Tips to Prep for the HESI Admission Assessment

Whether you’ve always known you were going to be a nurse, or you’ve just recently discovered your passion, Chamberlain is here to help you step forward and start your nursing journey.

Completing the HESI Admission Assessment (A2) exam is one of your first steps in the admission process for Chamberlain University’s 3-Year Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program. So what’s involved with the exam? Here are five things you should know:

1. The HESI A2 consists of seven academic exams and a personality profile that identifies the applicant’s learning style.
2. A minimum standard custom score for the HESI A2 is 73.
3. Applicants are allowed two attempts to take the exam, and all seven academic exams must be completed each time the assessment is taken.
4. If you decide to submit an application for admission to Chamberlain, the cost of the HESI A2 is included in your application fee.
5. Upon submitting your application, Chamberlain recommends that you complete your first attempt at the HESI A2 within three to five days.

Now that you know a bit more about the HESI A2, here are our top eight tips to help you prepare for the exam:

1. Know what to expect. The HESI A2 is a computerized exam, with a proctor overseeing the testing. You will be allowed up to five hours and 15 minutes on the exam, but will need to keep track of your time so you can pace yourself.
2. Breathe. Keep in mind that the HESI A2 assesses your understanding of subject areas that you have studied throughout your education, so the information should not be new material for you. While you certainly want to put effort into preparing for the assessment, approaching it from this perspective should put your mind at ease.
3. Practice makes perfect. There are many ways in which you can prepare for the assessment. A study booklet, Admission Assessment Exam Review (Elsevier Health Services), can be purchased online. Another great way to prep is to take a HESI practice exam online. See below for instructions on how to access a comprehensive practice exam.

   HESI Admission Assessment (A2) Exam Study Resources

   For the latest information about the HESI Admission Assessment (A2), please refer to Elsevier’s website: evolve.elsevier.com/cs/. Select I’m a Student. In the search field, type in HESI Admission Assessment and hit Enter. Select Evolve Resources for Admissions Assessment Exam Review, 4th Edition (https://evolve.elsevier.com/cs/product/9780323431323?role=student) for free practice tests. Click Register on the right side of the page. Scroll down and click Checkout/Redeem. Create your Evolve account. If you are not an applicant, check the I’m not affiliated with an institution box. Click Continue and finish checking out. Click Checkout/Redeem. Once complete, access your resources by clicking on My Evolve on the top right of the page. The Evolve Resources for Admissions Assessment Exam Review, 4th Edition will display under My Content. Click on the Resource link. Click Proceed with Caution. Scroll through the Terms and Conditions and select I agree. Click Comprehensive Practice Exam. On the Home: Configure Method of Study Page, select all Topics under #3 except for Physics.

4. Devise a plan. Before taking the assessment, remember to plan your time in a way that works best for you. Some find that answering the easiest questions first and saving the more difficult problems for last works best for them, while others find it best to tackle the hardest questions first while you are most alert.
5. Take a break. Give your mind a chance to rest by doing something low-key the night before the exam. Watch a movie, read a book or go for a walk to help you relax.
6. Get those Z’s. Make sure to get a full night’s rest the night before your assessment. Cramming for the HESI A2 or pulling an “all-nighter” will do little to improve your score and may do more to hinder your success. A good alternative to cramming the night before the test may be to arrive at the campus early and have a 30-minute “power-study” session to refresh yourself right before the test.
7. Make time for the most important meal of the day. Considering the exam is over five hours long, you want to make sure you eat a good breakfast on test day so you can focus on your exam and not on your growling stomach.
8. Don’t stress. Use your best relaxation techniques to reduce test anxiety, avoid stressful situations prior to taking the assessment, and get your blood flowing prior to testing. A good way to do this is by listening to your favorite music on the way to your exam.

We hope you find these tips useful and wish you the best on your path toward becoming an extraordinary nurse. If you’re ready to take the next step with Chamberlain, reach out to the admission team here.