Student Blogs

You’ve completed your prerequisites, and now it’s time to focus on the entrance exam. Here are a few tips and a break down of what the HESI A2 entrance exam consist of: 

• Grammar: Students are expected to display their knowledge of basic grammar concepts. Each student must show their comprehension of parts of speech, typical grammar errors, and important grammatical concepts. The HESI grammar test is 50 questions and students are given 50 minutes to complete. I failed the entrance exam twice! English is not my first language and I struggled with grammar. I am sharing this because nursing school is very diverse. Applicants are from all over the world, or newly immigrated to the U.S. Don’t be discouraged. I used the SATs, language portion, to prepare for the Hesi grammar section along with the evolve HESI A2 entrance exam book. (image below). 
• Math: The HESI math questions are evaluating a candidate’s knowledge of basic mathematical concepts. The math skills tested normally have some relation to health related scenarios. Don’t be scared, breath and extrapolate the needed information. Each student is expected to have a strong grasp of the following math skills: addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, proportions, ratios, and decimals. Questions will also be presented on roman numbers, calculating dosages, household measures, and conversions. The section is 50 minutes long and consists of 50 questions. If you’re a math lover like me, you got this!  
• Physics: This section is dependent on your program. For my program physics is not required, which means I did not have this section on my test. But, for those who have to, here’s what included. The physics test will cover general physics concepts such as: rotation, friction, gravitation, energy, average speed, Newton’s Laws of Motion, projectile motion, light, optics and acceleration. Test takers are given 50 minutes to answer 25 questions. The physics test is usually only required for Nursing programs that require Physics as a prerequisite course. You got this physics lover! 
• Biology: This is by far my favorite section. The biology questions, I've noticed, are focused on general biology topics including: biology basics, cellular respiration, photosynthesis, metabolism, biological molecules, and cells. The HESI biology exam contains 25 questions. The biology test is not required by all Nursing programs. 
• Anatomy & Physiology: This section was not required for my program, so I have no insider tips on how to be successful. What I do know is this: The A&P exam evaluates a student’s understanding of fundamental Anatomy and Physiology concepts such as: anatomical systems, structures and general terminology. This section also has 25 questions.
• Chemistry: This seems to be the most difficult for most students I’ve talked with or tutor. The chemistry section is designed to quiz students on the periodic table, chemical equations, atomic structure, chemical bonding, nuclear chemistry and chemical reactions. This section is also 25 questions  

Knowing that these are the areas being tested on, I would advise that students should take a post-test on all these areas to identify gaps in knowledge. I have mentored students who did this, and realize they need a quick “Intersession course,” generally two weeks long, to brush up on the foundations. Most universities offer these courses like this.  

Finally, invest in some resources! You are accountable and responsible for your education.