You just got your TEAS score back. It’s not what you hoped for.
Maybe you scored 55% when the program requires 65%. Maybe you froze during the reading section. Maybe math destroyed your composite score. Now you’re wondering: is my nursing career over before it started?
Here’s the truth: failing the TEAS doesn’t end your nursing school dreams. It complicates them. Makes them take longer. Forces you to make strategic decisions.
But you have options. Retake strategies. Programs that don’t require TEAS at all. Alternative pathways. Students who fail the TEAS on their first attempt and still become nurses do so by understanding all available paths forward and acting strategically. Many use platforms like Testavia to identify exactly where they went wrong and drill those specific weak areas before retaking.
This guide breaks down what “failing” actually means, your retake options, schools that skip TEAS entirely, and how to move forward regardless of your score.
What Does “Failing” the TEAS Actually Mean?
Here’s the problem: there’s no universal passing score on the TEAS.
The TEAS Doesn’t Have a Pass/Fail Threshold
ATI doesn’t mark any score as “fail.” The exam uses a 0-100% scale. Your score represents the percentage of questions you answered correctly after accounting for difficulty weighting.
ATI categorizes scores into performance levels:
- Below Basic: 0-40.3%
- Basic: 40.7-58.0%
- Proficient: 58.7-78.0%
- Advanced: 78.7-89.9%
- Exemplary: 90.0-100%
These are descriptive categories, not pass/fail judgments.
“Failing” Means Not Meeting Program Requirements
You “fail” the TEAS when your score doesn’t meet a specific nursing program’s minimum requirement.
Example scenarios:
Program requires 65%, you scored 62%: You failed to meet their requirement. Your application gets rejected or placed on hold.
Program requires 70%, you scored 72%: You met their requirement. Your score is acceptable.
Program requires 60%, you scored 58%: You missed by 2 points. Close, but not close enough.
The same score can be “passing” at one program and “failing” at another.
Section-Specific Failures
Some programs require minimum scores in each section, not just overall.
You might score 70% composite but fail math with 55% if the program requires 60% minimum per section. This is especially common at competitive BSN programs.
Can You Still Get Into Nursing School After a Low TEAS Score?
Yes. You have three main options.
Option 1: Retake the TEAS
Most students who score below program requirements retake the exam.
ATI’s retake policy: You can retake after 14 days. No overall limit on attempts.
Individual program policies vary:
- Some programs accept unlimited attempts
- Some limit you to 2-3 tries per application cycle
- Some only consider your first score
- Some take your highest score
- Some average all attempts
Check your target program’s retake policy before scheduling another attempt.
How to Retake Strategically
Don’t just schedule another test immediately. Your score won’t magically improve without addressing what went wrong.
Analyze your score report. Which sections were weakest? Which specific topics within those sections?
Target your weak areas. If you scored 45% in science, drill anatomy & physiology. If you scored 50% in math, focus on ratios and conversions.
Give yourself adequate prep time. Most students who improve significantly study 4-6 weeks before retaking.
Take full-length practice tests. Simulate test conditions. Identify pacing issues.
Based on Verve College’s guide on retaking the TEAS, students who wait at least 30 days and target their specific weak areas see an average score improvement of 10-15 percentage points on their retake. Rushing into a retake after just 14 days the minimum wait period rarely yields the same gains.
Cost: TEAS retakes cost the same as the first attempt (~$115-$150). Factor this into your decision.
When Retaking Makes Sense
Retake if:
- You scored within 5-10 points of program requirements
- You had test-day issues (sick, exhausted, technical problems)
- You took the exam before completing science prerequisites
- Your practice test scores were 10+ points higher than your actual score
Don’t retake if:
- You’ve already taken it twice without improvement
- Your score is 15+ points below requirements (you need more fundamental preparation)
- You haven’t addressed why you scored low the first time
Option 2: Apply to Programs with Lower Requirements
If you scored 62% and your dream program requires 75%, that’s a 13-point gap. Retaking might not bridge that gap quickly.
Instead, apply to programs that accept your current score.
ADN programs at community colleges typically have the most flexible TEAS requirements. Many accept scores in the 60-65% range.
Less competitive BSN programs in rural areas or newer institutions might have lower minimums than established urban programs.
Check multiple programs. Requirements vary dramatically even within the same state.
This isn’t “settling.” It’s being strategic. You can always pursue RN-to-BSN programs later if you start with ADN.
Option 3: Apply to Programs That Don’t Require TEAS
This is the option most students don’t know exists.
Dozens of accredited nursing programs across the USA don’t require TEAS scores at all. These schools use holistic admissions, evaluating applicants through GPA, prerequisite grades, healthcare experience, essays, and interviews instead of standardized tests.
For a comprehensive list of TEAS-optional programs, our guide on nursing schools that don’t require TEAS in 2026 covers ADN, BSN, and accelerated programs nationwide. These aren’t lesser-quality schools; many are highly ranked institutions that simply prefer different evaluation methods.
Examples of Quality Programs Without TEAS Requirements
California State University, Fullerton
- BSN program
- Requires 3.25 GPA in prerequisites
- Evaluates through GPA, personal statement, and healthcare experience
- CCNE accredited
Oregon Health & Science University
- BSN program
- No entrance exam
- Highly competitive based on grades and clinical experience
- CCNE accredited
Western Governors University
- Online BSN (with in-person clinicals)
- No TEAS required
- Self-paced competency-based program
- CCNE accredited
Drexel University
- BSN program in Philadelphia
- No entrance exam
- Uses co-op model with intensive immersive experiences
- CCNE accredited
University of San Francisco
- Multiple BSN tracks
- No TEAS/HESI requirement
- Holistic admissions
- CCNE accredited
According to Rasmussen University’s guide on failing the TEAS, students who pivot to programs without entrance exam requirements often find admissions less stressful and can focus their energy on strengthening the components that actually matter—prerequisite grades, healthcare experience, and personal statements. However, these programs are still competitive. GPA requirements are often higher to compensate for the lack of standardized testing.
Are These Programs Legitimate?
Yes. Accredited programs without TEAS requirements maintain the same educational standards.
Key point: Always verify CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education) or ACEN (Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing) accreditation. Graduating from an unaccredited program prevents you from taking the NCLEX or getting licensed.
Legitimate programs without TEAS requirements aren’t easier—they just evaluate differently. Many have stricter GPA requirements (3.5+ competitive) and expect strong prerequisite performance.
Why Students Score Low on the TEAS
Understanding why you scored low helps you decide your next move.
You Took It Too Early
Many students take the TEAS before completing science prerequisites. That’s a mistake.
The science section (31% of your composite score) heavily tests anatomy & physiology, biology, and chemistry. If you haven’t taken these courses yet, you’re guessing on 50 questions.
Fix: Complete A&P, microbiology, and chemistry before testing. Students who take TEAS after prerequisites score 10-15 points higher on average.
You Didn’t Prepare Adequately
The TEAS tests specific content you can study. Students who “wing it” without preparation consistently score in the 50-65% range. Students who study strategically for 6-8 weeks score in the 75-85% range.
Fix: Commit to structured study. Use TEAS-specific materials. Take practice tests. Track your progress.
Time Management Failed
The TEAS has strict time limits. Each section is timed separately:
- Reading: 55 minutes for 45 questions (~1.2 min each)
- Math: 57 minutes for 38 questions (~1.5 min each)
- Science: 60 minutes for 50 questions (~1.2 min each)
- English: 37 minutes for 37 questions (1 min each)
Running out of time forces random guessing on final questions.
Fix: Practice under timed conditions. Learn to move on from tough questions. Build pacing strategies.
Test Anxiety Interfered
Some students know the material but freeze under pressure. Anxiety tanks performance.
Fix: Practice test-taking strategies. Take multiple full-length practice tests to build familiarity. Consider test anxiety resources or counseling if severe.
Weak Foundation in Core Subjects
If you struggled in high school or college science and math, the TEAS exposes those gaps.
Fix: Address fundamental weaknesses before retaking. This might mean taking a remedial course or working with a tutor.
How Long Should You Wait Before Retaking?
ATI’s minimum is 14 days. However, that’s rarely enough time to meaningfully improve.
The 4-6 Week Rule
Most students who significantly improve their scores wait 4-6 weeks and study strategically during that time.
Week 1: Analyze first attempt. Identify weak sections and specific topics.
Weeks 2-4: Targeted study on weak areas. Daily practice (30-60 minutes). Take section-specific practice tests.
Week 5: Full-length timed practice test. Review mistakes thoroughly.
Week 6: Light review. Rest. Take a second attempt.
Students who follow this timeline average 10-15 point improvements.
When to Wait Longer
Wait 8-12 weeks if:
- You scored 15+ points below program requirements
- You need to complete prerequisite courses
- You’re working full-time and can only study part-time
- Your first score revealed fundamental content gaps (not just test-taking issues)
Don’t rush. Retaking without adequate preparation wastes money (~$115-$150 per attempt) and attempt limits (some programs cap retakes).
Alternative Pathways to Nursing School
TEAS struggles don’t have to derail your entire timeline.
Start with CNA or LPN
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) programs typically don’t require TEAS.
Complete CNA certification in weeks or LPN diploma in 12-18 months. Gain healthcare experience. Then apply to RN programs.
Some nursing schools offer CNA-to-RN or LPN-to-RN bridge programs with relaxed entrance exam requirements because you’ve already proven clinical competence.
Consider Programs with Alternative Exams
If your target program requires TEAS, but you consistently struggle with it, apply to programs that use HESI or Kaplan instead.
Different exams test similar content but with different formats and question styles. Some students score 10-15 points higher on HESI than TEAS despite similar content coverage.
Apply to Direct-Entry Programs
Direct-entry BSN programs incorporate prerequisites into the curriculum instead of requiring them upfront. These programs often don’t require entrance exams because they’re designed for students without previous healthcare coursework.
Understanding the overall difficulty landscape helps you prepare appropriately. Our guide on what nursing school is really like covers the academic rigor, clinical demands, and time commitment ahead. If you’re struggling with the TEAS, this gives you realistic context about nursing school’s challenges and whether additional prep time now might help you succeed later.
What If You’ve Failed Multiple Times?
Failing twice (or three times) feels devastating. It’s not the end.
Reassess Your Readiness
Multiple failures signal that standardized testing might not be your strength or that you’re missing fundamental content knowledge.
Ask yourself:
- Did I complete all science prerequisites before testing?
- Am I using quality study materials specific to TEAS 7?
- Am I taking full-length timed practice tests?
- Do I understand why I’m missing questions, or am I just memorizing answers?
- Is test anxiety preventing me from performing?
Consider Professional Test Prep
If you’ve failed multiple times, self-study isn’t working. Consider:
- Tutoring: One-on-one help targeting your specific weak areas
- Test prep courses: Structured curriculum with accountability
- Study groups: Peer support and collaborative learning
Pivot to Programs Without TEAS
After multiple failed attempts, the most strategic move might be applying to programs that don’t require TEAS.
You’re not giving up. You’re recognizing that you have nursing skills standardized tests don’t measure: compassion, critical thinking, communication, resilience.
Many programs agree. That’s why they use holistic admissions instead.
How to Build a Strong Application Without TEAS Scores
If you’re applying to programs without TEAS requirements, strengthen other application components.
Maximize Your GPA
TEAS-free programs weigh GPA heavily. Focus on:
Prerequisite grades: A&P, microbiology, chemistry matter most. Retake any C grades if possible.
Overall GPA: Aim for 3.5+ to be competitive. TEAS-optional programs often have higher GPA averages than TEAS-required programs.
Gain Healthcare Experience
Volunteer in hospitals, clinics, or nursing homes. Get CNA certification and work clinically.
Programs want evidence you understand what nursing involves. Healthcare experience proves that.
Write a Compelling Personal Statement
Your essay should address:
- Why you want to be a nurse (be specific, not generic)
- What experiences shaped this decision
- How you’ve prepared academically and personally
- What you’ll bring to the program and profession
Avoid clichés. Tell your story authentically.
Secure Strong Letters of Recommendation
Get letters from:
- Science professors (proves academic ability)
- Healthcare supervisors (proves clinical potential)
- Employers or volunteer coordinators (proves work ethic and character)
Choose recommenders who know you well and can speak to specific strengths.
Final Thoughts
Failing the TEAS doesn’t end your nursing career. It forces you to make strategic decisions.
You can retake after addressing what went wrong. Wait 4-6 weeks minimum. Target your weak sections. Study strategically.
You can apply to programs with lower TEAS requirements. ADN programs and less competitive BSN programs offer more flexible admissions. You can skip TEAS entirely by applying to dozens of accredited programs that use holistic admissions instead of standardized testing.
The path forward exists. It just might not be the straight line you originally planned. Many successful nurses failed the TEAS on their first attempt. What separates them from students who give up is simple: they found an alternative path and kept moving forward.
Your TEAS score is one data point. It doesn’t define your nursing potential. Figure out what went wrong. Address it. Try again or find a different path.
Nursing school is waiting. The route you take to get there matters less than actually arriving.