Helping to prepare people for exams has become a major industry in this country. Those who create study guides for particular exams are playing on the fears of students who have been lead to believe that there is some magic formula to success on these exams. Granted it is convenient to have important information gathered into one place as you prepare to do some last minute cramming, but the truth is that preparing for exams always has the same three components.

First you must know what topics the exam is likely to cover. Just about any major exam will include a description along with the materials necessary to register for the test. Even high school exams are generally previewed by the instructor who will be giving them. What will you need to know in order to do well on this exam? Read the descriptive materials carefully, listen carefully, and if necessary consult with others who have taken similar exams.

The second step is to systematically review the material. Make a list of the areas you need to practice or review more carefully, and then concentrate the time you have on review and study of those areas where you feel you may be most vulnerable. Even if you are going to purchase and use a study guide, you should work on your weakest areas first. Make sure to start early enough so you can plan several study sessions get plenty of rest between them. Focus for an hour or two and then take a break to get some exercise or take a nap before returning to your review.

The third step in preparation for any exam is to stop cramming in time to get a good night of sleep, eat a good meal, and arrive at the test early enough to get seated and comfortable before the start of the exam. Make sure you have all the identification, and paperwork needed to avoid any last minute snafu. Once seated close your eyes and try to empty your mind of all distractions and fears. Focus on breathing deeply and slowly to help give your brain a boost.

These things will work in any testing situation. But what exactly do you need to know for a nursing school entrance exam? Arithmetic and some basic algebra are important. Reading and writing are important too, along with some basic understanding of general science.

The school wants to know if you have mastered the basics necessary to learn to calculate proper doses of medication. If you have 325 mg Tylenol tablets, how many does it take to give the patient 650 mg? Of course the problems are often much more complex

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