10 Essential Tips for Building Your ATI TEAS 7 Math Study Plan

Preparing for the ATI TEAS 7 Math section can be daunting, especially for those who haven’t practiced math in a while. The key to success lies in building a strong, customized study plan that suits your schedule, learning style, and academic goals. A structured approach will not only improve your confidence but also ensure that you cover every topic tested on the exam.

This article is the first in a three-part series that walks you through ten powerful tips to create a realistic, effective ATI TEAS 7 Math study plan. In Part 1, we focus on building the foundation—understanding the test, gathering resources, exploring online tools, and creating a consistent study schedule.

Why You Need a Study Plan for ATI TEAS 7 Math

Many students underestimate the importance of planning ahead for the TEAS test, especially the math section. Some assume their high school knowledge will carry them through, while others rely on last-minute cramming. Unfortunately, both approaches often result in poor scores and disappointment.

A good study plan does more than simply allocate time to study. It provides structure, builds consistency, identifies weak areas, and makes your learning process more intentional. Without a plan, it’s easy to waste time jumping between topics or revisiting concepts you’ve already mastered.

Understand the TEAS 7 Math Test Structure

The first and most essential step in creating a study plan is understanding what you’re preparing for. The ATI TEAS 7 Math section is designed to assess your ability to perform essential mathematical operations and apply them in a healthcare context.

The math section is one of four in the TEAS test, alongside Reading, Science, and English and Language Usage. The math section includes 38 questions to be answered in 57 minutes, which means you have approximately 1.5 minutes per question.

Key Topics Covered

The ATI TEAS 7 Math test focuses on two main content areas:

1. Numbers and Algebra
   
   
   • Operations with rational numbers
     
     
   • Ratios, proportions, and percentages
     
     
   • Algebraic equations and expressions
     
     
2. Measurement and Data
   
   
   • Interpreting graphs and tables
     
     
   • Conversions and measurements
     
     
   • Word problems and data analysis

Understanding these categories will help you create a topic-based study timeline.

Gather Your Study Materials

Once you understand the test structure, your next move is to collect all the necessary study materials. Without proper resources, even the best study plan can fall short.

Start by gathering both core materials and supplementary resources.

Recommended Study Materials:

• ATI TEAS 7 Official Study Manual (from the Assessment Technologies Institute)
  
  
• Subject-specific workbooks, especially for math
  
  
• Printable formula charts (with conversions, algebra rules, etc.)
  
  
• Flashcards for formulas and math vocabulary
  
  
• Online math practice tests and quizzes
  
  
• Notebook or binder for tracking progress and working out problems

The goal here is to avoid wasting time hunting for resources while studying. Organize your materials into folders—digital or physical—so you can access them easily when needed.

Explore Online Prep Tools and Practice Resources

The internet is filled with both free and paid tools designed specifically for TEAS math preparation. Leveraging these platforms can help you target your weak areas more efficiently.

One excellent starting point is the ATI Testing website, which offers official materials and practice exams. Additionally, there are many platforms offering video tutorials, interactive problem sets, and adaptive quizzes.

Useful Online Resources:

• ATI Official Website – Includes tutorials, practice exams, and downloadable content
  
  
• Khan Academy – Great for brushing up on fundamental concepts in algebra, geometry, and data analysis
  
  
• Union Test Prep – Offers free TEAS practice questions and flashcards
  
  
• YouTube Channels – Math-specific TEAS review videos can visually walk you through common problems
  
  
• Quizlet – Flashcards for TEAS math terms and formulas

Participating in online practice exams is especially helpful. These simulate real test conditions, giving you a better idea of your timing and areas needing improvement.

Set Up a Consistent Study Schedule

Even the best study materials are useless if you don’t commit regular time to study. One of the most effective strategies for success is creating a consistent study schedule—and sticking to it.

Start by assessing your availability each week. Factor in work, school, family, and personal time. From there, block out dedicated study sessions. Some students prefer studying early in the morning, while others focus better at night. Choose what works best for you, but maintain consistency.

Sample Weekly Study Plan:

Tips to Stay on Track

• Use phone alerts and calendar reminders
  
  
• Break sessions into 25-minute blocks with 5-minute breaks (Pomodoro Technique)
  
  
• Track your progress and reward milestones

By treating study time like a non-negotiable appointment, you’re more likely to stay consistent and avoid procrastination.

Break Down the Topics into Weekly Goals

Instead of jumping into random topics, organize your study plan into weekly goals. Each week should focus on 1–2 main concepts from the test.

Example Weekly Breakdown:

• Week 1 – Number properties, fractions, and decimals
  
  
• Week 2 – Ratios, rates, and percentages
  
  
• Week 3 – Equations and inequalities
  
  
• Week 4 – Measurements, unit conversions, and geometry
  
  
• Week 5 – Data interpretation and word problems
  
  
• Week 6 – Review and full-length practice exams

By focusing on fewer topics each week, you’ll gain deeper understanding and be less likely to feel overwhelmed.

Use a Study Journal to Track Your Progress

A study journal or logbook is a powerful tool to keep you accountable. After each session, write down what you studied, what you struggled with, and what you want to improve next.

Tracking this information serves two purposes:

1. You can easily revisit problem areas without starting from scratch.
   
   
2. You build a sense of accomplishment, which helps you stay motivated.

If you’re studying digitally, consider using apps like Notion, OneNote, or Evernote. These tools allow you to organize notes by topic and integrate video links or screenshots.

Stay Flexible but Committed

Life is unpredictable, and some days may not go as planned. That’s why your study plan should be flexible. Missed a session? Don’t panic—reschedule it and move forward.

However, flexibility doesn’t mean lack of discipline. Keep the mindset that your study sessions are a critical part of your future career. The balance between adaptability and commitment is what makes a study plan sustainable over time.

Don’t Underestimate Review Time

Many students focus heavily on learning new concepts but forget to allocate time for reviewing older ones. Review sessions are just as important as new material.

Every few days, revisit previously studied topics. This not only reinforces memory but also helps you spot areas that need further improvement.

Use quick quizzes, flashcards, or teach-back methods (explaining concepts aloud as if teaching someone else).

A strong ATI TEAS 7 Math study plan doesn’t happen by chance—it’s the result of thoughtful preparation, consistent effort, and the right tools. In this first part of the series, we’ve focused on laying the groundwork by understanding the test, gathering essential materials, using reliable online tools, and setting a consistent schedule.

Once these foundations are in place, you’re well-prepared to dive deeper into more advanced study techniques, as we’ll explore in Part 2 of this series.

Remember: You don’t have to master everything in one day. Start small, stay consistent, and you’ll be amazed by how much progress you can make over a few weeks.

 Building Smarter Habits and Study Techniques

In Part 1 of this series, we discussed how to build the foundation for your ATI TEAS 7 Math study plan. We covered understanding the exam format, gathering essential resources, using online tools, and developing a consistent study schedule. With these basics in place, it’s time to enhance your study plan with smarter habits and evidence-based techniques.

This section of the series dives into the next three tips—each focused on helping you maximize your study efficiency, maintain your motivation, and balance your learning priorities. We’ll cover how to manage your strengths and weaknesses, the benefits of study groups, and the critical importance of taking care of your physical and mental health while preparing for the test.

Tip 5: Balance Strengths and Weaknesses

It’s natural to want to spend more time on topics that confuse or challenge you. However, one of the most common mistakes students make when preparing for the TEAS math section is ignoring the topics they already understand. They assume, “I already know this,” and never revisit them. Unfortunately, this can lead to careless errors on test day.

Why You Should Review Your Strengths

Even if you’re confident with a specific topic—like solving proportions or working with percentages—your brain still benefits from review. Familiarity breeds comfort, but it can also lead to overconfidence. Practicing what you’re good at ensures you maintain speed, accuracy, and efficiency in those areas.

How to Identify Your Strengths and Weaknesses

To properly balance your study sessions, start with a self-assessment. Take a full-length diagnostic test (many are available online) and analyze your results. Write down which question types or topics you missed, and note how long you spent on each problem.

Create a study inventory chart like this:

This quick exercise helps you visualize where to allocate your time and energy.

Scheduling Practice Around Strengths and Weaknesses

Use the 80/20 rule: spend 80% of your study time reinforcing your weaker areas and 20% sharpening your strengths. Here’s a weekly breakdown based on that principle:

• Monday: Weak area
  
  
• Tuesday: Strength review + light quiz
  
  
• Wednesday: New weak topic
  
  
• Thursday: Flashcard drill (mixed topics)
  
  
• Friday: Review strong topic + speed drill
  
  
• Saturday: Full-length or section-specific practice
  
  
• Sunday: Reflective summary and rest

Tip 6: Join a Study Group

Studying doesn’t have to be a solo mission. Joining a study group is a highly effective strategy that can add depth, structure, and motivation to your TEAS math prep. Humans learn better in collaborative environments, and group study brings multiple benefits.

Why Study Groups Work

• Accountability: You’re more likely to show up and stay on track when others are counting on you.
  
  
• Clarification: Explaining a concept to others reinforces your own understanding.
  
  
• Diverse Perspectives: Others might approach problems differently or introduce shortcuts you’ve never seen.
  
  
• Motivation: Being part of a team encourages a positive attitude and reduces isolation.

How to Form or Join a Study Group

If you’re taking a TEAS prep course at a local community college or online, start by asking classmates if they’d like to form a group. If you’re studying independently, consider joining TEAS prep communities on Facebook, Reddit, or Discord. Many of these groups have thousands of members willing to help, share resources, or even set up study Zoom calls.

Set group guidelines to keep sessions focused. A productive study group should:

• Meet consistently (1–2 times a week)
  
  
• Stick to an agenda (e.g., 1 topic per session)
  
  
• Assign rotating roles (leader, timekeeper, note-taker)
  
  
• End with a review quiz or discussion

Sample Group Study Agenda

• Opening (5 min): Quick review of the previous session
  
  
• Main Topic (30 min): Group discussion or peer teaching
  
  
• Practice Problems (20 min): Silent work, then compare answers
  
  
• Q&A and Summary (10 min): Clear doubts and assign homework

Not comfortable meeting in person? Use free video tools like Zoom, Google Meet, or Microsoft Teams to host virtual sessions.

Tools for Collaborative Learning

• Google Docs: Share notes, practice sets, or formula sheets
  
  
• Kahoot or Quizizz: Make study games and quizzes
  
  
• Whiteboard apps: Useful for solving equations together (Jamboard, Miro)

The synergy created through collaborative learning often leads to deeper understanding and improved retention, especially for tricky concepts like algebraic word problems or interpreting data graphs.

Tip 7: Take Care of Your Body and Mind

Students often overlook one of the most powerful performance-enhancing tools available: their own health. Preparing for the ATI TEAS test isn’t just a mental exercise—it’s a holistic challenge that demands strong physical and emotional endurance. No matter how well you study, poor sleep, dehydration, or unmanaged stress can erode your performance.

Sleep: The Secret Study Weapon

Numerous scientific studies have shown that sleep is essential for memory consolidation. While you sleep, your brain processes what you’ve learned, turning short-term memories into long-term ones. Pulling an all-nighter or sacrificing rest to study more might seem like a smart move, but it usually leads to information loss and burnout.

Aim for 7–9 hours of sleep each night during your study period—and especially the night before your exam.

Nutrition: Fuel for Focus

Your brain needs the right nutrients to function efficiently. A balanced diet that includes complex carbs (like whole grains), healthy fats (like nuts and avocado), and proteins (like eggs or lean meats) provides steady energy and improves cognitive function.

Avoid sugary snacks or excessive caffeine, which can lead to energy crashes or jitters during practice sessions.

Hydration also plays a huge role. Even mild dehydration can impair focus, memory, and problem-solving skills. Carry a water bottle during study sessions and make hydration part of your routine.

Exercise: Move to Improve

Physical activity boosts brain performance by increasing blood flow and releasing endorphins. It’s a natural stress reducer and a great way to break up long study periods.

You don’t have to run marathons—just 20–30 minutes of movement (walking, stretching, yoga) can refresh your mind and enhance focus. Try adding short walks before or after study blocks to re-energize.

Mental Health: Managing Stress and Anxiety

It’s normal to feel anxious when preparing for a high-stakes test like the TEAS. But when stress becomes overwhelming, it interferes with learning, memory recall, and performance.

Here are a few techniques to manage anxiety:

• Mindfulness or meditation: Apps like Headspace and Calm offer quick guided sessions
  
  
• Deep breathing exercises: Try the 4-7-8 technique: inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 7, exhale for 8
  
  
• Journaling: Write down what you’re feeling to clear mental clutter
  
  
• Talk to someone: Family, friends, mentors, or counselors can offer support

Make time for activities that bring you joy—whether that’s listening to music, drawing, or playing a game. These are not distractions; they’re essential to a sustainable study routine.

Sample Weekly Wellness-Integrated Study Plan

Remember, preparing for the TEAS is a marathon, not a sprint. Prioritizing your physical and mental well-being ensures that you show up with maximum clarity and confidence when it matters most.

Bringing It All Together

To review, Part 2 of your ATI TEAS 7 Math study journey involves developing stronger study habits and building smarter routines. Let’s summarize the key takeaways:

• Don’t neglect your strengths—review them to maintain speed and accuracy
  
  
• Use diagnostic tests to map out weak areas, and apply the 80/20 rule for time allocation
  
  
• Study groups provide accountability, deeper understanding, and emotional support
  
  
• Leverage collaborative tools to make group sessions interactive and productive
  
  
• A healthy mind and body are non-negotiable—sleep, eat, and move well
  
  
• Use mindfulness to manage anxiety and prevent burnout

By combining these strategies with the foundation you built in Part 1, you’re well on your way to TEAS math mastery.

Coming Up Next: Fine-Tuning Your Strategy

• How to consult advisors and make the most of institutional resources
  
  
• Why study breaks and downtime can actually increase productivity
  
  
• How to evaluate and adjust your study plan to make it more effective over time

Guidance, Breaks, and Course Correction

in this series, we established a solid strategy for preparing for the ATI TEAS 7 Math section. We discussed understanding the exam format, gathering materials, organizing a schedule, managing study strengths and weaknesses, joining study groups, and prioritizing self-care.

Now , we shift focus to the final elements that complete your study plan: seeking professional advice, maximizing rest and breaks for mental efficiency, and adjusting your strategy as needed. These tips ensure your plan remains dynamic and optimized for success as your exam date approaches.

Tip 8: Consult a Nursing Advisor or Instructor

Many students underestimate the value of guidance from experts who are familiar with the TEAS and nursing admissions process. Whether you’re studying independently or enrolled in a formal program, reaching out to a nursing advisor, academic coach, or math instructor can give you targeted support and insight.

Why Professional Guidance Matters

• Up-to-date information: Advisors stay informed about recent changes in testing formats or nursing school requirements.
  
  
• Tailored resources: They may suggest books, worksheets, or practice tests that align closely with your program’s expectations.
  
  
• Strategic advice: Advisors can guide you on how to study smarter—not just harder—and may help you balance TEAS prep with other academic or work responsibilities.

How to Find the Right Advisor

If you are currently enrolled in a school or community college, your academic department likely has a nursing pathway advisor. Schedule an appointment and be honest about your current math level and preparation status. Bring your diagnostic test results, study plan, and questions.

For those not enrolled in a program, explore:

• Local tutoring centers
  
  
• Online nursing forums
  
  
• TEAS-focused virtual tutoring services
  
  
• Instructor-led TEAS prep courses (e.g., Kaplan, Mometrix, or ATI’s own prep program)

What to Ask Your Advisor

Come prepared with specific questions, such as:

• What score do I need to be competitive for my chosen nursing program?
  
  
• Are there common math topics that students tend to struggle with?
  
  
• Can you help me review my study schedule and suggest improvements?
  
  
• Do you recommend additional practice materials for weak areas?

You may also ask if your school offers:

• Study groups or math labs
  
  
• TEAS prep workshops
  
  
• Practice exam days or tutoring hours
  
  

Use the Feedback

When an advisor gives feedback or points out gaps, don’t take it personally—it’s meant to help you improve. Apply the advice by adjusting your study sessions, integrating new resources, or reinforcing key topics. Your ability to respond to feedback will directly impact your readiness.

Tip 9: Take Intentional Study Breaks to Avoid Burnout

Effective studying doesn’t mean studying all the time. One of the most important habits to build into your ATI TEAS 7 Math plan is planned, purposeful rest. Your brain needs recovery periods to absorb new information and remain sharp.

The Science of Study Breaks

When you study for long periods without rest, your brain begins to lose focus and retention drops significantly. Taking regular breaks:

• Increases long-term memory storage
  
  
• Improves problem-solving ability
  
  
• Reduces cognitive fatigue
  
  
• Helps regulate stress and emotional balance

Popular Break Techniques

1. The Pomodoro Technique

This method breaks study time into intervals:

• Study for 25 minutes
  
  
• Take a 5-minute break
  
  
• Repeat 4 times, then take a longer 15–30 minute break
  
  

It’s ideal for math practice because it keeps your mind fresh while maintaining momentum.

2. 52/17 Method

This less common approach recommends:

• Study or work with full focus for 52 minutes
  
  
• Rest for 17 minutes
  It’s great for tackling more complex topics like algebraic equations or data interpretation where longer focus blocks are needed.

3. Active Rest

Not all breaks mean sitting still. Use your break time to:

• Stretch
  
  
• Walk around
  
  
• Do light yoga
  
  
• Water a plant
  
  
• Listen to relaxing music
  These physical and mental resets help you return with renewed focus.

Break Don’ts

• Don’t spend your break scrolling on social media. It can disrupt focus and create distractions that bleed into your study block.
  
  
• Don’t use breaks to multitask with chores, errands, or stressful tasks. Keep the time restful and light.

Plan Breaks into Your Study Schedule

Here’s a sample 3-hour study block with built-in breaks:

Long-Term Burnout Prevention

Besides daily breaks, you also need weekly rest to avoid long-term burnout. Take one day a week off from TEAS prep to rest your brain. Use that time to reflect, journal, or do something that lifts your spirits.

Rest is not wasted time. It’s what allows you to study more effectively the next time you sit down.

Tip 10: Evaluate and Adjust Your Study Plan

No study plan is perfect from day one. In fact, the most successful students are the ones who consistently review, refine, and adjust their approach. A study plan should evolve with your progress.

Why Flexibility Is Essential

• You may discover new weaknesses you hadn’t anticipated
  
  
• Some topics may take longer to master than expected
  
  
• Life events, work shifts, or family needs can disrupt your original schedule
  
  
• Certain resources may prove ineffective or outdated

Being flexible doesn’t mean you lack discipline—it means you’re strategic and adaptable.

How to Evaluate Your Plan

Use a weekly or biweekly review session to ask yourself:

• What topics did I cover this week?
  
  
• What went well?
  
  
• Where did I get stuck?
  
  
• How did I feel during study sessions—motivated or overwhelmed?
  
  
• Did I improve on quizzes or practice tests?
  
  
• Am I meeting my score goals?

Keep a study journal or spreadsheet to track your answers and identify trends.

Adjusting Your Plan

If you notice you’re falling behind or stagnating, make changes. Here are examples:

When to Pivot Entirely

If, after 3–4 weeks, your practice scores haven’t improved and you’re consistently frustrated, it may be time for a bigger pivot. Consider:

• Joining a structured course
  
  
• Hiring a tutor
  
  
• Replacing your current study guide
  
  
• Changing your test date if possible
  
  

Being honest with yourself is crucial. A proactive pivot now could mean the difference between just passing and truly excelling.

Final Checklist: Your Complete ATI TEAS 7 Math Study Plan

As we wrap up this 3-part series, let’s put everything together in a final checklist. You can use this as a personal tracker to stay on course:

Study Setup

• Identified all ATI TEAS 7 Math topics
  
  
• Gathered trusted resources and materials
  
  
• Built a realistic weekly schedule
  
  
• Taken a diagnostic test

Execution Tools

• Followed the 80/20 rule for strengths/weaknesses
  
  
• Joined or formed a study group
  
  
• Practiced with time-bound quizzes
  
  
• Used Pomodoro or study break techniques
  
  
• Practiced at least 3 days a week consistently

Support and Feedback

• Spoke with a nursing advisor or tutor
  
  
• Logged progress and weekly reflections
  
  
• Made adjustments based on performance
  
  
• Took at least one full-length timed mock test

Wellness and Motivation

• Slept 7–9 hours nightly
  
  
• Ate well and stayed hydrated
  
  
• Exercised or moved regularly
  
  
• Took weekly mental health breaks
  
  
• Celebrated small wins (reaching score goals, finishing a topic, etc.)

If most of these boxes are checked, you’re on track to not only pass the ATI TEAS 7 Math test—but to do so with confidence.

Closing Thoughts: You’ve Got This

Preparing for the ATI TEAS 7 Math section is about more than memorizing formulas or solving equations. It’s a journey of self-discipline, planning, reflection, and resilience. With the right tools, strategies, and support system, success is within your reach.

Don’t aim for perfection—aim for progress. Even studying 30 focused minutes a day can lead to dramatic improvements over time. Trust in the process, believe in your potential, and stay committed.

You are preparing not just for a test—but for a career in healthcare, a field that demands critical thinking, focus, and compassion. Every moment you invest now is a step closer to achieving your goals.

Let your ATI TEAS 7 Math study plan be the bridge to your future success.