The best nursing entrance exam book depends on the test your school requires. Kaplan Nursing School Entrance Exams Prep is aimed at Kaplan and HESI candidates, while the two TEAS guides focus on ATI TEAS 7. The Nursing Success Bundle is better suited to students seeking broad nursing-school notes than to applicants preparing for a specific entrance exam.
| Book | Best suited for | Listed study features |
|---|---|---|
| Kaplan and HESI All-in-One Guide | Kaplan or HESI applicants | Combined exam-focused guide |
| Kaplan Entrance Exam Prep, 5th Edition | Kaplan applicants seeking practice and video support | Practice tests, video tutorials, answer explanations |
| Smart Edition ATI TEAS 7 | TEAS 7 applicants seeking multiple study formats | Eight practice tests, videos, mobile app |
| ATI TEAS Secrets Study Guide | TEAS 7 applicants wanting extensive question practice | Six full-length tests, 1,000+ questions, video tutorials |
| Nursing Success Bundle | Students seeking general nursing-school notes | 400+ pages of handwritten notes |
Kaplan and HESI All-in-One Guide
Best for: Applicants who have not yet narrowed their preparation to only Kaplan or only HESI. The title describes this paperback as an all-in-one guide to both exams, making it the most directly relevant choice for students comparing those test paths.
Choose this if your school accepts either exam or you want one book that names both. It is more targeted to Kaplan and HESI entrance testing than a general nursing-school reference. Before buying, confirm that the guide aligns with the exam and requirements specified by your program.
Limitation: The supplied product information does not specify the number of practice tests, question count, or digital study features.
Kaplan Entrance Exam Prep, 5th Edition
Best for: Kaplan exam candidates who want a study book paired with practice and video learning. The product title lists full-length practice tests, online video tutorials, and detailed answer explanations, offering several ways to review material and learn from responses.
Choose this over a broader Kaplan-and-HESI guide if you are specifically preparing for the Kaplan exam and want the listed practice resources. Detailed answer explanations can help make practice review more informative than simply checking whether an answer was right.
Limitation: The provided details do not state how many full-length tests are included. Verify the edition and resource access details before purchase.
Smart Edition ATI TEAS 7 Study Guide
Best for: Applicants preparing for ATI TEAS 7 who want a combination of print and digital study options. The title identifies a full-color book, eight practice tests, videos, and a mobile app, making it a strong match for students who prefer varied formats.
Choose this if you want a TEAS-specific guide with multiple practice tests and named video and mobile-app resources. It is a more appropriate exam match than a Kaplan or HESI guide when your school requires the TEAS.
Limitation: The product title does not state how many questions are in each practice test or describe what app access includes. Check the product details for current resource terms.
ATI TEAS Secrets Study Guide
Best for: TEAS 7 applicants who want a large volume of practice questions and guided video support. The listed features include six full-length practice tests, more than 1,000 questions, and step-by-step video tutorials.
Choose this if repeated question practice is a priority. Compared with the Smart Edition book, its title emphasizes question volume and full-length tests rather than a mobile app or full-color format. Confirm that the updated seventh-edition material matches your exam date and preparation needs.
Limitation: The provided product information does not describe mobile access or other digital tools beyond the video tutorials.
Nursing Success Bundle Notes
Best for: Students who want a broad nursing-school study resource alongside entrance-exam preparation. The product is described as a spiral-bound bundle with more than 400 pages of handwritten notes, designed to be concise and comprehensive.
Consider it as supplemental study material if you are also preparing for nursing coursework. It is not identified in the supplied title as a Kaplan, HESI, or TEAS exam-prep book, so applicants should not treat it as a substitute for a guide specific to their required entrance test.
Limitation: The listed details do not identify entrance-exam practice tests, question counts, or exam-specific coverage.
Buying Guide: How To Choose A Nursing Entrance Exam Book
Which exam does your nursing program require?
Start by checking the admissions instructions for every program on your list. Schools may require different tests, so a book that matches one exam may not prepare you for another. Choose a Kaplan or HESI guide for those named exams, or a TEAS 7 guide if the ATI TEAS is required.
Do you need practice tests or broader review?
Practice tests help you work through exam-style questions and review performance. Compare the listed resources: the Kaplan fifth-edition guide names full-length tests and explanations; the TEAS Secrets guide lists six tests and more than 1,000 questions; Smart Edition lists eight tests. The all-in-one Kaplan and HESI book may suit candidates prioritizing coverage of both exam names.
Will you study in print or use digital resources?
Consider how you plan to study before choosing. Smart Edition lists videos and a mobile app, while the Kaplan fifth-edition and TEAS Secrets titles list video tutorials. Check the seller’s current details for access requirements. The Nursing Success Bundle is spiral-bound and focused on handwritten notes, not clearly identified test-prep tools.
What should you verify before buying?
Match the edition to your upcoming test, review the included resources, and confirm whether online materials are accessible to you. Product titles provide a useful feature overview, but do not always state question counts, access periods, or exact exam coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best book for a nursing entrance exam?
The best choice is the book that matches your school’s required test. The listed options cover Kaplan, HESI, and ATI TEAS 7 in different combinations.
Can one book prepare me for both Kaplan and HESI?
The Kaplan and HESI All-in-One Guide is explicitly described as covering both exams. Check its current contents against your program’s requirements.
Which listed books are specifically for the TEAS 7?
The Smart Edition ATI TEAS 7 Study Guide and the ATI TEAS Secrets Study Guide both identify TEAS 7 preparation in their titles.
Is the Nursing Success Bundle an entrance-exam prep book?
Its supplied description presents it as a nursing-school notes bundle, not a test-specific entrance-exam guide. It may be supplemental, but it should not replace exam-matched preparation.
Should I choose the book with the most practice tests?
Not automatically. First match the book to your required exam, then compare practice tests, explanations, videos, and other resources that fit your study approach.