Introduction

Preparing for the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) is a challenging journey for every aspiring nursing student. One of the key aspects of preparation, beyond reviewing content and practicing questions, is knowing when to practice. While many students focus on what to study or how many hours to dedicate, the timing of practice sessions can significantly influence performance.
Research on cognitive science, chronotypes, and standardized testing suggests that the time of day plays an important role in test outcomes. This guide covers the best times of day to tackle TEAS practice tests and offers useful recommendations for students.

Morning Advantage: Why Earlier is Often Better

Experts often point out that students perform better on tests earlier in the day. Scores typically peak around 8 a.m. and then gradually dip, reaching their lowest point by about 1 p.m. The main reason is cognitive fatigue — as the hours go by and the brain stays busy, it becomes harder to focus and handle complex tasks.
There are, however, a couple of exceptions to this trend. Test performance tends to bounce back a bit around 10 a.m. and again at noon, right after scheduled breaks. The takeaway is clear: breaks make a real difference. For anyone preparing for the TEAS, it’s best to schedule practice tests either first thing in the morning or right after a short rest to get the most out of your study time.

The Role of Breaks and Fatigue

Beyond the time of day, taking breaks is key to staying focused. Mental energy is not unlimited. As study sessions or exams go on, focus and accuracy naturally decline. Even short breaks can help the brain recharge and restore concentration.
This matters even more for students who find academics challenging. Fatigue tends to hit them harder, and they gain the most from taking a break before testing. For TEAS prep, that means if you cannot schedule practice tests in the morning, it is essential to build in breaks beforehand or during to keep performance steady.

Chronotypes: Morning People vs. Night Owls

Not all students run on the same internal clock. A person’s chronotype, meaning whether they are more of a morning type (a “lark”) or an evening type (an “owl”), has a strong influence on mental performance.
Studies with university students show that morning types tend to do better on cognitive tasks earlier in the day, while evening types often struggle in the morning but catch up as the day goes on. By the afternoon, the difference between the two groups usually disappears.
For TEAS practice, the key is to pay attention to your own rhythm. If you focus best in the morning, schedule your practice tests then. If you are sharper later in the day, try practicing in the afternoon, though it is best to avoid going too late when fatigue can set in.

Circadian Rhythms and Cognitive Fluctuations

Cognitive performance goes up and down throughout the day because of the body’s natural rhythms. Even when tiredness starts to build, the circadian system can temporarily boost energy and focus. Many people notice this in the evening, when they feel a sudden “second wind” that helps them stay alert despite having been active all day.
Most people reach their highest levels of alertness at two main points during the day. The first is late morning, usually between 10 a.m. and noon, and the second is in the early evening, between about 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. For TEAS practice, these windows can be especially useful. Choosing to study or take practice tests during these times can help students stay focused and perform at their best, provided they have had enough rest and can work without too many distractions.

Afternoon and Evening Testing: Risks and Benefits

While it is often recommended to take tests in the morning, this advice does not apply equally to everyone. Some analyses show only small differences between students who test in the morning and those who test in the afternoon. In certain cases, test-takers who completed assessments in the evening, between about 5 p.m. and 10 p.m., even performed slightly better.
Still, these results should be viewed carefully. The improvements were minor and may have been shaped by factors such as eating schedules, feeling more relaxed after finishing daily tasks, or simply personal preference. For TEAS prep, this means that practicing later in the day is not necessarily a problem, but it is important to keep in mind the risks of fatigue, reduced focus, and possible distractions.

Implications for Practice Testing

Tools like the Prepia app make it easier to schedule and take realistic TEAS practice tests, helping students align their study times with actual exam conditions. The app is available on both the App Store and Google Play for easy access across devices. Since the official TEAS is usually held in the morning or early afternoon, it helps to schedule practice sessions during those same hours. Training your brain to focus at these times can make you better prepared for test day.

Some practical options include:• Morning practice (8–10 a.m.): Works best for most students, especially morning types.
• Late morning to early afternoon (10 a.m.–12 p.m.): A good window thanks to natural alertness and the benefit of breaks.
• Afternoon practice (1–3 p.m.): Possible, but often overlaps with fatigue. A short rest before testing can improve focus.
• Evening practice (5–7 p.m.): Helpful for night owls or those with busy schedules, though it may not fully match exam-day timing.

Practical Tips for TEAS Students

Finding the right time to take practice tests is only part of the equation. To get the most out of your prep, it helps to build smart habits around rest, breaks, and exam simulation. Here are a few simple strategies students can follow:
1. Know your chronotype. Morning people should prioritize early testing, while night owls may perform better later in the day.
2. Prioritize rest. A good night’s sleep before practice is more important than the exact time you choose.
3. Use breaks strategically. Even short pauses can restore focus and improve accuracy.
4. Simulate test conditions. Whenever possible, take practice exams at the same time of day your actual TEAS is scheduled.
5. Avoid the post-lunch slump. Energy and focus often dip in the early afternoon, so this may be the least effective window.

Final Thoughts

The best time to take TEAS practice tests is not the same for everyone. Morning sessions, especially between 8 and 10 a.m., often bring the strongest results, but factors like personal chronotype, energy levels, and the use of breaks also play a major role. What matters most is choosing practice times that align both with your natural rhythm and the actual exam schedule.
By combining self-awareness with smart preparation habits, students can make the most of their study time and walk into the TEAS feeling confident, focused, and ready to succeed.