What Is a Good HSRT Score?
A good HSRT score depends on your target program. Published minimums range from 60 to 74 — but minimums are floors, not targets. Competitive applicants at selective programs typically score 75–85. Targeting 78 or above gives you a strong position at every confirmed HSRT-requiring program.
The most important thing to understand about HSRT scores: the published minimum is the cutoff below which your application is rejected — not the score that gets you admitted. At programs with competitive applicant pools, the effective admitted average is typically 5–12 points above the minimum.
HSRT score benchmarks
| Score range | Rating |
|---|---|
| 90–100 | Exceptional |
| 80–89 | Strong |
| 75–79 | Competitive |
| 70–74 | Meets minimums |
| 60–69 | Below most cutoffs |
| Below 60 | Below minimums |
Benchmarks based on confirmed program data. Verify minimums directly with your program.
Published minimum vs. competitive target — Minnesota programs
The minimum gets your application reviewed. The competitive target reflects where admitted students typically score. Both matter.
| Program | Published min | Competitive target |
|---|---|---|
| Anoka-Ramsey CC55% of admissions score | 74 | 78+ |
| Northwest Technical College | 70 | 73+ |
| Central Lakes CollegeVaries by program | 65–70 | 74+ |
| M StateVaries by program track | 60–73 | 76+ |
| Century CollegeHolistic admissions | Not published | Target 75+ |
| South Central CollegeVerify with program | Not published | Target 75+ |
Competitive targets are estimates based on available program data. Always verify with your program. Full score requirements by school →
What your HSRT score report includes
The HSRT returns an overall percentage score plus six subscale scores — one for each reasoning domain. Programs use your overall score for admissions cutoffs. Subscale scores matter for two reasons: some programs review them during holistic admissions, and they tell you exactly where to focus if you retake.
Analysis
Inference
Evaluation
Induction
Deduction
Numeracy
If you are retaking the HSRT, your lowest subscale score is your highest-leverage preparation target. A 10-point improvement in your weakest domain has more impact on your overall score than spreading preparation evenly across all six.
How long does the HSRT take?
The HSRT-AD has 33–35 multiple-choice questions with no official time limit. Most students finish in 45–90 minutes. Unlike the TEAS — which has strict per-section timers — the HSRT is untimed. You can move through questions at your own pace and return to review your answers.
This changes how you should approach it. The biggest timing mistake is moving too quickly. Because the exam measures reasoning quality — not speed — students who slow down, read each argument twice, and eliminate wrong answers systematically consistently outperform students who rely on first impressions.
33–35
Questions
No limit
Time limit
45–90 min
Avg. completion
Find out where you stand before test day
Get 10 free HSRT-format practice questions with full explanations — one per reasoning domain. See which subscales you need to target.
Specific score questions
Is a 70 a good HSRT score?
A 70 meets the published minimum at Northwest Technical College (70) and most M State programs. It does not meet Anoka-Ramsey's minimum of 74. At programs without a published cutoff, a 70 places you in the lower-middle of the applicant pool. If Anoka-Ramsey is your target program, retake preparation is advisable.
Is a 75 a good HSRT score?
A 75 exceeds every confirmed published minimum. It positions you as a competitive applicant at most programs. For programs with large applicant pools or highly selective admissions, 78–80+ is a stronger target. A 75 is a solid foundation — if you have time before your application deadline, targeting 78 is worth the additional preparation.
Is a 80+ an exceptional HSRT score?
An 80 or above is a strong score that places you in the upper tier of applicants at every HSRT-requiring program. Scores in the 85+ range are exceptional. If your program uses the HSRT as a competitive ranking factor rather than a cutoff, a score in this range significantly strengthens your application.
Related HSRT resources
Frequently asked questions
What is a good HSRT score?
A good HSRT score depends on your target program. Published minimums range from 60 (M State, some programs) to 74 (Anoka-Ramsey CC). However, published minimums are floors — competitive applicants at programs with selective admissions typically score in the 75–85 range. A score of 75 or above positions you competitively at most HSRT-requiring programs.
What is the average HSRT score for admitted nursing students?
Most programs do not publish average admitted scores. Based on available data from HSRT-requiring programs in Minnesota and Texas, admitted students at competitive programs typically score between 72 and 85 overall. Programs with higher applicant volumes tend to have higher de facto admitted averages, even when the published minimum is lower.
What HSRT score do I need for Anoka-Ramsey?
Anoka-Ramsey Community College publishes a minimum HSRT score of 74 for their nursing program. HSRT is the primary quantitative component of their holistic admissions process, representing 55% of the admissions score. A score at or near the minimum may not be sufficient for admission during competitive cycles — applicants should target 78 or above.
What is the highest possible HSRT score?
HSRT scores are reported as a percentage from 0–100. Scores in the 90s are exceptional and uncommon. Most admitted students at HSRT-requiring programs score between 65 and 85. The exam also reports subscale scores for each of the six reasoning domains (Analysis, Inference, Evaluation, Induction, Deduction, Numeracy) — programs may weight subscales differently.
Is a 70 a good HSRT score?
A score of 70 meets the published minimum at several programs (Northwest Technical College requires 70, M State accepts 60–73 depending on program). It does not meet the Anoka-Ramsey minimum of 74. At programs without a published minimum, a 70 positions you in the lower-middle of the applicant pool at most sites. Targeting 75–78 provides a stronger competitive position.
Is a 75 a good HSRT score?
A score of 75 exceeds the published minimum at every HSRT-requiring program that has published a cutoff. It positions you competitively at most programs. For highly selective programs or programs with large applicant pools, a score of 78–80+ is a stronger target.
How long does the HSRT take to complete?
The HSRT-AD (the version used by most community college nursing and allied health programs) contains 33–35 questions and has no official time limit. Most students complete it in 45–90 minutes. There is no countdown timer during the exam. Some programs set a date deadline by which the exam must be completed, but this is separate from an in-exam time limit.
How is the HSRT scored?
The HSRT is scored as an overall percentage plus six subscale scores corresponding to the six reasoning domains: Analysis, Inference, Evaluation, Inductive Reasoning, Deductive Reasoning, and Numeracy. Your overall score is the primary metric programs use for admissions cutoffs. Subscale scores are provided for diagnostic purposes and may be reviewed during holistic admissions processes.
Can I retake the HSRT to improve my score?
Retake policies vary by program. Some programs accept your most recent score, others take your highest, and some limit the number of attempts. Always check with your specific program before registering for a retake. If you are retaking, targeted preparation on your weakest reasoning subscale produces the highest score improvement.
Hit your target HSRT score
463 practice questions mapped to HSRT reasoning domains. 10 full mock exams. Start with a free diagnostic to see your baseline — then target the subscales that will move your score most.
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