How M State uses the HSRT in admissions
M State uses point-based selection. Applicants earn points from prerequisite GPA, course completion, and optional "beneficial admission criteria." All eligible applicants are ranked by total points. In the event of a tie, the HSRT-AD overall score breaks the tie. If still tied, the Analysis sub-score is used, then Inference.
The minimum is 60% for most programs (70% for Bridge, 73% for Sonography). But since HSRT is the tie-breaker, scoring well above the minimum is critical when the applicant pool exceeds seats. Focus on Analysis — it breaks the first tie.
HSRT testing at M State
- Location: M State campuses only (Fergus Falls, Wadena, Detroit Lakes, Moorhead)
- Fee: $50 (no refunds or reschedules) (non-refundable)
- Format: 35 multiple-choice questions, 50 minutes time limit. Unanswered questions scored as incorrect. You can navigate forward and backward during the exam.
- How to register: Register and pre-pay 48 hours in advance via E-services. No remote testing. For accommodations, contact arteam@minnesota.edu at least 7 business days before test date.
Retake policy
Up to 2 attempts per application cycle. Must wait 14 calendar days between attempts. Scores expire 1 year after test date and must be valid at application deadline. Must test at an M State campus.
About the HSRT exam
The Health Sciences Reasoning Test is developed by Insight Assessment. Unlike the TEAS or HESI, it does not test science, math, or vocabulary. It measures five critical thinking skills: analysis, inference, evaluation, inductive reasoning, and deductive reasoning. At M State, the HSRT-AD consists of 35 questions with a 50 minutes time limit.
Minnesota allied health programs use the HSRT because adn / lpn / sonography / med lab requires strong clinical decision-making ability. The HSRT is designed to assess whether applicants can reason through novel problems, the core skill of clinical practice.
How to prepare for the HSRT at M State
Because there is no content to memorize, HSRT preparation looks different from TEAS or HESI prep. Effective preparation involves:
- Understanding the five skill areas tested on the HSRT
- Taking a baseline diagnostic to identify your weakest subscale
- Practicing argument analysis, inference, and logical reasoning with HSRT-format questions
- Completing full-length practice exams under realistic conditions (50 minutes time limit at M State)
- Reviewing every wrong answer by skill area, not just overall score
StudyBuddy is the only dedicated HSRT prep platform, 1,400+ practice questions across 10 skill assessments, 64 interactive lessons, and 10 timed practice exams, all built for the specific format and skill areas that M State tests.
Prep timeline for M State's Multiple rounds — seats fill by round
With the deadline on ADN Fall 2026: Round 3 May 15. PN Fall 2026: Round 2 April 1., here are two recommended study plans:
4-week plan (recommended if you have time):
- Week 1: Analysis + Evaluation, learn to break down arguments and assess evidence
- Week 2: Inference + Induction, practice drawing conclusions from incomplete data
- Week 3: Deduction + Numeracy, work through logical reasoning and quantitative scenarios
- Week 4: Full practice exams + review weak areas. Take at least 3 timed exams.
2-week sprint (if your deadline is close):
- Week 1: Take the diagnostic. Focus all study time on your 2 weakest skill areas. Complete 100+ practice questions.
- Week 2: Take 3–4 full practice exams. Review every wrong answer. Retake your diagnostic to measure improvement.
Registration at M State
Register and pre-pay 48 hours in advance via E-services. No remote testing. For accommodations, contact arteam@minnesota.edu at least 7 business days before test date.
Contact: minnesota.edu/hsrt-exam
