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KNAT Cram Sheet — Kaplan Nursing Admission Test

QuickStart Exams · nursingentrance.quickstartexams.com

📐 MATH

Key Formulas

Part = Percent × Whole % = Part ÷ Whole × 100 °C = (°F − 32) × 5/9 °F = (°C × 9/5) + 32 Proportion: a/b = c/d → ad = bc

Fraction → Decimal → %

1/20.550%
1/40.2525%
3/40.7575%
1/30.33333.3%
2/30.66766.7%
1/50.220%
1/80.12512.5%
3/80.37537.5%

Metric Conversions

1 kg1,000 g
1 g1,000 mg
1 L1,000 mL
1 m100 cm = 1,000 mm
1 km0.621 miles
1 lb16 oz
1 gal4 qt = 128 oz
1 pt2 cups
✍️ WRITING / GRAMMAR

Top Grammar Rules

  • Subject-verb: plural subject → plural verb
  • Neither/nor, Either/or: verb agrees with nearest subject
  • Comma splice: can't join two sentences with just a comma
  • Fragment: must have subject + verb + complete thought
  • Run-on: two sentences with no punctuation between them
  • Intro phrase: always use a comma after it
  • Semicolon: joins two independent clauses (not before "and")
  • Apostrophe: singular possession: 's | plural possession: s'
  • Parallel structure: same form for all items in a series
  • Colon: introduces a list after a complete sentence

Commonly Confused Words

WordUse
affect (v)to influence: "stress affects health"
effect (n)a result: "the effect was clear"
theirpossession: "their books"
thereplace: "over there"
they'rethey are: "they're ready"
itspossession: "its tail"
it'sit is: "it's raining"
fewercountable: "fewer students"
lessuncountable: "less time"
thentime/sequence: "study, then rest"
thancomparison: "higher than"
🔬 SCIENCE

Cell Organelles

OrganelleFunction
NucleusControl center; contains DNA
MitochondriaMakes ATP (energy) — "powerhouse"
RibosomeMakes proteins
Golgi apparatusPackages & ships proteins — "post office"
LysosomeDigests waste
ER (rough)Makes proteins
ER (smooth)Makes lipids, detoxifies
Cell membraneControls what enters/exits
ChloroplastPhotosynthesis (plants only)

Body Systems Quick Reference

SystemMain Function
CardiovascularCirculates blood/O₂
RespiratoryGas exchange (O₂/CO₂)
DigestiveDigests food, absorbs nutrients
NervousControls via electrical signals
EndocrineRegulates hormones
UrinaryFilters blood → urine
SkeletalSupport, protect, move
MuscularMovement, posture, heat
ImmuneDefends against pathogens

pH Scale

pHSubstanceType
1–2Stomach acidAcid
3VinegarAcid
5CoffeeWeak acid
7Pure waterNeutral
7.4BloodSlightly basic
9Baking sodaBasic
12BleachStrong base

Key Science Facts

  • Photosynthesis: 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + light → C₆H₁₂O₆ + O₂
  • Mitosis = 2 identical cells (growth/repair)
  • Meiosis = 4 unique cells (reproduction)
  • Insulin produced by: pancreas
  • Gas exchange occurs in: alveoli
  • Kidneys filter blood → produce urine
  • DNA = double helix, in nucleus
  • Neutral atom: #protons = #electrons
  • Blood pH: 7.35–7.45 (slightly basic)
📖 READING STRATEGIES
  • Main idea: broadest statement; what the whole passage is "about"
  • Inference: logically implied — don't go beyond the text
  • Vocab in context: substitute each option; pick best fit
  • Eliminate: too extreme, out of scope, opposite meaning
  • Author's purpose: Inform (facts), Persuade (opinion), Describe

💡 TIME ALLOCATION (2 hours)
SectionQuestionsTarget Time
Math20~28 min
Reading22~35 min
Writing22~25 min
Science20~28 min
Buffer—~4 min
🎯 TEST-TAKING TIPS
  • Read all choices before selecting — the best answer might be last
  • If two answers look right, find the one more directly supported by the question
  • Eliminate extremes: "always," "never," "all," "none" are usually wrong
  • For math: estimate first to check if your exact answer is reasonable
  • For writing: mentally substitute choices into the sentence
  • For science: if you forget the specific fact, use logic about body systems
  • Mark hard questions and return to them — don't get stuck
  • Change an answer only if you have a specific reason to do so
  • Stay calm — anxiety costs more points than wrong guesses
  • Score 80%+ on practice tests before your real exam date
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