We realize that most students aren’t really using practice tests to their benefit. Yes, it’s a 3-hour test and you want to get to the beach soon. You have lots of homework, office work…Yes, insert weak excuse here. You have other things to do, this is exactly why you should be motivated to get the most out of every practice test you take. Here’s how to use practice tests the correct way:
Phase 1 to Use Practice Tests Correctly: Take the Test
On a Friday, sit down and take a full-length timed practice test.
Do the test in one sitting with, at most, two 10 minute breaks. After you finish, put the test aside and do not do any other studying that day.
Phase 2 to Use Practice Tests Correctly: Correct the Test
The next day, correct your test.
While correcting your test sounds simple, this should take you about 1 to 2 hours, depending on the number of questions you get wrong. Here are the steps you should take:
1. Use the short answers to determine which questions you go right and which you got wrong.
2. Analyze the questions for your strengths and weaknesses.
You should be able to group the questions by type. Which types are you consistently getting right? Which ones wrong?
3. Rework the questions you got wrong.
When you rework, read the question, go back to the book (passage) or your notes, and really spend some time on the question. Think about why the answer is A, for example, if you got E.
4. Think about why the other answers are wrong.
Process of elimination is your best friend when it comes to test-taking, so it’s important that you refine your strategy. Underline specific words in the answer choices that make them wrong, write down the reason it should be eliminated, and look for patterns that can help you get the answer right up front.
5. Any questions you aren’t able to understand, read the solutions from your book or the practice test. After you read the solution, rework the problem using the method specified.
6. If you still don’t understand after reworking the problems and reading the solutions, email Apply Me.
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