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.

Need help preparing for the GMAT, EA, GRE, or SAT?

We will teach you in person how to use practice tests correctly. Maximize your studying and your score with our native English speaking, American instructors. Whatsapp us for more info.

The psychology of the SAT and GMAT is complicated. Out of all the tests we prepare students for, the SAT and GMAT tend to give students the most problems.

Why you ask?

Because these tests are not designed to test what you learned in school or skills you should have if you speak a language. The SAT and GMAT test the more elusive analytical and critical thinking skills.

Basically, the SAT and GMAT mess with your mind in two ways: through the test formats and through the questions they ask. But don’t worry, you can “beat” the test and prevent mind-messing using the strategies below. For every problem, there is a solution.

Psychology of the SAT and GMAT: Test Formats

Problem: The tests start with writing, which requires a lot of creativity and makes many students tired before the rest of the test begins. (An extra warning for GMAT: The essay does not count in your 200-800!)

Solution: Outlining is the key to writing quality and quantity on the SAT and GMAT. Take 3 to 5 minutes and jot down your opinion and 3 reasons to support your opinion BEFORE you start writing. Making a quick outline is guaranteed to improve the structure, flow, and readability of your essay.

Problem: The tests have experimental sections and questions that are not part of your score.

Solution: Don’t worry about which questions are experimental. Do all of them as if they count.

Problem: Math sections come in after the reading sections and require you to change your way of thinking.

Solution: Being able to switch between math and reading is a critical skill to develop for the SAT and GMAT. Although you may prepare for the math and reading separately, you should work several practice tests to get used to switching between the two. The key is PRACTICE.

Problem: Sections that require lots of reading often come at the end of the test. You’re sleepy and tired by the time you get to them.

Solution: Practice! Practice! Practice! Pretend you are a professional runner. The only way you develop the endurance to run a marathon is by running marathons. During your study for the GMAT or SAT, you should train by doing several full-length practice tests in one sitting. A full 3 hour test.

Psychology of the SAT and GMAT: Questions

Problem: The questions on the test include “trick” answers that the average person would pick.

Here’s an example from the 2009 College Board SAT practice test:

In the xy-coordinate plane, how many points are a distance of 4 units from the origin?
(A)   One
(B)   Two
(C)   Three
(D)   Four
(E)   More than four

The average person would probably select D. Unfortunately, the answer is E (forgot about points that are diagonally 4 units from the origin, didn’t you?)

Solution: When you practice, look for “trick” answers and figure out why they are tricks. Is there something that if forgotten applied incorrectly would have given a trick answer? What if you didn’t work the problem all the way to the end? Think about these tricks and you won’t fall for them on test day.

Taking the SAT and GMAT is not just about reviewing content. It’s also about learning strategies and practicing so that when it’s time for your “marathon,” you don’t have to think about it.

Need more help “training?”

Check out our SAT and GMAT tutoring pages and email the Apply Me to schedule a FREE consultation.