{"id":3771,"date":"2016-05-14t00:30:04","date_gmt":"2016-05-14t00:30:04","guid":{"rendered":"\/\/www.catharsisit.com\/?p=3771"},"modified":"2016-05-14t00:30:04","modified_gmt":"2016-05-14t00:30:04","slug":"8-ways-to-get-the-most-out-of-a-practice-test","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"\/\/www.catharsisit.com\/blog\/8-ways-to-get-the-most-out-of-a-practice-test\/","title":{"rendered":"8 ways to get the most out of a practice test"},"content":{"rendered":"
one of our favorite test prep tips is to use practice tests as part of your studies. practice tests help you get familiar with test questions, test format, and timing. to maximize the value of taking practice tests, check out our recommendations below.
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test prep courses may give you sample test questions and sample tests, but nothing beats using real practice tests released by your test administrator. you won\u2019t find a better way to learn what the common test traps are or how tricky test questions are worded.
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take the test in a distraction-free zone. if you\u2019re taking the test in your own room, put a sign up on your door that makes it clear you\u2019re busy for the next few hours, and inform your roommates that you\u2019ll need some peace and quiet.
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follow the time limits outlined in your test directions. give yourself only the allotted amount of time to complete each section. don\u2019t give yourself \u201cjust a few extra seconds\u201d or \u201cjust another minute\u201d to answer questions once time is up \u2013 you\u2019ll inflate your practice score, and it won\u2019t be an accurate reflection of your testing ability.<\/p>\n
similarly, don\u2019t move onto other sections early even if you finish a section with minutes to spare. you\u2019ll have to follow the clock like everyone else on test day, so your practice tests should mirror that requirement. use any extra time to review your answers.
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take practice tests under real test day conditions. if you\u2019ll get a ten-minute break halfway through the real test, take a ten-minute break halfway through your practice test. if you won’t be able to watch tv or youtube videos during your break on test day, don\u2019t do those things during your practice test break. don\u2019t get up in the middle of a section for a snack. put your phone away during the practice test session. get used to what test day rules look like!
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it\u2019s not enough to take just one or two practice tests. if you take practice tests frequently, you\u2019ll know what it\u2019s like to sit for a three hour exam before you get to test day. aim to take at least five full-length practice tests under timed conditions before the day of the test for an optimal score.
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not every practice test you take has to be a full-length test. you can \u201ccut\u201d some tests up into smaller sections and take timed practice sections. these shorter quizzes will still give you familiarity with the test, but they won\u2019t require the three-hour block of time that a full-length test requires.
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don\u2019t forget to review your answers! pinpoint all of the questions that you answered incorrectly or had to guess on. reviewing your practice test is the most important step of all. if you\u2019re completely drained after taking the practice test, you can save your answers to review the next day.
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keep a log that records each practice test date and corresponding score. it can be really motivating to see an upward trend! if you\u2019re not seeing the improvement you need to see to reach your test day goals, it could be time to reassess your study plan and double up your efforts. let us know in the comments how we can help!<\/p>\n
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catherine supports magoosh\u2019s future grad school students by unlocking tricks of the test prep and application trade. catherine spends her free time checking out local farmer\u2019s markets, reading food and lifestyle blogs, and watching bravo. she is forever in search of the best mexican and italian food in any given city.<\/em><\/p>\n practice tests help you get familiar with test questions, test format, and timing. to maximize the value of taking practice tests, check out these 8 tips.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":141,"featured_media":3926,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[12],"tags":[],"ppma_author":[508],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n
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