How To Study For Your Computer Adaptive Test

By Author: Eric Simmerman
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If you're on your way to graduate school, you've got a lot of organizing to do, and you're probably well under way a year ahead of time. You have applications to deal with, letters to obtain, paperwork to do - and then some tests to get ready for. For most U.S. graduate business schools you'll be facing the GMAT, while law schools require the LSAT. If you're headed to medical school you'll take the MCAT (or the OAT for optometry school, DAT for dental school, and PCAT for pharmacy school). For most other graduate studies, you'll probably take the GRE.

Programs vary, however, and certain applications will require you to take additional examinations. Some business schools accept the GRE, while others want you tot take the MAT (Miller Analogies Test). Foreign students may be asked to take the TOEFL (Test Of English as a Foreign Language). Make sure you know exactly what exams you will be facing. The one common factor among them, of course, is that they are all Computer Adaptive Tests (CATs).

First things first
The first thing you need to do is find out as much as you can about the test(s) you will be taking. ...
... Using the cream of 21st century technology - Google - study up on scoring, content, format and time constraints. Find out about the "set and setting," where the test will be given and under what conditions, and what you are permitted to bring to the test center.

You can be pretty sure that all the tests will be computer-based or computer adaptive ones, so make sure you understand the difference. Other things you want to find out include content parameters, how wrong or unanswered questions are scored, what different sections contain and how many questions are in each, how much time is given and so on. Find out how admissions officers view the tests, and how the test results (supposedly) measure your aptitude (claims versus facts).

A "multi-track" plan
There are innumerable "test prep" plans, Web sites, instructions books, videos and other "training" plans, from freebies to gold-plated. How you prepare is entirely your decision, but when you get down to the basic and irreducible facts, and pore through all the prep materials (or read an article, like this one, from those who have already done so), there are a few agreed-upon "musts" you will encounter. You must:

- use a practice test, preferably supplied by the testing firm. This becomes your yardstick for measuring yourself and pinpointing the strong and weak points of your strategy and your knowledge.
- take a balanced approach. Preparation should range from content study and overall strategy to individual question/section strategy and practice tests.
- follow a preset plan with beginning, middle and end strategies and focuses.

Start phase, mid-phase, end game
Your first preparation, your "start phase," should concentrate on content. Don't think about question strategy or do any practice tests. Build up your weak areas, polish your strong ones and don't cut corners - this takes time, so schedule it, and follow your schedule. As you move on, your mid-phase preparation will be balanced between content and question strategy, and a first practice test or two.

It's the final and longest stage of preparation, famously called the "end game" in chess (and war, too), where you will increase the practice tests and do all the post-test analysis. You will be looking for content areas needing more work, problematic question forms, time management, approach to sections and so forth. Don't rush your analysis, or the time you take to study it, as you need to ensure you are learning from your mistakes.

Solo, group, tutored?
If you are a proven winner with standardized testing, you might do well as a "solo studier." If you are not quite that disciplined, you may need the structure and support of a class or group setting. It's always great to have an expert helping you out, but tutors cost money. You might consider, if you go the group route, of combining that approach with a "shared tutoring" arrangement - where you can share the cost, too.

Finally, don't forget to use quality materials. The whole world of test prep awaits you on the Internet, and can be overwhelming, so start with the materials each test maker makes available. Get previously released tests, study-and-practice materials and anything else freely available at the test maker sites. Use your trusty search engine to supplement these documents, and don't forget to check the online forums where other test-takers go to whine, complain, help, rant, share, advise and commiserate. It's not easy, and there is no magic spell or New Age mantra that will take the place of preparation time well spent. Go spend it well!
About Author:
Cat Prep is dedicated to computer administered exam resources with a focus on Computer Adaptive Test preparation software and services. For gre practice test and practice exams, GMAT practice exams, and Patent Bar visit online today.