You've decided to go on for an advanced degree but now you need to take a standardized test. Don't worry they aren't all that bad, but it's important to be properly prepared for them.
There are many good test prep books out there to use in getting ready for the tests and they are worth every penny. One book I have for the Analytical section of the GRE improved my practice test scores by nearly 100 points! My suggestion is to buy two or three since you may find ideas that work for you in several books and you may like one book best for one section of the test and another book for another section. Many companies put out these books and I can't give any specific suggestions (there are too many) but you should skim them at the bookstore to see if you like the layout and there are some familiar names (most of the big test prep companies that run the prep classes also publish several prep books).
I would also suggest that you find a good book of practice tests. I know that the ETS usually puts out books of practice tests for their tests that are actually tests from a couple years back. Avoid relying on the practice tests found in the prep books, especially those in books put out by companies that also provide those expensive prep classes as I am convinced that they make the tests unrealisticly difficult to encourage you to sign up for one of their tests. When I used a test in one of those prep books my scores were regularly 50-100 points lower than when I used other practice tests and all sections averaged about 75 points below my actual scores. When possible I would encourage you to buy the book from the ETS (if you're taking a non-ETS test see if the company that runs the test publishes past editions of real tests) because if you use a test book from another company it may not be at the same difficulty level.
I would encourage you to buy several prep books and a book of practice tests before signing up for one of the prep classes. The classes are quite expensive while the books usually run around $20. If you find that you need someone standing over you to prepare then sign up for the class, but only if you cannot discipline and motivate yourself.
While preparing be sure to become familiar with the layout of the test and the instructions for the different sections as this can save valuable test time.
Also, be sure to note if there is a penalty for wrong answers.
If there is no penalty (as on the GRE General Test) be sure to guess if you don't know the answer- leave nothing blank!
If there is a penalty you just need a stategy. On the GRE Psychology Subject Test there is a 1/4 point penalty for wrong answers. Most questions have 5 choices so if you can eliminate one or two answers it is statistically in your favor to guess: with one eliminated choice
-(1/4)-(1/4)-(1/4)-(1/4)=(-1) four wrong guesses
+1 one correct guess
(-1)+1=0 net points (on average) if you eliminate one answer choice, if you can eliminate two or more you will likely gain more points by guessing.
Above all, RELAX. Remember, if you are looking into grad school or medical school at this point you are likely to be quite intelligent, organized or just plain stubborn (less than half the population ever goes to college to begin with, and most who start never finish so you've already gone further than most) so with preparation you should do just fine. If you really have a bad day the day of the test you can always retake it. Some tests (like the GRE) allow you to cancel out your scores before you or anyone else sees them (totally wiping them out) but only do this if you know you did poorly because we usually do better than we think we did.
I've already taken the GRE General Test and Psychology Subject Test and I can tell you they aren't that bad. If you are at this point you really should do just fine if you only prepare.
Remember to prepare for your tests.
Copyright 1999