<p>There are lots of ways people time themselves during their preparation. I'm creating this thread to share something that really helped me and hopefully will benefit you as well. </p>
<p>I used to take 2-3 practice tests a week. Half of the times I took them in our school library(which is noisy as hell) and half of the times I took tests at home. I did not sign to any of the expensive courses so I couldn't practice in class/group settings which might be even better than what I did.</p>
<p>In my preptests I had one important rule: "more noise, less time" . For every section I timed my self as if I had 2-3 minutes less. For 25 minute sections I've set my watch to 23, for 20 to 18, for 10 to 8.My library was noisy enough to satisfy the "more noise" part of the rule and while practicing at home I used the "Test Proctor" app for iPhone (which is btw the best simulation of test taking environment I've seen). On "Test Proctor" I've set noise levels to include sounds of pencils, steps, coughs, etc. And similar to my watch I've set the time to be 2-3 minutes less.</p>
<p>This prepared me for the worst possible test day situation: I did not care if the room was noisy or if the proctor called the time earlier. And to be honest I think this iphone app and my hardcore timing pushed my score up by 100+ points per SAT segment.</p>
<p>Please feel free to share what helped you during the preptests or comment on what I've wrote. Lets help others!:)</p>
<p>Every test the instructor is yelling at other kids to be quiet, when in fact he’s the only one making noises. Oh! and there’s ALWAYS a sick kid involved! >.<
I started studying with the TV on and/or music playing to help my mind get used to focus no matter how noisy it is!</p>
<p>Which brings me to my next point, what exactly didn’t those IPhone people create?!
There’s an app for EVERYTHING! :D</p>
<p>Heh, yea “Test Proctor” is just another proof that iPhone is a separate universe with everything a human might need:)</p>
<p>Regarding, the noises in your class I think it is actually good to practice under this conditions if you have mastered the concepts behind the questions to at least, let’s say, 75% “mastery level”.</p>
<p>150+ views and no one else wants to share their story? Anyone practicing with Kaplan/Princeton (or other tutoring company) groups and proctors? How is it?</p>
<p>I’ve also been cutting time down, usually 20-22 minutes for the 25 minute section. I find that it’s pretty easy for math and writing to cut down, but reading is much harder.</p>
<p>To add some psychological preparation, I recorded myself telling that I’m going to fail. The intent is that if those nasty thoughts come up in my head during the test, I’ll be able to handle it. Hopefully. I might just be crazy…Maybe it’d be better to record positive thoughts.</p>
<p>I’ve started writing essays (with reduced time, of course) during Spanish, which is the epitome of loud and obnoxious for my class. Hopefully, all of this will pay off come December.</p>
<p>Anyone else have any crazy tactics or techniques they’d like to share?</p>
<p>“To add some psychological preparation, I recorded myself telling that I’m going to fail. The intent is that if those nasty thoughts come up in my head during the test, I’ll be able to handle it. Hopefully.”</p>
<p>Woah, don’t do that. Instilling confidence is a much better route.</p>
<p>Yeah, I’ve decided against using that failure recording. Instead, I’ll write up some more positive thoughts to think during the test. Probably not my best idea ever…</p>
Anyone practicing with Kaplan/Princeton (or other tutoring company) groups and proctors? How is it?</p>