Advice on using practice tests effectively....

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I want to make sure that I am making the most out of my practice tests. With that said, I understand that for the most effective results one should take a practice test under realistic conditions. (simulating test day) Also, after completing the test, one should spend significant time analyzing their results. All in all, I find that to be an exhausting 6+ hours on the brain. Are there other ways to approach practice tests? Is it beneficial at all to break a practice test up? For instance, taking breaks between the sections? My problem is that after I have completed a practice test, my mind is exhausted. I do not feel up to spending 2+ hours analyzing. I assume that to get the most out of the experience one should analyze the results immediately...am I right?

I was thinking about spanning a practice test over an entire day. Start with the essays, then either take a short break or continue with the math. After completing math, take another break (30 min - 1 or 2 hours). Then finish with the verbal. After verbal, take another small break (30 min - 1 or 2 hours). Finally, spend a good amount of time analyzing the results. Please let me know if this sounds like something I should try, or stay away from.

Are there any helpful tips for taking practice tests effectively? Thanks in advance!

-Chas
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by Osirus@VeritasPrep » Tue Apr 27, 2010 8:32 am
I wouldn't recommend breaking the test up. I would recommend simulating the real test taking experience. If you don't feel like analyzing the results afterward, don't. Do it the next day. That would probably be mroe worthwhile to you.
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