pinpointing what you need to study for the real SAT II Physics, identifying and
overcoming your weaknesses, and learning to answer an increasing variety of questions
on the specific topics covered by the test. Taking practice tests and studying them will
allow you to teach yourself how to recognize and handle whatever SAT II Physics throws
at you.
Taking a Practice Test
Through Molly Bloom, we’ve shown you why studying practice tests is an extremely
powerful strategy. Now we’re going to backtrack and show you exactly how to deploy that
strategy.
Controlling Your Environment
Although a practice test is practice, and no one but you ever needs to see your scores, you
should do everything in your power to make the practice test feel like the real SAT II
Physics. The closer your practice resembles the real thing, the more helpful it will be.
When taking a practice test, follow these rules:
- Time Yourself: Don’t give yourself any extra time. Be stricter with yourself than
the meanest proctor you can think of. Don’t give yourself time off for bathroom
breaks. If you have to go to the bathroom, let the clock keep running; that’s what
will happen on the real SAT II Physics. - Take the Test in a Single Sitting: Training yourself to endure an hour of test^
taking is part of your preparation. - Eliminate Distractions: Don’t take the practice test in a room with lots of
people walking through it. Go to a library, your bedroom, a well-lit closet—
anywhere quiet.
Following these guidelines will help you to concentrate better and speed you toward your
target score. However, don’t be discouraged if you find these rules too strict; you can
always bend a few. Preparing for SAT II Physics should not be torturous! Do whatever
you have to do in order to make sure your studying is interesting and painless enough
that you will actually do it.
Ultimately, if you can follow all of the above rules to the letter, you will probably be better
off. But if following those rules makes studying excruciating, find little ways to bend them
that won’t interfere too much with your concentration.
Practice Test Strategy
You should take the test as if it were the real deal: go for the highest score you can get.
This doesn’t mean you should be more daring than you would be on the actual test,
guessing blindly even when you can’t eliminate an answer. It doesn’t mean that you
should speed through the test carelessly. The more closely your attitude and strategies
during the practice test reflect those you’ll employ during the actual test, the more
accurately the practice test will reflect your strengths and weaknesses: you’ll learn what
areas you should study and how to pace yourself during the test.