1. Eliminating the Unknowns Related to Test Rules, Format, Procedure, and Test Day Administration

At first glance, this section might look overwhelming. But you should be able to find the answers to all the important questions below in a very short time!

First, get the answers to these questions from the school(s) to which you're applying:

  • What test is required
  • What score do I have to get?
  • When does my score have to be received by the school(s) to which I'm applying?

Get the answers to the following questions from the official registration bulletin (usually available in your school's Testing Office) or from the official web site (see section on Tests for web site links):

  • When is the test offered? (year round? or only on a few national dates?)
  • Is there a deadline for application?
  • # How do I register? (by phone, mail, web?)
  • Where is the test offered? (at my school? or will I have to drive some distance?)
  • What is the test about?
  • How is it scored, and what is the score range?
  • What are the test day rules?
  • Can I get copies of old tests from the company?
  • How long does it take between test day and receipt of official scores?
  • How much does the test cost?
  • What is the re-test policy? (any waiting period? any limit on how often?)
  • What is the re-schedule policy? (any extra fees?)
  • What is the I.D. policy? ("student" I.D.s are generally not considered "official" I.D.s, so what does constitute an "official" I.D.?)
  • What is the score reporting policy? (any extra fees?)

Some Additional Suggestions When It Gets Closer to Test Day:

THE TESTING ROOM: If possible, go to the building where the test will be, check out rooms similar to those which will be used for the test and get a "feel" for them. ----If possible, sit in a seat, imagine the room full of examinees, imagine sitting there for 4 hours or more. How's the lighting? How's the temperature? Will you want to bring a seat cushion for the chair? What are you going to wear? Wear something comfortable and dress in layers so you can adjust to a cooler or warmer room. Keep in mind that you will be assigned to a room and a seat. You will not be allowed to choose your own.

PARKING: What's the parking situation? Where can you park? Is there a charge for parking? If you're testing at a university, is there a home football game that day? If so, how might that affect drive time to the test, parking at the test, noise distraction during the test, and exiting the campus?

TEST DAY RULES: Review the test day rules and regulations. What kind of ID is required? Make sure you have one or more alternate I.D.s with you! What can you bring into the testing room and what is not allowed? (Bring a watch - but make sure the alarm on it is turned off! Consider also bringing kleenex, aspirin, extra pencils, and a healthy snack for the break. What about earplugs, seat cushion, breath mints...? Are they allowed?) How long will the entire test administration take, including check-in, pre-test procedures, exam, breaks, post-test procedures?

GETTING TO THE TEST: How will you make sure you get there on time? (Set 2-3 alarm clocks? Make sure there's gas in your car, or confirm your ride if going with someone else, or confirm the bus or taxi arrangements. Check the weather forecast. Be prepared for the unexpected!) If you arrive too late, it is likely that you will not be admitted.