Does temperature affect your test performance? Forum

[notaznguy]

Most of the time when I take a PT or a timed section, I do it in the library or somewhere where there is AC. I've tried taking a timed section in places where it's significantly warmer (i.e. My house in the mid or late afternoon) and I noticed that I do much,much worse when I'm feeling hot.

For instance, I can usually blaze through the first 10 questions of a LR section in 10 minutes and "know" I got the right answer. However, when I was doing an LR section in my house, I was reading extremely slow and it took me a long time to understand the stimulus.

Does anyone else have an issue like this? Are more test centers "cool" and have the AC on during test day?

[Seneca]

I don't think anyone can predict temperature in a test center, other than to say that it will likely be room temperature (68-72F), though in many large halls it can feel a little cooler. Read the reviews of test centers near you to see if they tend to run especially hot or cold, but it's generally recommended to come in a tshirt and bring a jacket or (non-hooded) sweatshirt just in case.

Also, I'd consider whether the discrepancy in PT scores may be more related to a change of overall environment than just temperature, but you might want to practice more in warmer environments to prepare yourself. Ditto for natural light vs. artificial, open space vs. small room, large desk area vs. small flip desk, and anything else you think could affect you enough to drop even a point or two. Good luck.

[Eichörnchen]

I'm very much affected by temp. I know that if it is below 70 in a room I will be uncomfortable to the point of distraction unless I have a a fleece, etc on. It's easier for me I suppose because I can just layer. I've observed that I perform totally comfortably from 72-85+ degrees. One of my biggest test-day considerations is making sure I'm warm enough so I don't think you're unusual for caring about temp.

[Titleist]

Yes, I live in Texas and we just had the hottest summer. It was tough studying at home and that is when I saw my lowest scores.

[941law]

Nothing will matter on test day. The administer will say "start now" and you will try your best between focusing and throwing up. Nerves are high and the more PT's one has under their belt the better imo.