Diagnostic Forum

[StirFry101]

I took my first timed diagnostic to a not so great score of 154. Obviously there is much work to be done. My concern isn't so much how many questions I missed, or even which sections I missed them in, but when in each section I missed them. Let me explain:

I took PT19 from June of 96. The sections and my scores are as follows.

LG -7
LR -8
RC -12
LR -10

When I go to the answer key I noticed that I'm missing most of the questions at the end of each section. LG I ran out of time and didn't complete the last game at all selecting (C) for every answer (getting one correct out of five). The others I finished in time, albeit very close. When I break down my scores according to the vertical columns in the answer key I get the following results:

Column 1: -5/28 for 18% incorrect
Column 2: -9/28 for 32% incorrect
Column 3: -13/28 for 46% incorrect
Column 4: -10/17 for 59% incorrect

I am aware that the sections get harder as they go on, but these results are pointing to something else I believe; I don't have the mental stamina. Has anyone else noticed a consistent breakdown at the end of sections? If so, what are the best strategies for avoiding these breakdowns? Is there a meditation technique for ten seconds after every page? It may just me getting bored with each section. Any advice is much appreciated.

[thsmthcrmnl]

I am aware that the sections get harder as they go on[strike], but these results are pointing to something else I believe; I don't have the mental stamina.[/strike]

[jks289]

I took my first timed diagnostic to a not so great score of 154. Obviously there is much work to be done. My concern isn't so much how many questions I missed, or even which sections I missed them in, but when in each section I missed them. Let me explain:

I took PT19 from June of 96. The sections and my scores are as follows.

LG -7
LR -8
RC -12
LR -10

When I go to the answer key I noticed that I'm missing most of the questions at the end of each section. LG I ran out of time and didn't complete the last game at all selecting (C) for every answer (getting one correct out of five). The others I finished in time, albeit very close. When I break down my scores according to the vertical columns in the answer key I get the following results:

Column 1: -5/28 for 18% incorrect
Column 2: -9/28 for 32% incorrect
Column 3: -13/28 for 46% incorrect
Column 4: -10/17 for 59% incorrect

I am aware that the sections get harder as they go on, but these results are pointing to something else I believe; I don't have the mental stamina. Has anyone else noticed a consistent breakdown at the end of sections? If so, what are the best strategies for avoiding these breakdowns? Is there a meditation technique for ten seconds after every page? It may just me getting bored with each section. Any advice is much appreciated.

Practice. You need to take lots and lots of timed sections, and then take lots and lots of full diagnostics. And then review, all questions and all answers even the correct ones. One little trick I use it when I feel myself needing a second to breath, I use that time to fill in bubbles. I am getting something done, but it is 10-15 seconds of mindless work.

[Sauer Grapes]

....

[StirFry101]

I am aware that the sections get harder as they go on[strike], but these results are pointing to something else I believe; I don't have the mental stamina.[/strike]

Do the games or the RC get harder? I understand LR does, but I seem to be breaking down at a consistent basis for every section.

[14yearplan]

Try doing a couple LR sections by doing the first 4 pages first then flip to the last question and work backwards. Usually the last couple q's are easier than the middle Q's to reward for stamina. Check your scoring then against your scores going straight through. This should tell you something, let us know.

[MoS]

I was under the impression that the test does not get harder as you go on. The difficulties are mixed throughout. Plus, harder is a subjective term, especially in logic. My guess would be you were suffering from mental fatigue. The more you practice the less it will affect you.

[chocho]

I was under the impression that the test does not get harder as you go on. The difficulties are mixed throughout. Plus, harder is a subjective term, especially in logic. My guess would be you were suffering from mental fatigue. The more you practice the less it will affect you.

for logical reasoning, although it may not be perfectly correlated where 2 is harder than 1, and 3 harder than 2, and so on and so forth, its pretty hard to argue that in general, the later question are indeed harder, and 'harder' in this sense is not subjective, im saying in terms of more people get them wrong....if you look at question types and what percentage get them wrong, the later questions in general seems to be answered incorrectly more than the the earlier questions... additionally, in terms of subjectivity, i would say most people, including myself, find the latter questions harder/more convoluted.

[pearl_earrings]

It's like a mental marathon.. you've got to train for it.

[CMDantes]

Isn't a 154 still 2 points above the average? It shows that you're performing, without any preparation, better than the majority of the people who take this test.

You'll be fine, just extensively review your tests and consider signing up for a course.

[StirFry101]

Isn't a 154 still 2 points above the average? It shows that you're performing, without any preparation, better than the majority of the people who take this test.

You'll be fine, just extensively review your tests and consider signing up for a course.

This is true. I've read that there's good three tier method in attacking the test. Accuracy, Speed, Endurance. I suppose right now I should be worried about getting as many questions as I can correct. I'm taking a timed test every Friday morning and reviewing it the following week. I'm also working through the LGB right now and will start the LRB next week. I've also bought the RCB and plan to use it to develop a good strategy, as many of the RC passages follow a similar pattern. I'll post back on this thread every Friday and let everyone know how my test went and if I'm getting any better at the end of sections.

My goal is 170+ so while a 154 is above average, I need to make some great strides. I'll just continue to be patient and work thoroughly through the bibles and the PTs. I'm also working on my attitude and confidence in each section as I believe that to be crucial.

Thanks for all the advice.

[pattymac]

You're in good shape dude. Plenty of people here got to 170 from 153, but not without hard work so keep that in mind. Been through the bibles yet? Check them out, you can probably get that logic games section down to a -0.

[StirFry101]

Took this weeks PT and am excited with the improvement:

RC: -11
LR: -8
LG: -5
LR:-5

Raw: 72
Score: 159

I finished the LG bible this week and have been playing a lot of games. I thought I would do better but I ran into one game type I hadn't encountered before and missed 4. Other than that I think I'm in great shape for LG and will continue to improve. I'm starting the LRB this week and hope to see similar improvements. I think with RC I've just got to do a better job in finding transition statements and the main point, but I'm optimistic.

Until next week.

[UofO]

A 154, w/o any prep, is a great score. Seriously. Once you study, I'm sure you can increase that dramatically.