Studying for Aptitude Tests
There are several varieties of aptitude tests, from college or university entrance tests, Nursing Entrance Tests, to employment tests used to screen job applicants. Unlike an achievement test, an aptitude test does not measure what you have learned so much as it measures your ability to learn and adapt. An aptitude test is designed to give an idea of your future performance in a given area, whether that area is school- or job-related. See our post on the Different Between Aptitude and Achievement tests.
Study Tips
Aptitude tests cover your ability and not what you have learned, so studying the material covered by the exam will not help, not will memorizing lists or dates. For an aptitude test, you have to prepare for the types of questions that you will be asked, and the type of information that will be on the test.
Here are some common techniques that will prepare you for an aptitude test.
Study guides. Study guides are prepared by experts, and often by a team of researchers, and developed over years. There is no possible way you could come up with all the information contained in most study guides on your own. Study guides give you everything all in the one place and are well worth the cost,
Practice tests. This is probably the best way to study for an aptitude test. Practice tests let you know what to expect and allow you to get used to answering the different types of questions.
Establish a study plan. Start early! Go through all the different kinds of questions on the test (ie types of questions) and type of information on the test and see where you need practice. Plan out a schedule so that you can give the most time to practicing the types of questions and types of information you are the weakest, the most.
The best study advice for aptitude tests is practice, practice, practice!
Common Aptitude Tests are
College Entrances tests – SAT, ACT, EXPLORE, CUNY
High School Tests – SSAT, FCAT, MAT
Health Care Tests – PSB, PAX RN, HOBET, PCAT PNEE, TEAS
Many aptitude tests are Entrance tests and so there is a lot riding on success – if you don’t pass, you don’t get into the school of your choice. So it is normal and natural to feel stressed out. Here are some tips for dealing with test anxiety.
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the best preparation for aptitude tests I have found it at http://www.aptitudehack.com. i signed up for their test questions to vastly improve and i also used their forum: http://www.aptitudehack.com/aptitude-tests-forum to learn about what test questions certain companies use because in my experience the aptitude tests they use vary wildly!