How to Take a Practice Test

Here are my recommendations for how to take a practice test:

Necessary Materials

  • Computer with Bluebook App Installed: Download it here.
  • Power Cord for Your Computer: Keep it plugged in to avoid any interruptions.
  • Scrap Paper: Remember to write out your steps for math and draw pictures.
  • Pencils and/or Pens: For writing out your steps.

Setting Up The Exam

  1. Minimize Distractions:
    • Leave Your Phone in Another Room: Avoid any temptation to check it.
    • If You’re Taking the Test on a Mac: Enable “Do Not Disturb” mode to block notifications.
    • If You’re Taking It on a Windows Computer: Turn on “Focus Assist” to silence alerts.
  2. Select the Correct Practice Test: Double-check to avoid accidentally retaking a previous test.
  3. Toggle “I will be testing with accommodations”
  4. Accommodations: Select the appropriate amount of extra time if you have extended time accommodations.
  5. Breaks: Even if you don’t have approved accommodations, select “Breaks as Needed.” This allows you to pause the test at any time. Perfect for when you need a quick break due to unexpected interruptions, like your brother suddenly needing something.

Refer to the screenshot below for setting up the exam:

Important Points

  • Choose the Right Time and Place:
    • The worst time and place to take your practice test is in your bed at 10 PM after a long day. This wastes a valuable practice opportunity.
    • It’s best to take the test in the morning in a fairly distraction-free environment. The library is ideal—it’s quiet, but with just enough background noise to mimic test day conditions.
  • Commit to the Entire Test:
    • If possible, complete the entire test in one sitting. If you absolutely need to, you can split it up, doing the reading section one day and the math section the next day.
    • No finishing early. Treat the practice test like the real thing. If you finish early, go back and double-check your work. Start with any questions you flagged.

As Vince Lombardi said, “Practice doesn’t make perfect. Perfect practice makes perfect.” By treating your practice test seriously, you’ll be much better prepared and more confident when test day comes around.

How to Download Your Score Reports

After completing the practice test, you’ll need to send two score reports. Start by going to

https://mypractice.collegeboard.org/login

Log in to your account and locate the test you just completed. Click the download icon in the upper-right corner of the test page to get the first report.

Next, click the “Score Details” button.

Scroll down the page and select the “All” link to display all the questions.

Press Cmd + P on a Mac or Control + P on Windows to open the print menu. From there, choose the PDF option to save this page as a PDF.

Finally, send both PDF files to me via iMessage or email.