Standardized tests...

[Justine+David 218]

Hi everyone,

Wanted to know if anyone out there has taken any American standardized tests (SAT, GRE, GED, PRAXIS, MCAT, LSAT, etc etc) with their background from a British education...a quick search here didn't pull up much.

I've read online that the testing style is very different; for example in the U.S. most standardized exams have you lose points if you answer a question wrong so it may be to your advantage to not answer a question at all if you know you haven't a clue to the answer. David says this is utter garbage and wanted to know why someone would invent that?

Anyway, he'll be taking the PRAXIS I and II (entrance exams for teaching) when he gets over here and we'll definitely get some practice books and the like, but I'm a little concerned about the disparity in styles that might cause him not to get a higher score.

Anyone been in this situation?

[illnevergetthis 5]

I have taken the reading, writing, and math portions of the praxis. I don't know about these other exams, but with the praxis he should answer all questions.

He can buy ETS books to study for the praxis exams.

http://www.ets.org/portal/site/ets/menuite...+and+Front+Door

best of luck to your husband on his exams.

[Justine+David 218]

Yeah, ETS is the place to go since they are the source I've gotten some tests from them for the GRE.

Do you teach now?

p.s. Sorry to hear about your long visa process...I hope you hear good news in the coming months.

[illnevergetthis 5]

Thank you, I hope we hear something soon too.

I am still taking classes. If all goes well, I'll be graduating May 2011 and teaching after that.

[JamilahAM 0]

Tell David it is somewhat true. The LSAT, GED and SAT allow you to skip a question without a point deduction. That does not mean you can leave your entire answer sheet blank and pass. LOL The GRE does not allow you to do that. All questions must be answered. I am licensed to teach in NJ and I had to answer the questions on the Praxis exam. I am now studying for the MTEL which is for Massachusetts.

FYI..a few States are moving away from the Praxis and are requiring new educators to take their State exam in its place. Check with your State's DOE to see what exam they require.