DD took EXPLORE recently & I forgot to ask if she used her calculator, so I'll try to remember to ask & post back. She's familiar w/her calculator because of Mathletics.
Overall, DD thought test was not too bad, though Science was hardest section for her. However, I am *so* glad she took EXPLORE - because she encountered a variety of wacky situations that will stay with her, and better prepare her for the experiences that happen w/virtually every test of this kind.
For example: Proctors arrived & school was locked. By the time they hunted down help, most students/parents had arrived & everybody was standing out in the freezing cold for some time. Sooo...
Test started late. Building was very cold (janitors didn't know about test, didn't turn up heat). Classroom doors were locked, even when building was finally opened. Parents weren't allowed beyond entry, so all instructions I gave to DD about "find bathroom, use bathroom before test, don't sit in wobbly chair or under vent, etc." she had to do those on her own without a parent around. During break, students & Proctor left testing room & door locked behind them! I could go on & on...
But it was *great* because DD saw all this & learned from it. She was espc. glad I had her wear a light jacket under her winter coat, because many students had to take the test wearing coats, but DD was able to take off her coat & just wear her jacket. If the student is better prepared for all the random things that can happen during a test like this, they are better prepared to go with the flow during an actual PSAT, SAT or ACT.
We had a few chuckles over the experience, and it's now behind her. She agreed it was worth her time & effort. Not sure how good results will be, but she definitely learned from taking the test!
Last edited by Jewel; 01/26/16 08:42 AM.
