Saying Goodbye to Standardized Tests

Parting is such sweet sorrow – except in this case.

Finally took the GMAT today.

Before the test and during breaks, I kept repeating to myself – just do what you know how to do. I knew that if I just did the questions that I know how to do – if I just performed at my ability, I’ll get a score I’m happy with.

And I did. 95th percentile! Not the 98th or 99th percentile that I know people gun for, and frankly I could’ve gotten a few percentiles higher in the Verbal section (although I did much better in Quant than I thought I would) – but you know what, it’s okay. I’m truly happy with what I got.

Hey, I won’t be lowering the average of any school. icon smile Saying Goodbye to Standardized Tests This brings me a HUGE sigh of relief. The score is good for five years, so I won’t have to worry about it again.

Speaking of standardized testing, it’s been a long road paved with study guides, prep books, and three-ring-binders full of notes and practice problems…

Here are all the standardized tests I’ve taken throughout the years (not including state-mandated testing):

  • 10th grade: PSAT, AP European History
  • 11th grade: SAT (twice), SAT II Math Level I (twice), SAT II Writing (twice), SAT II US History (twice), AP US History, AP Statistics, AP English Language
  • 12th grade: AP English Literature, AP Calculus AB
  • College: Blissful, standardized-test-free four years
  • Post-college: GMAT (twice)

Now I’m DONE. Standardized tests, we’ve had our time together, but it’s time to part ways. Truly.

Related posts:

  1. Cash goes fast when it comes to standardized tests
  2. Standardized Test Costs: GMAT, MCAT, LSAT, GRE
  3. Goodbye Caroline

13 Responses to “Saying Goodbye to Standardized Tests”

Read below or add a comment...

  1. A says:

    Are you sure you don’t want to lose your mind completely and take the LSAT? No? ;)

  2. Crystal says:

    Wow, congratulations!!! 95th percentile?! That is amazing! You should be very proud of yourself. I hate standardized tests — good riddance to bad rubbish! So awesome that you went out with a bang. :D

  3. TeacHer says:

    I’m sort of a weirdo, but I like standardized tests better than other types of test…because I’m a good guesser! But your testing resume looks very similar to mine. My college standardized tests included the PRAXIS I and PRAXIS II, though. And then I took the PRAXIS II in another subject area to get dual-certified but that was totally by choice :)

  4. S. says:

    Okay, just a suggestion and put a PF spin on this post… and talk about the costs associated with taking these tests. :-)

  5. I know how you feel. If I took the GRE one more time, you would need to add a second hand for the number of fingers to count on! Being done with those horrible tests are such bliss!

  6. 95th!?! That’s amazing…congratulations! :)

  7. marisol says:

    Congratulations! My sister is studying for her GMATs and it’s driving her nuts.

  8. Money Maus says:

    Congrats! :)

  9. wellheeled says:

    Hahah – I’m so sure it’s not even funny. :) I cannot imagine doing the Games section – all those combinatorics questions? No thanks!

Trackbacks

  1. [...] a veteran standardized-test-taker who have recently (and happily) said goodbye to standardized tests, I’ve decided to take reader S’s suggestion and tally up all the money that went into [...]

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  4. [...] available online. I’ve taken advantage of most of these resources when I was preparing for my test last year. Hopefully you will find them helpful as [...]



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