Mathematics / Science 4-8
Study & Test Strategies

Strategy 1

Submitted by Jazmine

Study Strategy

I used 240tutoring to study the first AND second time. I have yet to take the second exam, but I felt that 240tutoring was AWESOME. Before I started studying, I literally sucked at most sciences. It was very helpful in getting me where I needed to be, however it wasn't as rigorous as the actual test. Fortunately, they've made a lot of changes to their study guide, so I'm hopeful for the next time I take the test. I feel a lot more prepared.

Testing Strategy

The test was quite a bit harder than I originally expected. Like a lot of people I was really frustrated right from the beginning from all the chemistry they had on there. Eat well and sleep tight the night before, keep a calm head throughout the test. Knock out obviously wrong answers, but be prepared for the last two answers to be for close. Read the questions very carefully, and be sure of what exactly they are trying to ask. Great luck teachers!

Strategy 2

Submitted by Ashley

Study Strategy

I used a combination of the state preparation manual, the Mometrix study guide and Study.com. I found Study.com to be the best resource for me because it really simplified the concepts and provided practice questions as well. I didn't major in math or science in college, so this website helped me go over things that I hadn't seen since high school. The Mometrix guide was good if you just need a refresher of the concepts and not any actual practice problems. My biggest issue with studying was time. I work a full time job, so I found it hard to balance out my time to study. Definitely give yourself plenty of time to study.

Testing Strategy

The test was actually a lot easier than I expected it to be. I struggled the most with the instruction questions, so definitely brush up on your pedagogy knowledge. It also helps to answer the questions with "in a perfect world" scenario in mind. I took about 3.5 hours to answer 120 questions. Relax and mark the questions you aren't sure about. I ended up passing with a 273!

Strategy 3

Submitted by Texas Teachers

Study Strategy

I studied for a good 2 weeks before the test. The first week wasn't that serious studying and I was skimming over the subject material, but about 5 days before the test I put in about 8-9 hours a day to study. It is a lot of material to cover and all the little details you don't remember from middle school. I struggled with Math more than Science. I found statistics, and permutations and combinations the hardest, there were about 4 questions on that. I made full use of the Study.com website and found it really helpful. They have really good videos and quizzes after each video, so it was a good review. The actual test is harder than the quizzes and the exam they have on the website, but it is the best resource to study from as it covers all the topics they test according to the competencies listed in the prep manual. I also used a 4 hour video on YouTube "Mometrix Science 4-8" (during my first week) and it gives a good overview of the topics. However, I wouldn't solely rely on that to study, the Study.com website is much better. I also used Khan Academy for both Math and Science concepts I needed clarifications on; he explains it really well and has some great videos on permutation/combinations and reproduction. I would definitely pay a little more attention to the teaching concepts as they do have a couple of instructional questions. I would also use the preparation manual more and just go down the list of competencies and study those as much as I can; it really is a good guide. The practice questions at the end are good too. Lastly I used the UH website for math quizzes: https://online.math.uh.edu/texes4to8/. The questions on this are much harder, but if you can do these then you will have no trouble with the Math on this exam.

Testing Strategy

I passed with a 258. The questions were general and I feel like I studied specific topics in details. I think as long as you get general concepts about stuff you should be fine. With that being said, do not take this test lightly, otherwise you will struggle passing it. It does also have specific questions in Science, but make sure you understand the overall concepts well. I used the whole 5 hours of the test, with 2 water breaks and one bathroom break; I would suggest taking care of all that beforehand rather than getting up in between. The questions are a little wordy. The Math questions are first and it took a little over 2 hours for the 60 questions. The second 60 questions were Science and took me 1 hr 20mins. I attempted all the questions in my first time going through the test and marked the ones I was unsure of and went back and checked them. Do not spend too much time obsessing over questions you don't know, just mark them and move on. I would also download the ETS calculator beforehand and practice using that because it is a pain to use it. Just study your hardest and go in with confidence; your studying will pay off!!!

Strategy 4

Submitted by Texas Teachers

Study Strategy

Taking practice tests was my best tool. I purchased online tests and barely passed each, but passed with a 270 to my surprise . I spent too much time on formulas and factoring. Know probability. The flash cards I purchased were worthless to me.

Testing Strategy

After reading the wording of the first question, I was overwhelmed but I retread question several times and realized the problem was not that difficult. There are a number of high level questions that I simply did not know. I could however usually eliminate two answers and then guess on the last two. Draw pictures on your scratch paper to make sure you understand the question. I took 3.5 hours to finish. I did not think I had passed when I left...but I did!!

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