A Strategy for Final Preparation
COUNTDOWN
The time draws near. What should be done in the days before the examination?
Do not be fearful. If you have prepared well, you should do well. Remember, while you may be taking the examination soon, you have helped yourself pass the examination every time you prepared with this text. In a sense, therefore, you will be collecting your reward when you take the examination.
But what actions should be taken on the days just before the examination, and, particularly, on the examination day?
Seven Days Before the Examination
Review the Diagnostic Examination. Identify the areas in which you have the greatest difficulty.
Also as mentioned earlier, many police departments have official websites that give information concerning the requirements and steps to be taken to join their agencies. However, some departments even offer sample questions that are representative of what candidates might find on their official entry-level examinations. If you have prepared well using this text, you should seek out these websites and see how you do when answering such representative questions.
Some time during this week, you should ensure that you know the exact location of the examination site and how to get there. If you are going on public transportation, take a “dry run.” Get used to where the bus or train stops. Ask about the transportation schedule for the day of the examination.
Chances are that the examination will be given on a weekend. Do not be left standing waiting for a bus or train that does not run on the weekend. It has happened. You have greatly increased your chances of successfully competing in the examination by following the instructions given in this text. But, you have to get there.
The same applies if you are driving. Make sure the car you are using is in mechanical order. It is not a bad idea to have someone drive for you, if you can. In this way, should any difficulties with the vehicle arise, you can continue on your own. Be certain that you know the route to the examination, and be sure that you know where a safe, legal parking area exists. Taking the examination while you are preoccupied about your car is not a good idea. Give yourself every advantage.
Six and Five Days Before the Examination
Zero in on the chapter(s) which deal(s) with your greatest weakness. For example, if your taking of the Diagnostic Exam or the three practice examinations indicates a problem in understanding legal definitions, then you should be concentrating on “Understanding Legal Definitions.” Spend these two days on this.
Four, Three, and Two Days Before the Examination
On each of these three days, review one of the sample police officer examinations given in previous chapters. This will reacquaint you with what to expect when you take the actual examination. Review the tests under simulated examination conditions, as follows.
Sit in a room at a desk or table. Time yourself. Make sure you stay within the time allotted. You will then be less uneasy about this during the actual examination. If you are a smoker, do not smoke during the practice examination. You will not be able to smoke during the actual examination. Use the test techniques explained in the Introduction.
Use the same kind of pencil you will use on examination day. Usually, you will be asked to bring a #2 lead pencil. Remember, the idea is to make everything as close to what you will be experiencing on examination day.
One Day Before the Examination
Read the Introduction, which deals with test taking. That’s it. By now you should be prepared. Do not try to cram on this last day. Your test preparation is over. Begin to relax.
Eat a normal dinner on the evening before the examination. Take some good advice. Get your regular amount of sleep the night before. While you do not need more rest, you should not be getting less. Be very careful of taking sedatives to help you sleep. It may be harmful to you the next day.
The theme is to keep yourself as you would at any other time. Remember, tomorrow is just another day. You have taken good steps to pass the examination; nothing more need be done.
The Day of the Examination
On the day of the examination, wake up with enough time to dress, have a good breakfast, and check over whatever test-taking equipment you may be bringing with you. While an alarm clock may get you up, a call from a friend is sometimes helpful.
A word about test-taking equipment. Follow whatever instructions you may have received from the testing agency (for example, pencils, etc.). Bring an extra sweater. If it’s not needed to keep warm, you can always take it off. (You may want to sit on it; a desk seat can become terribly uncomfortable after an hour or so.)
What else? Well, a pencil sharpener is helpful, as are a good eraser, and a working pen to sign in ink if required.
Some candidates have found that a chocolate candy bar is a source of quick energy during the examination. If you wear glasses, make sure you have an extra pair, if possible, and something with which to clean them.
The Examination
When you arrive at the examination, follow the instructions of the proctors, and be sure to bring a watch with the correct time. Go to your assigned room and sit. Inspect your seat and report any problems to your proctor immediately. Follow instructions to the letter. You have been exposed to sample examinations in previous chapters. You are no stranger to the process. If you have done what we have outlined in this text, you should do well. Believe in your ability. Many others just like you have had to do it. You can too!
GOOD LUCK!