During your test

Published

How did you all plan to include breaks? I take mine next week, and while I'm hoping for 75 questions, I'm planning on 265. I know they have one q2h that's already set up, but did any of you get up for a few minutes before then? I was thinking of getting up at 75 whether finished or not, taking a pee break, etc. Also, I usually drink a ton of water, and my mouth gets especially dry when I'm nervous. I know I can't bring any into the exam, are there drinking fountains or a place to set my bottle down when I do take a break? Do they make you feel bad if you have to take a break early, or is it easy? The longest standardized test I've taken since high school would have been my exit HESI, and we were encouraged to take as many bathroom breaks as we needed. I have issues with staring at the same screen for a long time too - I try to make myself sit through 265 at once when I'm practicing questions, but it never seems to happen. Thanks, and wish me luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

It sounds like you have a good plan although I would probably skip the H20. For both my LPN and RN I was done in just about an hour so I didn't take a break. I tend to lose my mojo and am better off without stopping if possible but but if I had gone the max I would have had to use the bathroom, lol.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

If it only takes me an hour I'll be fine - not if I get 265 Qs. I'm used to bringing a liter of H2O into my exams - they always let us in school, as long as we removed the label. I know that I can't have that OR coffee, which is going to make it a challenging morning - I have to be there at 0730, which means leaving my house before 0700 in case there's traffic (15 minute drive, but I'd rather be early than late). I thought I'd get up and take a break if I get to 75 and it doesn't shut off so that I don't sit there and try to hold it, hoping that each question will be my last. Since I (like most of us) haven't ever taken a CAT, it's weird not knowing even approximately how long the exam will last.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

its good to plan for all 265 questions....that's how many i got the first time and i was not prepared for that! it was torture! it took me 4 hours and i only took one break because i just wanted to get it over with. after about 2 hours i was starving and my stomach was growling....also i love my caffeine and it was driving me nuts not having any with me.

so i am taking it for the second time tomorrow and will be more prepared this time. i will definately make sure my stomach is full this time...and i am considering stashing a bottle of pop in the bathroom so i can drink some when i take breaks because i am mentally prepared to answer all 265 questions this time!

so take breaks if you feel you need too...and yes there is a drinking fountain.

good luck

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment