Yeah, so I've come across about 8 different types of tests now: UIL, TMSCA, Best of Texas, Shootout, AMT, Hexco, Dr. Numsen, Ramierez, and that Numbahsenhei thing. I've noticed that the degree of difficulties on each test vary greatly... I was wondering what y'all thought of each one...
Of all of these tests, I think the hardest came from the UIL State and Region tests from the last 4 years, tests 11-14 of TMSCA on the 2001 year, TMSCA State from any year, and AMT's. I score around 100-120 on these >.<.
Of all the easy tests, I'd have to say that Hexco, Ramierez, Shootout, and Best of Texas are the easiest. I mean, if I can score over 200 on these things, then people like Sam and Brad can probably score well into the 300's at ease. I also kinda think that the double letter series tests are kind of easy as well.
As for the later UIL invites and TMSCA invites, I rate them as challenging, but not as difficult as the other ones. I'm in the mid 150's on these.
Dr. Numsen is completely random for me. They vary their tests so much that I can't really formulate a basis to say if they're hard or not, especially with some of their "Hard" rated tests.
The other thing I listed is a website where you can practice certain kinds of problems. Its just like "Number Sense Computerized" by Mr. White, except you dont have to pay for it. Sweet...
Well, I tend to believe that sources that are easier are not as good, though I've only seen UIL, a few TMSCA, and Dr. Numsen. I don't think I will ever be interested in other sources, unless I have some very positive feedback. (so tell me which of those test sources you mentioned worth a try)
UIL tests does change every year. I don't think that Mr. White necessarily made the tests harder, but I do think his questions are more flexible and open.
I have never score below 200 in UIL nor TMSCA tests for the last 2 years. Dr. Numsen's hard test can pull me below 200, I suspect.
But some TMSCA math tests are scary! On 2-18, I was in Tuloso-Midway(near Corpus) for the only TMSCA test meet we go to, and I got a 140 on Math. Even though I win every time, I feel defeated before the test.
Where do you download TMSCA tests? And what is that website you talked about?
I remember writing Java programs that practice specific kinds of problems. I wonder whether I still have them.
I didnt download the TMSCA tests. The old Number Sense coach at our school had a box of old tests with almost every kind of test you can imagine that I raided the other day. It had a quite a variety of tests to choose from including old TMSCA and UIL tests, so I took as much as I could.
I agree with you, Sam, all those third party tests just arent worth taking with the notable exception of Dr. Numsen. AMT is too expensive to actually buy, but in ranking these tests AMT is right under UIL, TMSCA, and Dr. NumSen in difficulty.
I think that Hexco, BOT, Ramierez and Shootout are made especially for small schools and other novices. They make you feel good about yourself, but you dont really learn anything from them.
(if it's free) i know uil and dr numsen, that's it.
