any one here take the praxis?

[tomslawsky]

I am going through my final interview stage for Teach for America and many of the school districts require the praxis exam. I've been studying for the GMAT forever and am pretty sure my actual skill level at this point in the game is 700+ (based on a GMAT PowerPrep 3 months ago), although, I've sworn off of practice exams until I master the material.

Anyhow, can anyone offer insight into the skills and skill level tested on the praxix exam versus the GMAT. I am about 3-4 months from really finishing my GMAT studying, and am wondering if I can take the praxis "cold" and score high based on a "high" GMAT level. I will appreciate any insight. Thank you.

[StaceyKoprince]

Hmm - I don't know, sorry! I've never taken that exam; all I know is that it's made by the same people who used to write the GMAT. I'll ask around to see whether any of my colleagues know. In the meantime, fellow students: have any of you had to take the Praxis?

Good luck with your Teach for America interview! Our founder is an alum of TFA.

[tomslawsky]

Thanks, Stacey. I was accepted to Teach for America this year, I put a lot of effort into the application process. However, due to the economy, TFA initiates a "wait-list" for placement for the first time this year and yours truly was placed on said list. So, back to the waiting game until March.

In the interim, I looked at the praxis and it really looks just like a "GMAT Lite", I'm pretty sure since I'm still GMAT-ing, the PRAXIS will not be a tough hurdle- hoping I don't eat my words. In fact, looking at the exam, it seems like another IQ test in sheep's clothing, just like the GMAT. The difference being that the GMAT is harder, or has a higher IQ ceiling. The GMAT math is definitely the hardest of all of the popular, general standardized exams.

[StaceyKoprince]

Well, good news, bad news - at least you were accepted, right? Hopefully the economy will pick up and they'll be able to use everybody on the waiting list.

You may want to see whether a prep company offers a free PRAXIS practice test - so you can see what it's like.

[tomslawsky]

Finally taken off the waiting list (i deferred last year)! Waiting for my assignment and looking at the praxis!

[StaceyKoprince]

Awesome, congrats! Let us know how the praxis goes!

[tomslawsky]

by the way, i scored a 730 on the GMAt last year, I used your stuff, the OG, Powerprep and GMAT PREP for 99% of my material. It wasn't the 770 i was targeting, so someday, I might retake it, out of stubbornness, as I feel I left 20-30 points on the table, but I am happy with that score, especially considering I may NEVER go back to school. Taking the exam was more for personal challenge this time around. I scored similar >10 yrs ago, but that was a paper exam. Anyway, thanks to you, Ron and the crew, as well as to your books for helping me prepare; they are truly unmatched.

[StaceyKoprince]

so glad we were able to help! (But you were the one who had to put in all the hard work, so the primary credit goes to you. :)

[tomslawsky]

I still think that its nonsensical to use a moving target (percentile score) to refer to a static skill level (absolute score) as a reference point for determining whether someone possesses the skill to to competently execute a task. For example, hypothetically, to use a percentile score in order to gauge whether someone is capable of understanding and comprehending the material in a certain "math skill" book.

But, I guess I won't win this battle! :)

[StaceyKoprince]

agreed. But what the b-schools are really interested in, at the end of the day, is ranking you against all of the others. :)

[tomslawsky]

that's where i always shine ;)

[StaceyKoprince]

excellent. :)