JSonnabend

[Molecular_Agent]

This is a question for those who took the Patent Bar - was there any time between when you receive the scratch paper and the test begins?

Thank you.

[smgsmc]

This is a question for those who took the Patent Bar - was there any time between when you receive the scratch paper and the test begins?

Thank you.

At the beginning of the test, there is a 15 min tutorial to introduce you to the exam layout.  This tutorial is available online at the link below.  If you familiarize yourself with it, you can then use the 15 min to do something else, such as setup grids on your scratch paper (or take some deep breaths and settle your nerves).  A timer counts down during the 15 min and then the fun automatically begins. 

http://www.prometric.com/demos/uspto/starthere.htm

[falsemarking]

What he said. Do the online tutorial before hand that way you can make your answer grid during that time. You can also come back early after lunch and sign back in to the room.  You can use the time to make your second grid.

Also, the 1 hour lunch break is actually "optional", and you can start early at any time you wish by clicking a button or just letting the timer run down.

I took the entire break for a warm lunch at local fast food place and last 10 min to make my grid and calm myself down before the second half. I was really jittery after having that double shot espresso energy drink, which i highly recommend btw to finish the test on time. I was searching that MPEP like no other and I had no problem going over the test a second time.

Oh yeah, one more thing. Prometric has noise canceling headphones. Use them if test center noises bother you. They're nothing special or anything but it feels like you're in the cone of silence.

PM me if you got any other Qs.

[Molecular_Agent]

Thank you both.  I wanted to know whether there is extra time to make the answer grid, which seems to be the case.  I will check out the tutorial.  I'm taking the exam in a few weeks - after Thanksgiving.  Any last tips on studying? - I'm just taking the past exams feverishly, over and over.  Thanks again.

[falsemarking]

Yeah, go over the newly added questions so you don't miss 'em. I had a couple gimmes from this list.

http://mypatentbar.com/current-questions/

Good Luck!

 ----


Also, someone PM'ed in regards to this question asking what an "anwser grid" is.... it looks like this:

1.  A B C D E
2.  A B C D E
................
50. A B C D E



You basically cross out answers on it, because you can't do that on the computer. Prometric only keeps track of whether you answered  a question or marked it, but it does not let you cross out answers. This saves you time if you come back to a question or if you don't want to try and remember which answers you already eliminated.

There's also a good example on this website, if you go and click on the "cheat sheet."

http://www.freepatentbar.com/products.html

[Molecular_Agent]

Yes, I am aware of the answer grid and have been using it for the practice tests.  That is exactly why I asked this question about scratch paper.  Thank you for the new questions link.