by StaceyKoprince Mon Aug 13, 2012 8:21 pm
The database is one big database of questions - we don't have separate databases, nor do we remove questions unless we think there's a problem or they're out of date in some way. We do add new questions continually (we've added at least 50 new ones in the last few months), but there's still the risk of seeing repeated questions.
I do have a question for you, though. The risk of seeing repeated questions decreases dramatically if you are actually improving between tests - as you improve, you change the particular "segment" of questions that you see from the database. The impact also decreases if you are taking appropriate time between tests (6 tests should take someone 2 months *minimum* and more likely 3-4 so you will likely forget many of the questions by the time you get around to seeing repeats).
So if you have taken 7-8 tests but are seeing many, many repeated questions, then you may be taking the tests too frequently.
Practice CATs are really good for (a) figuring out where you're scoring right now, (b) practicing stamina, and (c) analyzing your strengths and weaknesses. The actual act of just taking the exam is NOT so useful for improving. It's what you do with the test results / between tests that helps you to improve.
Could this be what's going on? (taking the tests too frequently / not taking the time to improve enough between tests?)
Stacey Koprince
Instructor
Director, Content & Curriculum
ManhattanPrep