Tips+from+2010+testing+Drew+Smith


 * Use mypatentbar.com . The site has a number of different helpful sections. Old exams links, repeat question information, discussion on new questions, comments about the actual test administration, etc. By the time you take the test, you should have//memorized// everything there - old exams included. If you do, then you will automatically get somewhere between 20 and 30 questions right.
 * Use patentbarquestions.com . It's a wiki-based site that includes a lot of random discussion but the debates help you see problems from different angles. Also, on the left side of the screen is a "printable version" of the wiki - printing it out or making a pdf by saving the page is a snap.
 * Use PLI lectures if they work for you. Personally, I went through the complete outline about 5 times, but it was difficult to retain information. The Prime Questions manual is a good resource, but keep in mind that it's 7 years old and tailored to the old days of the exam.
 * Test changes. Read up on the April 2011 changes to the exam. There will be different things that you won't expect. From what I understand, you should have a few extra pdfs in addition to the MPEP when you take the test.
 * MPEP. Know the MPEP contents and how to search the Prometric test version. I looked up at least 60 questions and of those, found the answer //verbatim// in about half. In the others, I at least was able to rule out a few choices. In reading people's reactions on mypatentbar, i got the feeling that in many cases, the difference between passing and failing was based on searching/MPEP familiarity. For example, you might get five 102(e) questions. Three can be solved in 30 seconds by using the flowchart in (I think) 715. But if you listen to PLI, they'll try to teach you the theory, and you'll get caught up in 1999 revisions. Study to the test, not the material. What's important is if you can solve a problem, not if you can recite patent legislation history.