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At a glance
What it is
Standardized test preparation covering SAT, ACT, GRE, and GMAT strategies, question type analysis, time management, practice test analysis, score improvement plans, test anxiety management, registration timelines, and section-specific strategies.
A skill is a written procedure a bot loads when a job calls for it. This one is a single file, SKILL.md, and the whole file is on this page.
The whole file, exactly as it downloads. Read it before you rely on it.
SKILL.md
532 lines · 2,994 words
Use this skill when:
User is preparing for a standardized test (SAT, GRE, GMAT, LSAT, MCAT, etc.)
User needs test-taking strategies specific to an exam format
User wants a structured study timeline for an upcoming exam
Standardized test preparation covering SAT, ACT, GRE, and GMAT strategies, question type analysis, time management, practice test analysis, score improvement plans, test anxiety management, registration timelines, and section-specific strategies.
Nothing. It ships with Murage, which is open source. Your bots run on the AI plan you already have.
Yes. Open it in Settings → Skills to read, edit or duplicate it. Skill Guard scans it again after every edit.
Download the app, connect the AI you already pay for, and tell your Chief of Staff what needs doing. Plan on about ten minutes from install to a working team.
No account needed · Runs on the AI plan you already pay for
Paste it into your agent's instructions (CLAUDE.md, AGENTS.md or a custom GPT), or add it to a bot in Murage.
Ask Ember for the bot, then switch the skill on in its settings.
Step 1
Send your Chief of Staff this message. It proposes the bot and its role first, and creates it when you say go.
Send this to Ember
“Create a bot that uses the Test Prep Coach skill, and show me the plan first.”
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Step 2
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Step 3
You're done when the skill shows as on for that bot.
Step 4
You're done when the bot takes the job and opens the skill when it needs it.
Prefer to do it yourself? Choose + in the sidebar, then New Bot.Read the full guide to skills and Skill Guard
What it teaches a bot, what it covers, and the whole file to read.
What it covers
When to Use
Process
Purpose
Questions to Ask the User First
SAT Strategies
ACT Strategies
GRE Strategies
GMAT Strategies
Time Management Framework
Practice Test Analysis
Score Improvement Plan
Test Anxiety Management
Registration Timelines
Output Format
Example
GRE Prep Plan: 8 Weeks
Edge Cases
Do NOT use this skill when:
User needs tutoring on subject matter -- use personal-tutor or domain-specific skills
User wants flashcards made -- use flashcard-creator
User needs general study habits -- use study-planner
Step 1: Identify target exam, test date, current score or baseline, and target score
Step 2: Diagnose strengths and weaknesses by exam section
Step 3: Build study plan with time allocation weighted to weakest sections
Step 4: Teach section-specific strategies: timing, elimination, question patterns
Step 5: Schedule practice tests with score tracking and adaptive plan adjustments
This skill helps students prepare strategically for standardized tests by providing test-specific strategies, time management techniques, practice test analysis, score improvement plans, and anxiety management tools. It emphasizes smart preparation over brute-force studying.
Which test? SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, LSAT, MCAT, or other?
Test date: When is your test scheduled (or when are you planning to take it)?
Target score: What score do you need? (For what schools/programs?)
Baseline score: Have you taken a practice test? What was your score?
Previous attempts: Have you taken this test before? What was your score?
Strongest sections: Which test sections do you feel most confident about?
Weakest sections: Which sections do you struggle with most?
Study time available: How many hours per week can you dedicate to prep?
Prep resources: What do you have? (Official practice tests, prep books, courses, tutor)
Test anxiety: On a scale of 1-10, how anxious do you get about standardized tests?
Budget: Do you have a budget for prep materials or courses?
SAT STRUCTURE (2024+)
======================
Section 1: Reading and Writing (64 minutes)
Module 1: 32 minutes, 27 questions
Module 2: 32 minutes, 27 questions (adaptive difficulty)
Question types: Information and Ideas, Craft and Structure,
Expression of Ideas, Standard English Conventions
Section 2: Math (70 minutes)
Module 1: 35 minutes, 22 questions
Module 2: 35 minutes, 22 questions (adaptive difficulty)
Calculator allowed on entire math section
Question types: Algebra, Advanced Math, Problem Solving and Data Analysis,
Geometry and Trigonometry
Total time: ~2 hours 14 minutes
Score range: 400-1600 (200-800 per section)READING AND WRITING STRATEGIES
================================
1. Read the passage carefully first (it's shorter in digital SAT)
2. Identify what the question is ACTUALLY asking
3. Eliminate clearly wrong answers first
4. Evidence-based: the answer must be supported by the text
5. Vocabulary in context: re-read the sentence with each answer choice
6. Grammar questions: identify the specific rule being tested
7. Transitions: the answer must logically connect the ideas
8. Time target: ~75 seconds per question
SAT MATH STRATEGIES
====================
1. Read the question completely before starting calculations
2. Use the built-in calculator strategically (not for every problem)
3. Plug in numbers for abstract algebra problems
4. Plug in answer choices (backsolve) when possible
5. Draw diagrams for geometry problems not already illustrated
6. Estimate to eliminate clearly wrong answers
7. Check units and what the question is actually asking for
8. Time target: ~95 seconds per question
KEY MATH TOPICS TO MASTER:
- Linear equations and systems (30%+)
- Quadratics and polynomials
- Ratios, rates, and proportions
- Percent and percent change
- Statistics (mean, median, standard deviation concepts)
- Right triangles and trigonometry basicsACT STRUCTURE
==============
Section 1: English (45 minutes, 75 questions)
5 passages with underlined portions to correct
Grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, style, organization
Section 2: Math (60 minutes, 60 questions)
Pre-algebra through trigonometry
No question groups; each question is independent
Calculator allowed
Section 3: Reading (35 minutes, 40 questions)
4 passages (Literary Narrative, Social Science, Humanities, Natural Science)
10 questions per passage
Section 4: Science (35 minutes, 40 questions)
6-7 passages with charts, graphs, experiments
Data representation, research summaries, conflicting viewpoints
Optional: Writing (40 minutes, 1 essay)
Total time: 2 hours 55 minutes (3 hours 35 minutes with writing)
Score range: 1-36 composite (average of four section scores)ACT ENGLISH (45 min, 75 questions = 36 seconds/question)
=========================================================
PACE IS CRITICAL. This is the fastest section.
1. Read the full sentence (not just the underlined portion)
2. "No Change" is correct about 25% of the time
3. When in doubt, the shortest answer is often correct
4. If two answers say the same thing differently, both are wrong
5. Read the question -- some ask about the passage as a whole
ACT MATH (60 min, 60 questions = 60 seconds/question)
======================================================
Questions go from easy to hard (roughly).
1. Do NOT spend more than 2 minutes on any one question
2. Skip hard questions and come back
3. First 30 questions should be quick (aim for 90% accuracy)
4. Last 10 questions are the hardest; budget extra time
5. Guess on any blank before time runs out (no penalty for guessing)
ACT READING (35 min, 40 questions = ~8.5 min per passage)
=========================================================
The tightest time section for most students.
1. Strategy A: Read passage first (3-4 min), then answer (4-5 min)
2. Strategy B: Skim passage (2 min), then refer back for each question
3. Strategy C: Read questions first, then scan passage for answers
4. TRY ALL THREE in practice to find your best approach
5. Start with your strongest passage type
ACT SCIENCE (35 min, 40 questions = ~5 min per passage set)
============================================================
This is a DATA INTERPRETATION test, not a science knowledge test.
1. Don't read the passage first -- go straight to the questions
2. Questions will tell you where to look in the data
3. Read graph labels and units carefully
4. For conflicting viewpoints: identify what each scientist claims
5. You rarely need outside science knowledgeGRE STRUCTURE (2023+ shorter format)
======================================
Section 1: Analytical Writing (30 minutes)
1 essay task: Analyze an Issue
Section 2: Verbal Reasoning (~23 min, 12 questions x2 sections)
Reading comprehension, text completion, sentence equivalence
Section 3: Quantitative Reasoning (~26 min, 15 questions x2 sections)
Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, data analysis
On-screen calculator provided
Total time: ~1 hour 58 minutes
Score range: Verbal 130-170, Quantitative 130-170, Writing 0-6GRE VERBAL STRATEGIES
======================
TEXT COMPLETION:
1. Read the sentence and predict the blank BEFORE looking at answers
2. For two/three blanks: start with the easiest blank
3. Look for contrast words (however, although, despite) and support words
SENTENCE EQUIVALENCE:
1. Find TWO answers that create sentences with the SAME meaning
2. If two words are synonyms, they are likely both correct
3. The correct pair must make the sentence mean the same thing
READING COMPREHENSION:
1. Read for structure and main idea, not detail
2. The correct answer is always supported by the passage
3. Extreme language (always, never, completely) is usually wrong
4. "The passage suggests" = inference (go slightly beyond the text)
GRE QUANTITATIVE STRATEGIES
=============================
1. Use estimation aggressively
2. Plug in numbers for variables (especially quantitative comparison)
3. Quantitative comparison: try at least two different values
4. Make sure you're answering what's asked (not what you calculated)
5. The on-screen calculator is slow -- mental math is often faster
6. Data interpretation: read ALL graph titles, labels, and footnotesGMAT FOCUS EDITION (2023+)
============================
Section 1: Quantitative Reasoning (45 min, 21 questions)
Problem Solving only (no Data Sufficiency in quant section)
Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, word problems
Section 2: Verbal Reasoning (45 min, 23 questions)
Reading Comprehension and Critical Reasoning only
(No Sentence Correction in new format)
Section 3: Data Insights (45 min, 20 questions)
Data Sufficiency, Multi-Source Reasoning, Graphics Interpretation,
Two-Part Analysis, Table Analysis
Total time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Score range: 205-805TIME MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
========================
For any test section:
1. KNOW YOUR PACE
Total minutes / Total questions = seconds per question
Set checkpoints: at 25%, 50%, 75% of time, you should be at
25%, 50%, 75% of questions.
2. THE TWO-PASS STRATEGY
Pass 1: Answer every question you can do quickly and confidently
Mark harder questions for review (flag them in digital tests)
Pass 2: Return to marked questions with remaining time
3. THE 90-SECOND RULE
If you've spent 90 seconds on a question with no progress:
- Mark it, make your best guess, move on
- Return only if time permits
- A guess has a 20-25% chance; leaving it blank has 0%
4. TIMING CHECKPOINTS (example for 60-min, 40-question test)
15 min mark: should be on question 10+
30 min mark: should be on question 20+
45 min mark: should be on question 30+
Final 15 min: 10 remaining + review flagged questionsPRACTICE TEST REVIEW PROTOCOL
===============================
DO NOT just check your score and move on. The review is more
valuable than the practice test itself.
STEP 1: SCORE AND CATEGORIZE (30 min)
Total score: ____
Section scores: ____
For each wrong answer, categorize the error:
[ ] Content gap (didn't know the material)
[ ] Careless error (knew it but made a mistake)
[ ] Time pressure (ran out of time)
[ ] Misread the question (comprehension error)
[ ] Guessed (had no idea)
[ ] Fell for a trap answer (eliminated wrong choices poorly)
STEP 2: ERROR ANALYSIS TABLE
Question # | Section | Topic | Error Type | Could I get this right? | Priority
-----------|---------|------------- |----------------|------------------------|----------
__________ | _______ | ____________ | ______________ | Yes / With study / No | H/M/L
__________ | _______ | ____________ | ______________ | ________________ | ___
__________ | _______ | ____________ | ______________ | ________________ | ___
STEP 3: IDENTIFY PATTERNS
Most common error type: __________
Weakest topic areas: __________
Sections losing the most points: __________
STEP 4: CREATE ACTION PLAN
Top 3 topics to study: __________
Strategy adjustments: __________
Next practice test date: __________SCORE IMPROVEMENT FRAMEWORK
=============================
CURRENT BASELINE: __________
TARGET SCORE: __________
GAP: __________
WEEKS UNTIL TEST: __________
PHASE 1: DIAGNOSTIC (Week 1)
[ ] Take full-length timed practice test
[ ] Complete error analysis
[ ] Identify top 3 weak areas
[ ] Gather study materials for weak areas
PHASE 2: CONTENT BUILDING (Weeks 2 - [halfway point])
[ ] Study 1-2 weak topics per week in depth
[ ] Do untimed practice on weak topics
[ ] Review and practice 20-30 problems per topic
[ ] Take section-level timed practice (not full tests)
PHASE 3: STRATEGY AND TIMED PRACTICE (Weeks [halfway] - [2 weeks before])
[ ] Take full-length timed practice tests (one per week)
[ ] Analyze every practice test thoroughly
[ ] Refine time management strategy
[ ] Work on question types where you lose the most points
PHASE 4: FINAL PREP (Last 2 weeks)
[ ] Take 1-2 final practice tests under exact test conditions
[ ] Review weak spots but don't try to learn new material
[ ] Practice test-day routine (wake time, breakfast, travel)
[ ] Focus on mental readiness and confidence
[ ] Light review only in final 2-3 daysTEST ANXIETY TOOLKIT
=====================
BEFORE TEST DAY:
[ ] Over-prepare: Anxiety decreases with preparation
[ ] Simulate test conditions: Take practice tests in realistic settings
[ ] Visualize success: Spend 5 min daily imagining calm, confident test-taking
[ ] Prepare logistics: Know the location, pack supplies the night before
[ ] Sleep: 8 hours for 3 nights before the test (not just the night before)
TEST DAY MORNING:
[ ] Wake with enough time (no rushing)
[ ] Eat a balanced breakfast (protein + complex carbs)
[ ] Light physical activity (walk, stretching)
[ ] Avoid caffeine if you don't normally use it
[ ] Brief review (10-15 min of key formulas/concepts only)
[ ] Arrive 15-20 min early
DURING THE TEST:
[ ] Box breathing before starting: Inhale 4 sec, Hold 4, Exhale 4, Hold 4
[ ] If anxiety spikes: pause, close eyes, take 3 deep breaths (10 seconds)
[ ] Positive self-talk: "I prepared for this. I know this material."
[ ] Focus on ONE question at a time (not the whole test)
[ ] Skip questions that spike anxiety and return later
[ ] Physical: unclench jaw, drop shoulders, relax hands between sections
COGNITIVE REFRAMES:
Thought: "I'm going to fail"
Reframe: "I have prepared. I will do my best. One test doesn't define me."
Thought: "Everyone else finds this easy"
Reframe: "Everyone is focused on their own test. Comparison doesn't help."
Thought: "I don't know this question"
Reframe: "I'll use elimination and make my best guess. One question won't determine my score."REGISTRATION PLANNING
======================
SAT:
Test dates: ~7 times per year (Mar, May, Jun, Aug, Oct, Nov, Dec)
Register: 4-5 weeks before test date
Scores released: ~2-3 weeks after test
Cost: ~$60 (fee waivers available)
ACT:
Test dates: ~7 times per year (Feb, Apr, Jun, Jul, Sep, Oct, Dec)
Register: ~5 weeks before test date
Scores released: ~2-8 weeks after test
Cost: ~$68 without writing, ~$93 with writing
GRE:
Test dates: Continuous (by appointment at testing centers)
Register: Schedule at prometric.com, available year-round
Scores released: ~8-10 days after test
Cost: ~$220
Can retake: After 21 days, up to 5 times in 12 months
GMAT:
Test dates: Continuous (by appointment at testing centers or online)
Register: Schedule at mba.com
Scores released: Unofficial immediately; official in ~3-5 business days
Cost: ~$275
Can retake: After 16 days, up to 5 times in 12 monthsWhen coaching test prep, provide:
Test overview -- Structure, timing, and scoring for the specific test
Baseline assessment -- Analysis of current score and weak areas
Study plan -- Week-by-week schedule with specific topics and activities
Section strategies -- Tailored tactics for each test section
Time management plan -- Pacing strategy with checkpoints
Practice test schedule -- When to take practice tests and how to review them
Anxiety management -- Personalized techniques based on anxiety level
Score projection -- Realistic target score improvement with timeline
Resource recommendations -- Specific books, courses, or tools
Input: "I am taking the GRE in 8 weeks. My practice test scores are: Verbal 155, Quant 148. I need at least 160 on both for my target programs."
Output:
Current: Verbal 155, Quant 148 | Target: Verbal 160+, Quant 160+ Primary gap: Quant needs +12 points (significant); Verbal needs +5 (moderate)
| Section | Hours | % of Study | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quant | 90 | 56% | Largest gap, highest ROI |
| Verbal | 45 | 28% | Moderate gap, build on strength |
| AWA (Writing) | 10 | 6% | Template practice, low effort |
| Practice tests | 15 | 10% | 5 full tests (3 hrs each) |
Weeks 1-2: Core concept review
Algebra, number properties, geometry fundamentals
Do 30 problems/day from ETS Official Guide, sorted by type
Weeks 3-5: Pattern recognition
GRE quant has ~15 recurring problem patterns
Drill: quantitative comparison (learn the "pick numbers" strategy)
Drill: data interpretation (learn to read charts fast -- 2 min per question max)
Weeks 6-8: Timed practice
Full quant sections under time pressure (35 min, 20 questions)
Review every wrong answer: was it concept gap, careless error, or time pressure?
Learn 300 high-frequency GRE words (use flashcard-creator skill for Anki deck)
Practice "text completion" with elimination strategy: cover answer choices, predict the word, then match
Reading comprehension: read the first and last sentence of each paragraph first, then the questions
| Week | Test | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Week 2 | PowerPrep Practice Test 1 | Baseline after initial study |
| Week 4 | ETS Practice Test | Mid-point check |
| Week 6 | PowerPrep Practice Test 2 | Progress check |
| Week 7 | Third-party test | Stamina practice |
| Week 8 (3 days before) | Light review only | No new material, confidence building |
Incomplete information: Ask clarifying questions before proceeding. Do not assume details the user has not provided.
Out of scope requests: Redirect to appropriate professional resources when the request exceeds educational guidance.
Conflicting requirements: Present trade-offs clearly and let the user decide priorities.
SKILL.md
532 lines · 2,994 words
The text of SKILL.md is shown as it downloads, under the Apache-2.0 license, by Ferrox Labs. The license is the one in the file's own frontmatter.
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