Q: Look at the entire test. Decide how you will approach the questions. Think about how many minutes you will need for each section. Set a pace for yourself that gives you enough time to complete the questions, but that also ensures you will finish the test. Start with the easiest sections. Not only will these be completed faster, but breezing through these can help build your confidence. Answer the questions with the highest point values next. You want to make sure you give yourself enough time to finish those. For multiple choice questions, eliminate answers that are obviously wrong, and spend some time figuring out which others cannot be the correct answer. Then look for clues in the answers that make one of the remaining answers incorrect. If the question only needs one right answer, something about one of the choices will be wrong. Don't be thrown by questions that include never, not, least, none, or except. These words can give you important insights into the answer, or help you eliminate wrong answers. If you're completely stumped and have to guess a 'true or false' answer, questions that have highly opinionated words such as "always" and "never" are usually false. You may want to formulate your own answer after reading the question but before you look at the choices. This can help prevent the answers from swaying you the wrong way. Essays require you to demonstrate your knowledge. Read the question carefully and underline key words, especially words like define, compare, or explain. Make an outline of the ideas you want to include in your answer. This way you won't forget anything as soon as you start writing. An outline also gives you a map to follow. Answer the question directly by mentioning key words or the topic of the question. Give examples along with general information about the topic. Use any terms you have learned in the class. Write legibly. Your teacher can't mark something they can't read. If you have trouble writing neatly, try to improve your handwriting as much as you can before you take the test. Instead of wasting time stressing about questions you don't know how to answer, move ahead on the test. Circle the question and come back to it if you have time. Answer all the questions you know before you spend too much time trying to figure out answers to questions. Look through the rest of the test for clues that might help you answer questions you don't know. Ask your teacher for clarification if you don't understand what a question is asking. When you finish your test, go back and review your answers. Reread and spend a few more moments on questions you were unsure about. Double check that you didn't skip any answers or misread questions. Trust your first instinct. Many times, your first instinct is the correct answer. But make sure you have made a reasoned decision for the answer, not just relied on your gut.
A: Plan your time. Eliminate incorrect answers. Plan out essay answers. Skip questions you don't know. Review your answers.

Q: Agencies are typically regulated by the state economy and need to kick back a certain percentage (usually 10%) of their income to the state. There are many people claiming to represent talent who lack this and seek to exploit inexperienced actors who don't know their way around the business. To check the registration of a particular agency in California, visit the Department of Industrial Relations website: http://www.dir.ca.gov/databases/dlselr/talag.html Colleges will typically advertise the teacher-to-student ratio, meaning that a good school will supposedly have fewer students per teacher, resulting in more face time and contact. You're looking for the same thing with an agent. An overworked, overbooked agent from a big agency who decides to take you on might end up being less valuable than a more devoted agent with fewer clients from a smaller agency. Your relationship with your agent is a real interpersonal relationship, not just a work relationship. You need to pick someone who you can get along with and openly discuss your plans and ambitions with. An agent you're intimidated by or one who doesn't really believe in your talents won't be the best career choice in the long run. In your first few meetings, discuss your plans for yourself. Ask the agent what they see in you and where they think you might go. Seeing if your plans match up will be a good way to judge the workability of the relationship. If you've got a dysfunctional relationship with an agent who is misrepresenting you or representing you lazily, you need to find a new one. Be patient and don't expect much too soon, but if your agent is purposefully blowing you off or you feel like you're being taken advantage of, make the break. Many young actors are scared to try for new representation for fear of losing the stability of the old relationship. "Even if I'm not working," says the young actor, "at least I have an agent." But an agent who isn't getting you parts might as well not exist. If the relationship isn't working out like you want it to, you have to take the initiative to find a new one.
A:
Make sure your agency is licensed and franchised. Find out how many other clients your agent represents. Make sure you get along as people. Don't be afraid to make the break.