Trial Tests vs MathMallows Daily

What are Trial Tests?

Trial or mock tests are longer, exam-style papers (for OC, Selective, NAPLAN, scholarship exams, etc.). They imitate the actual exam conditions — timing, format and question types — so students practise under realistic pressure.

Typical use: occasional full-length practice (monthly or when preparing for a specific exam).

What are MathMallows Daily Tests?

Short, weekday tests (3–5 questions) delivered each day in two tracks: Explorer (difficulties 1–3) and Challenger (difficulties 4–6). Designed for habit-building, quick wins and steady progress.

Typical use: daily practice to build skills, speed and confidence.

Feature Trial Tests MathMallows Daily Tests
Frequency & Length Infrequent; usually long (full paper: 1–2+ hours) Daily (Mon–Fri); short (3–5 questions, 5–10 minutes)
Purpose Simulate real exam conditions and timing; assess readiness Build habit, reinforce small daily gains, improve speed & accuracy
Stress Level Higher—mimics exam pressure (useful but can be stressful) Low—designed to be encouraging, low-stakes practice
Skill Coverage Wide, aligned to the target exam syllabus Focused micro-topics, steady coverage across days & themes
Tracking Track progress for one type of exam Adaptive potential (difficulty/track), tracks progress over time
Best for Simulating tests before important exams; timing & endurance practice Building daily habit, discovering weak points, consistent improvement
Typical outcome Clear picture of exam readiness; target areas to revise intensively Incremental improvement in accuracy, speed, and confidence

How to use both — a recommended approach

  1. Daily foundation (ongoing): Do MathMallows tests Mon–Fri to build habit, identify weak topics and earn confidence. This is your steady “training” routine.
  2. Weekly review (weekly): Use one day each week to review the incorrect questions the platform saved for you. Reinforce the concept and re-try similar problems.
  3. Monthly checkpoint (monthly): Take a longer, mock trial test or a curated “weekly challenge” provided by MathMallows — this checks cumulative progress and endurance.
  4. Exam preparation (3–8 weeks before): Increase trial test frequency to simulate the real exam conditions. Use the results to focus revision on weak areas flagged by daily practice.
  5. Recovery & reflection (after trials): After each trial test, return to daily tests to rebuild habit and close identified gaps.
Why trial tests matter
  • Realistic timing and pressure practice.
  • Helps build stamina and exam strategy.
  • Great for final-stage revision and benchmarking.
Why MathMallows daily tests matter
  • Forms a consistent habit — the most reliable predictor of long-term improvement.
  • Immediate, personalised feedback and review of mistakes.
  • Low-pressure environment encourages curiosity and risk-taking.

Example 10-week plan before an exam

Combine both systems for the best outcome:

  • Weeks 1–4: Daily mtests (Mon–Fri), weekly review, 1 monthly mock test.
  • Weeks 5–8: Daily tests + 1 trial test every 2 weeks; target revision.
  • Weeks 9-10: Trial test once per week under full exam conditions + daily short practice to keep skills sharp (not to burn out).