rachel,
You are on the right track. On completion of
each chapter go for the test. Try not to look up
the answer, go to the text again until you find out
why you choice was wrong and then you can now check
the explanations of the answers.
Some people go through the book an many times as
possible. For, i think i went through it about 4 or 5
times b4 the exams.Mind you always try and discover
new things each time you go through.
All the best.
SCJP 1.4