[Anonymous]

Does anyone else experience this? For me to get through the material and questions in a quick manner, I have to basically run my brain at 110%. It’s not just one or two complex topics, its switching from different topic to different topic every couple of seconds, literally dozens of topics all of which are fairly complex and require a high level of analytical thinking. (Not sure what that says about my baseline, relaxing brain throttle, probably somewhere around 40% haha)

This is to be expected, it is the CPA Exam after all. My issue is, after running my brain at 110% for, say, an hour or two, it’s like my brain gets fed up and throws a tantrum. It’s as if it is saying “No! I’m done working so hard! Leave me alone!” It’s kind of bizarre, because my attitude remains positive, “okay, you can do this, keep going, etc. etc.” However my brain just gets fed up with the super-high level functioning, and temporarily stops working. If I’m studying at home, I can take a 15 minute break and my brain is okay to jump back into it afterwards. In fact, I’ve even had professors suggest taking small breaks like this when studying (they weren’t talking about CPA Exam study), saying that your brain is only good for so long before you have to rest it for a few minutes. Obviously this won’t be an option on test day.

What are some tactics you all use? Do you take a little 10 second break in between questions? Do you just fight against your brain trying to shut down? I keep hoping that my brain will be like an endurance runner, and after training enough will get used to it. It ain’t happening, though.

[Anonymous]

you can try pandiculating a little more

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGIbUK4nw00

lol other than that maybe try studying at different times in the day…for example instead of going 4-5 hours straight at night, maybe when you wake up in the morning, put an hour in there and then get back into it later in the day. i think it helps break the redundancy and exercises the brain a bit more. works for me 🙂

[Anonymous]

Haha, hey if prometic is okay with me rolling around on the floor, stretching and yawning, I might give it a go!

[Mom2two]

So funny! I get something similar. When I am deep into studying, the three weeks before when I am doing the final push it is like I can not retain anything else. Dates slip, I can't even hold a conversationg anymore! I would say if you really feel like you can not focus I would take a break after two sections or even one section, just enough to walk to the bathroom and do 10 jumping jacks, take a few deep breathes, then walk back in. I think Jeff did something like that on his FAR exam. Though the method of yawning and rolling around the floor might work too…haha. 🙂

B: 81 (3X) May 2012
A: 76 (1X) Nov 2011
R: 86 (2X) Feb 2012
F: 64, April 2011, retake 10.01.12 - 75!!!!!!!!!!

[JakeO]

The great thing about the CPA exam is, even though your time keeps running, you have the opportunity to take 3 breaks. I would say though, to only take one break, either before the third MCQ testlest or before the Sims. But, I must say, taking an exam and studying are two different things. When studying, you review tons and tons of information. when taking an exam, you're simply asked to recall one piece of information (usually) for each MCQ, so the amount of data to process is much smaller. But a nice 5 min bathroom break to just move around and get the blood flowing is a great way to stay focused and give the brain a short rest.

AUD-Failed (Waiting for Score)
BEC-PASSED (First try)
REG-Failed (Retake February 2013)
FAR-Failed (Retake January 2013)

[Anonymous]

@OP, I've read several posts about the “Pomodoro technique”. I know it works for people who have a tendency to get side-tracked when studying but I think it might also work in your situation. Here's a link to the thread: https://www.another71.com/cpa-exam-forum/topic/ways-to-make-your-life-easier-while-studying#post-139926

You can also type it into the A71 search engine and find other threads that have mentioned it. As for me personally, I've experienced this “brain-overheating” sensation and I find it does help to take frequent breaks. 🙂 Sometimes a quick walk around the block is all it takes to re-energize!

[Author]

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