@tbstew – I didn't listen to music during practice exams. But I find that music is essential for normal studying (outside of practice exams). It helped to keep me focused and awake, otherwise outside distractions would take over. For example, if I studied in a coffee shop, I would get distracted by people talking, coffee being made, etc. If I studied at home, my fiance doing the dishes or the cats playing with each other would distract me. I can't handle random outside noises while I'm studying. Loud music in a headset was the only way that I survived.
During the actual exam, my adrenaline kept me from getting distracted by people in the test center… although for my last two tests, I did request the headset/ear covers that they have at prometric. I had an especially loud typer next to me for AUD… Seriously, she was POUNDING on the keyboard. I passed anyway but I'm sure she cost me a couple points. The ear covers couldn't block out all the noise she was making.
@Allyson – I'm jealous. I can't listen to any music at work except for a boring local mix station that I can barely hear across the office. I tried to get my boss to let me wear a headset so that I could stay more focused, but he wasn't havin' that. I think he still wants to be able to yell my name from his office and have me come running. (grrrrr)
FAR: 71, 77
BEC: 70, 82
AUD: 62, 78
REG: 71, 68, 85
CA Licensed 11/2011
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