[Anonymous]

Hi. Everyone on here always talk about studying strategies but I would like to know everyone’s input on your test taking strategies. If feel like I know that materials enough to explain it or even teach it to someone, but I’m always falling sort of passing. AUD (71), FAR (73), BEC (73). I’ve concluded that I’m probably just a really HORRIBLE test taker. During the exam, I freak out because my testlets aren’t getting harder or other things pop into my head that distracts me. By the time simulations come around I’m wondering how the hell I’m ever going to pass any of these tests.

What is everyone’s strategies when you’re sitting in the exam room. What do you tell yourself? Any advise would be great.

[Anonymous]

I didn't read all posts so I am not sure if anyone has already mentioned this. For me, one of the biggest issues is time management. I always figure out at what point on the exam clock I want to be finished with each testlet by. I write this time line down on the scrap paper before I strart each exam and stick to it. It has helped me keep from getting too consumed in the questions and getting behind on time.

[jenuno01]

LOL!! @Peanut! My brain is having those EXACT same thoughts when I'm taking the exam. All I can say is…make sure you EAT before the test, and make sure you take food & a beverage (preferably RedBull) with you in case you get hungry during the test. You are not allowed to bring food in the testing room, but you can keep it in your locker and can eat during a break. Pack a Redbull, just in case you suddenly break down in fatigue… I am a compulssive gum chewer so I make sure I have gum in my mouth while taking the exam.

Class of 2012

[Anonymous]

For people who are nervous while taking exam, ask yourself these questions right before the exam: Is there a gun pointed at you while you taking the test? “NO” Will your life REALLY deponds on it? “NO” Can you re-take it or is this the end of the world if you don't pass? “Yes and No.” My point is once you downplay the importance of a passing score you will feel relaxed and calm…

[Anonymous]

Redbull? If I were to drink a RB b4 the exam I would be taking a brerak every 10-20 minutes cuz that thing makes me pee like crazy..lol

But yeah, eating well and drinking liquids before an exam is always good since it keeps your brain hydrated…I like Gatorade cuz it does not make me pee….

Most of the time I'm in panic mode when I first start and feel like my heart is about to jump out of my skin..

[jenuno01]

It's definitely a good adrenaline rush!! If you don't drink RB often, then I would not recommend it, you never know how you will react haha

Class of 2012

[rezaking]

ill take a few shots before i go in.. calm myself down

BEC - Passed
REG - 7/21/2012
AUD - 8/18/2012
FAR - 11/10/2012

[jenuno01]

@rezaking LOL! are you serious?

Class of 2012

[rezaking]

Absolutely. pop an adderall, take 2 shots… does great things for me while taking tests.

BEC - Passed
REG - 7/21/2012
AUD - 8/18/2012
FAR - 11/10/2012

[Peanut]

@rezaking, send me some of that adderall lol

AUD 81 (X4) Previous scores 59, 72, 72
REG 80 (X3) Previous scores 59, 60
FAR 75 (X2) Previous score 67
BEC 79 (X2) Previous score 58

[rezaking]

i dont have ADD.. doctors hand that stuff out like candy. all you need to say is that you have a hard time focusing. haha i only take it when i have serious studying to do and nothings more serious than the CPA right now

BEC - Passed
REG - 7/21/2012
AUD - 8/18/2012
FAR - 11/10/2012

[katiekanton]

Hey, serious business here, I was wondering about this yesterday….

I'm not a big drinker. I love a margarita plenty, but I cut myself off at two, mostly because I have trouble controlling other areas of my life and I don't want to add yet another thing to struggle with, cuz I sure do love me a good margarita. Anyway, my sister drinks two shots of vodka every time she has to sing. She says it calms her down. After my first experience with AUD, I wondered if a shot of vodka would help or harm me.

Anyone else have any experience with drinking just a little bit right before the test? I would think it might make it harder to recall.

AUD - 88
FAR - 90
REG - 85
BEC - 88

[rezaking]

what i said above works for me.. but dont do it unless you know your limits (dont want anyone failing because of me).. adderall or ritalin mixed with a few shots doesnt exactly work for most people.. im used to it because ive done it many times (im horrible at test taking).. the adderall increases my thought process and helps me remember things much quicker than normal and the alcohol calms me down.. put the two together and good things happen.. im not a big drinker either but this exam is so hyped up by everyone that im actually kind of scared.

BEC - Passed
REG - 7/21/2012
AUD - 8/18/2012
FAR - 11/10/2012

[monchikun]

To Bobkorz, his third advice:

Each MCQ will have 3 that have something in common and 1 that doesn't. If you don't know the answer, choose the odd one out.

Does this also apply to calculation questions as well? This would make sense for a good majority of concept questions (even though I struggle a lot since all four look to be in the same category to me sometimes), but I was wondering if there was more to that than what I can see. Can anyone give me an example if so? This would definitely be useful to me!!

Also, OT, but do new users or new posts normally have trouble posting immediately? I've tried to create a topic but no one can see it except me. Even stranger is that even though I see the thread on my profile, the username next to the thread of who created it is blank! Help for this would be appreciated as well. 🙂

[Author]

Replies