[Lentilcounter]

This post is for people who just stink at testing like me. There are some of you have passed all 4 parts in 6-12 months with 80+ scores. Please move along unless you can truly emphasize with the rest of us.

What are some strategies to deal with testing anxiety? I understand that good preparation is a way to reduce anxiety. Do a lot of MCQ, take notes, review, etc. All of this stuff certainly helps. What happens on the test day if your Prometric supplied noise-canceling headphones are not effective enough to block out the guy behind you, who is having a fight with his keyboard? What are your strategies for dealing with a difficult MCQ or simulation on the test day while the clock is racing?

I’ve looked into getting an accommodation so that I can be in one of those quiet rooms. But from the little research that I did, it seems like you have to go see a doctor and all that stuff.

BEC = 72 (6/08/16)
FAR = ?
REG = ?
AUD = ?

[Ana]

Last time I took FAR I was freezing! So cold that it affected my test. I told them it was super cold and they didn't care. Also, my test froze and spasmed during the SIMS and gave me a heart attack. During other tests, people are coughing and fidgeting and it is really annoying to me. I'm sensitive to noise and it gets to me. All this to say I don't think there's a dang thing we could do. You said it yourself preparation is key. Everything else is out of our control. My husband started practicing meditation to deal with the anxiety. I try to think of the test in blocks and concentrate on that testlet. Also, I look forward to the break and a treat that I really like (snickers, teavana, sanwhich with cheese). I know these things aren't anything spectacular but I always test/work better when I have something to look for. I always go out with my best friend after a test so I really look forward to that and think of all the things I'm going to tell him about the test (he's also a CPA and understands). Lastly, I've interacted with you on this forum quite a bit and you are very intelligent, organized, and determined. You will pass these tests, be confidant!

[M123]

There once was a man of meager means who asked a wealthy person why he clipped coupons to save money. The man of meager means complained of no time to clip coupons. “But you're wealthy, why do you clip coupons” said the man of meager means. The wealthy man just pointed to his nose.

Just because someone passed in 12 months doesn't mean they didn't struggle their tail off.

[jenpen]

First of all, I just recently discovered that you can bring your own earplugs to use. Game changer! I did this for my last exam and it saved me since they had construction going on right outside the window I was seated at. You can only use the squishy ones, and I had to throw them away after, but I was able to wear them the whole time without my head hurting (which is what happens with the ones provided).

Secondly, prayer. Not sure if you're a religious person but, for me, it's comforting as a reminder to trust God and that I can't do it alone.

I plan for it to be cold, and I like that they allow us to take off jackets now.

I've also found that if I study with some noise around me it helps learn to drown it out and focus on my questions.

AUD - 56 - 68 - 61 - 9/8/16
REG - 75
FAR - 7/15/16
BEC - TBD

Wiley CPAexcel and NINJA 10 Point Combo

[Lentilcounter]

@ana @jennifer Thank you for your encouragement.

@M123 I wasn't trying to imply in my initial post that people who pass in 6-12 months do it completely from sheer talent and without hard work. Congrats to you guys. You obviously did something right. Your analogy is very clever. I would adapt the ending to say something like this. The wealthy man said to the man of meager means, “I've done so well for myself. What can I do to help you succeed?”

BEC = 72 (6/08/16)
FAR = ?
REG = ?
AUD = ?

[Ana]

He didn't say passing in 6-12 months is a walk in the park. But the longer the test takes to pass the worse it is. My husband passed this past April (took him 16 months from the day we opened Becker) and he watches me fail although I'm doing everything I should be. Believe me he's not jealous. Funny thing is I always scored better during studying than him and understood the material better, he's failed more times than me, and taken more tests, but because of the Q2 wait I was in limbo and now lost an exam. Back to lentil's point, our struggle is FAR (no pun intended) than having finished the exams in less than a year. At least one of us is done though, would hate for both of us to be in my position.

[M123]

Thanks, @lentilcounter. Sorry if that sounded snippy. In my experience – the people having that conversation would intentionally be helpful; others wouldn't even engage it. There are so many people who have blown me off in the position to be able to help that the very few who do try to be helpful – I appreciate each one 🙂

Also – massive anxiety in the 6 sittings I did. People can talk to their doc about options. I did once for public speaking anxiety and it was a very effective conversation for one time.

But that aside – wearing layers to the exam is helpful. One time it was so hot that I sent a letter to complain about it (no response). Another time, it was too cold. Layering helps with unfavorable conditions. Too hot gives a sensation of being stressed out at least to me.

I also expect a certain level of disruption at the test center. Like taking a shot at the doctor, expecting the pain and then experiencing it is different from hoping it doesn't hurt and then it being like a bee sting.

Even breathing exercises help to some degree – but if nothing else – they de-focus the stress and then you can focus more on the event.

[shawn in VA]

XANAX. before all the prudes attack me….from the doctor legally.

[Anonymous]

I take Zoloft to help with anxiety and depression. It definitely helps, but I think everyone is nervous on test day. This exam is brutal, so know you are not alone. I have been through hell and back trying to pass these exams. I am retaking REG for my second time and hopefully it will be my FINAL exam.

Goodluck my friend.

[Ana]

I do take NyQuil the night before to make sure I get good sleep, well as good as I can. I've had so many cpa/studying/score release nightmares over the past two years.

[Author]

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