Studying Advice

So, I have to pass this technical exam that I already failed once. It's just not sinking in to my head (and the test IS hard - lots of people fail), and it's not something I need to normally understand as part of my job.

What's your best study advice? Flash cards? practice tests? I'm open for any suggestion at this point because it's making me nuts. I have to pass by end of month

HALP!

are you better visually or aurally? do you get test anxiety?

What exam is it?

I cheat.

Is there rote memorization required, or is it more about learning concepts? If it's rote memorization, you can't beat flash cards. Even the process of making them helps you learn it.

In grad schoo and for my certification examsl I used flash cards, rewriting my notes over and over (a la francais), and working with other people.

It's proctored and taped, so I can't cheat. They get my license, make me sign before and after, etc.

It's mainly memorization, and a bit of concepts. Much of it is pick 3 out of 4...or even worse...pick all of the correct answers (so you don't know how many are right).....There are a lot of numbers involved - 50,000 of these, 30,000 of those.

Oy.

I guess flashcards is the way to go.

Sweat tea, i think I am better visually. I don't do well on standardized tests.

Carnivore wrote: If it's rote memorization, you can't beat flash cards. Even the process of making them helps you learn it.

Agree with Carni. I make a "master" sheet, nice and neat with everything and then just kept copying things down and try to do as much as possible without the master sheet, but I have it to refer to. So, for me writing it down again and again helps for all kinds of short answer or multiple choice tests.

Oh, and saying it all out loud while doing it seems to help me.

Flash cards are especially nice if you commute on trains or buses--good way to use that time.

Good luck!

Carmen wrote: What exam is it?

administrator certification - something I don't usually do all the time - how to add users, what type of permissions do they have, etc. etc.

Yeah, saying it out loud helps -- that's why I worked with a group, so in teaching each other, we learned more.

And I agree with Scarlett, who posted as I wrote my post

Flexichick wrote: [quote=Carmen]What exam is it?

administrator certification - something I don't usually do all the time - how to add users, what type of permissions do they have, etc. etc.

Is it a MS program or...?

Brainbench?

jeffrey wrote: Brainbench?

thanks, but they don't carry this exam,

i agree with writing things down again and again, not only _looking_ at flash cards. you might also try recording yourself saying the information and then playing it back while you drive, clean the house, or whatever. narrow it down to the things you REALLY can't get into your head, and then let loose with wacky mnemonics.

Carnivore wrote: Is there rote memorization required, or is it more about learning concepts? If it's rote memorization, you can't beat flash cards. Even the process of making them helps you learn it.

I agree that flashcards work for rote memorization. Procrastinating on the Brooklynian does not. Flexi, get off the computer and study! Make us proud!

I'm not starting until this weekend

series 7?

hack the computer that stores the grades Ferris Bueller style

popstar0 wrote: series 7?

no, technical...not financial

I might suggest a mix of flashcards/rewriting and practice tests - but you need to carefully go over the answers to the practice tests (not just the letter of the answer, but explanations for the answers - assuming you've been provided with them), and make a new flashcard for the topic of every question you get wrong. The advantage of doing practice tests is you start picking up on the little "tricks" of the exam, you find yourself paying extra attention to the aspects of the topic they test most, and you become familiar with question types so you can work a bit faster if needed (don't know if time is an issue on this test, but...).

i know it's a different type of test but when i took the GRE i basically lived with the practice book for a month. I read it every day, every time i was on the subway. I also made flash cards of the 50 most common words on one side and 10 synonyms on the other side.

Some times taking and passing a test is a mental thing. Have a friend, very bright lady, who tried and tried to pass the bar exam. Flunked over and over. Thought she was doomed. On the fifth or sixth try she passed it. Now she is a successful lawyer and a judge. Got to admire and love her.

http://scienceblogs.com/cognitivedaily/2009/04/a_quick_eye-exercise_can_impro.php

thanks, carni! I'll try anything at this point. I'm thinking of taking the test this week, and plan on studying more this weekend. right now i don't have a high level of confidence. I've been doing flashcards, but that's hard since the test is multiple choice/multiple select (choose 2 of 4)

thanks, carni! I'll try anything at this point. I'm thinking of taking the test this week, and plan on studying more this weekend. right now i don't have a high level of confidence. I've been doing flashcards, but that's hard since the test is multiple choice/multiple select (choose 2 of 4)

Are you able to retake it if you dont pass?

Carmen wrote: Are you able to retake it if you dont pass?

Yep. I failed the first time

vintagejames wrote: Some times taking and passing a test is a mental thing. Have a friend, very bright lady, who tried and tried to pass the bar exam. Flunked over and over. Thought she was doomed. On the fifth or sixth try she passed it. Now she is a successful lawyer and a judge. Got to admire and love her.

Must be a muni court judge.

Okay, "PEOPLE". I need all of the good juju you can send me between 12 and 1 pm today.

I am in a complete panick as I found out last night (sigh) that there was a newer study guide I should have been using.

Juju. Prayers. Messages to the Universe. I'll take it all!

xoxo,
Flexi

Fingers crossed!