Be prepared.

Our first explanation of a Test Taking Strategy.  Please keep in mind although it appears as a list, there is no particular order that makes one more important than the other.   Not all may apply in a given test.   Remember “Test Taking Strategy” is a mind set and a way of thinking.   Being prepared…there is no substitute.

Most students ask, “What is the least I can do and get the best results?” How do I answer that?  If you know me, first I giggle then I ask: “Well if you want to do the least then there is no guarantee to the best results.  However, if you ask what is the most I can do, then I know you will get the best results and most likely pass.”  Yes preparation takes effort.  Your preparation is a reflection to the commitment you make to the results you want to achieve.

Be Prepared.

As a test taking strategy…

Study, study, study!  Make sure you set aside scheduled time to study and understand key concepts.  Avoid just memorizing – memorizing is not enough.  Although there are sample tests that may appear to look like what people have seen on past exams, the wording to the exam is subject to change.  However, concepts are constant.  If you understand the concept, you can answer almost any question through the process of elimination (we will discuss this more in another blog).  The best way to prepare is to understand the question and why the correct answer is the correct answer.

In the classroom, we talk about laying the foundation of understanding the concepts.  Review notes, listen to lectures (if available), and review study materials.  Layout the materials to the fundamentals and get that down; it is not necessary to understand every single point of the curriculum.  (Analyticals and perfectionists have a hard time with this point.  Get out of your own way!  If you are thinking “Am I like that – analytical or a perfectionist? Let me give you the answer as you think about it… YES!)

Once there is a basis of understanding in the materials, the next step is to study questions and answers.  To study questions and answers for an exam is like practice for an athlete.   The test taker (you) must exercise your mind to think about how to answer questions in a multiple choice (guess) format.   To shift your thinking requires practice.   To study questions and answers only; Is that enough?  Well for some, not all.   There is a method we teach to study questions and answers that we have found with our students to be one of the most efficient ways to study.  Watch for that blog – “How to study questions and answers”

To not study and prepare for the exam is like running a half marathon without training.  Based on personal experience, I can tell you that it is painful for days after the race.  Similar to this experience, not passing an exam may become painful if the result was a loss of a promotion, income, or time.  Consider the cost of not passing the exam before making a choice to not prepare.

Other preparation factors to consider, prior to your exam:

• Get a good night’s rest so you will perform at your optimal level.
• Arrive early (we suggest at least 20 minutes prior to your exam time) to get comfortable and relaxed.
• Map the exam location in advance or if you are taking public transportation.
• Have all necessary materials for the exam ready. (ie. Proper identification, payment for fingerprinting, and any applicable documents).

Remember on the day of the exam; one focus “Pass the exam!”

In life…

I Googled “be prepared” to see what comes up.  I found:

• Emergency preparedness
• The Lion King by Disney includes a song that Scar sings “Be prepared”
• And the motto of the Boy Scouts of America.

I think more of the Disney song and the meaning of the Boy Scouts Motto.  Being prepared for me means as opportunities present themselves, take inspired action.   Sometimes opportunities present themselves and something or an act is keeping us from that opportunity because something was not done in advance.  As that old saying goes, “why wait for tomorrow to do what you can do today.”  A friend of mine reminded me of this at dinner last week.  “When I (you) have inspired thought, take the action.”  When I feel things have slowed down, or think of how often I have missed an opportunity because I failed to act or was slow to act, this lost opportunity of business, connections,  and growth is a reminder to… Be prepared.