Need help-Best study skill strategies?

[box6rranch]

I'm reaching out to my extremely educated sp connections I have severe test anxiety. I graduated college about 25 years ago and really haven't had to take any kind of life or death tests since then. I have to take a big test in about two weeks that keep my license active to continue operating my business. Finished up the 40 hours of required on line classes now trying to study for the big exam. It's a two part test. First half is federal and state laws, second part is basic industry knowledge. I've been in the business for about 9 years so I have a pretty good understanding of how it works but from what I've heard and based off of the chapter tests they want you to memorize the not common sense material.
I'd appreciate any strategies that work for you when you have to memorize a lot of material.
Thanks in advance!

 

[Show Steaks]

Insted of memorizing the whole question, memorize a short phrase within the question and attach that memory to select words in the answer

Always works for me, but I'm not the studying type

 

[austin]

I'm reaching out to my extremely educated sp connections I have severe test anxiety. I graduated college about 25 years ago and really haven't had to take any kind of life or death tests since then. I have to take a big test in about two weeks that keep my license active to continue operating my business. Finished up the 40 hours of required on line classes now trying to study for the big exam. It's a two part test. First half is federal and state laws, second part is basic industry knowledge. I've been in the business for about 9 years so I have a pretty good understanding of how it works but from what I've heard and based off of the chapter tests they want you to memorize the not common sense material.
I'd appreciate any strategies that work for you when you have to memorize a lot of material.
Thanks in advance!

First, I recommend buying/checking out a study book if there is such to use as a guide in your studies. How much time do you have before you have to take it? Second, because of your anxiety, I also recommend that you over-prepare. My nerves are relatively calm when I know I have studied a substantial amount. It's imperative that on test day you feel as calm and confident as possible.Third, if you can, talk to someone who knows about the particular test or has taken it. They can tell you if you need to spend time memorizing useless statistics.  

 

[oakbar]

Don't forget to get a good night's sleep the night before your test.  All the memorizing in the world won't do you any good if you're tired when you take the test.  Memory and sleep deprivation don't go together very well!!  One of my college profs once told me that if you learn it by eight hours before the test and then get a good nights sleep, you'll generally score higher than if you cram all night and come to the test tired.  I think it was good advice and it seems to hold true for me at least!!    Good luck!!

 

[jlingle]

I always had a really easy time with tests.  Here's what I do:  Study hard for your test, and make sure you know the material.  Heck, after 9 years you oughta know it backwards & forwards.  Right before the test, go over it briefly.  Set your last study up like a small quiz, and touch on the major stuff.  This will put everything fresh on your mind right before you take it.

Lastly & most importantly, relax.  Seriously, just relax.  You can't remember jack diddly anything, if you're tensed up and nervous.  You either know it or you don't, so just relax.  Go in and take the test with confidence.  Jiminy, you oughta know it better than 99% of the people taking that test across the country, so I wouldn't put much stock in "what you've heard."  You know the material.  Reeelllaaaaxx.

 

[austin]

Nice fish. Where did you catch 'em?

 

[box6rranch]

I always had a really easy time with tests.  Here's what I do:  Study hard for your test, and make sure you know the material.  Heck, after 9 years you oughta know it backwards & forwards.  Right before the test, go over it briefly.  Set your last study up like a small quiz, and touch on the major stuff.  This will put everything fresh on your mind right before you take it.

Lastly & most importantly, relax.  Seriously, just relax.  You can't remember jack diddly anything, if you're tensed up and nervous.  You either know it or you don't, so just relax.  Go in and take the test with confidence.  Jiminy, you oughta know it better than 99% of the people taking that test across the country, so I wouldn't put much stock in "what you've heard."  You know the material.  Reeelllaaaaxx.

It's the obscure federal and state laws that no one ever directly uses that I heard is the really hard part. Lots to remember and try to keep straight.
i think I'm going to make a good set of flash card notes to start with. I have exactly 12 days to study.
Relax, damn if I could figure that one out I'd have a good chance in passing this

 

[knabe]

the reason they focus on the obscure is to allow people to sort themselves on a scale.  make a list of them, keep going over it.  think up memorization things like pvtimhall for amino acids.

Phenylalanine
Valine
Tryptophane
Threonine
Isoleucine
Methionine
Histidine
Arginine
Lysine
Leucine

 

[MYT Farms]

I'm sorry, but I just got done taking CSAPs this last week. Very important test. It shows the state wether or not K-12 online charter schools are allowed to keep getting funding. So that was a little worrying for me. But I haven't heard of an ADULT scared of taking test ever! Not like a sit down written test anyhow. Lots of material there. TAKE GOOD NOTES. SHORT AND CONCISE. Use different colored pens to take notes to help you remember if need be. Good nights rest and eating healthy help a lot too. More than you'd think. I like putting space between  different general ideas I come across in my notes to help me focus on them and not have everything in one huge block of text. Last, say a prayer before taking the test and do your best, as always. Good luck, and God bless.
MYT

 

[austin]

I'm sorry, but I just got done taking CSAPs this last week. Very important test. It shows the state wether or not K-12 online charter schools are allowed to keep getting funding. So that was a little worrying for me. But I haven't heard of an ADULT scared of taking test ever! Not like a sit down written test anyhow. Lots of material there. TAKE GOOD NOTES. SHORT AND CONCISE. Use different colored pens to take notes to help you remember if need be. Good nights rest and eating healthy help a lot too. More than you'd think. I like putting space between  different general ideas I come across in my notes to help me focus on them and not have everything in one huge block of text. Last, say a prayer before taking the test and do your best, as always. Good luck, and God bless.
MYT

Adults will be equally afraid if not more afraid with tests than children. Tests that adults take tend to have bigger implications, and they warrant more time and focus.

 

[MYT Farms]

I'm sorry, but I just got done taking CSAPs this last week. Very important test. It shows the state wether or not K-12 online charter schools are allowed to keep getting funding. So that was a little worrying for me. But I haven't heard of an ADULT scared of taking test ever! Not like a sit down written test anyhow. Lots of material there. TAKE GOOD NOTES. SHORT AND CONCISE. Use different colored pens to take notes to help you remember if need be. Good nights rest and eating healthy help a lot too. More than you'd think. I like putting space between  different general ideas I come across in my notes to help me focus on them and not have everything in one huge block of text. Last, say a prayer before taking the test and do your best, as always. Good luck, and God bless.
MYT

Adults will be equally afraid if not more afraid with tests than children. Tests that adults take tend to have bigger implications, and they warrant more time and focus.

Certainly understand that, especially considering this is a test for a license that will allow Box6 to continue her job.

 

[austin]

I'm sorry, but I just got done taking CSAPs this last week. Very important test. It shows the state wether or not K-12 online charter schools are allowed to keep getting funding. So that was a little worrying for me. But I haven't heard of an ADULT scared of taking test ever! Not like a sit down written test anyhow. Lots of material there. TAKE GOOD NOTES. SHORT AND CONCISE. Use different colored pens to take notes to help you remember if need be. Good nights rest and eating healthy help a lot too. More than you'd think. I like putting space between  different general ideas I come across in my notes to help me focus on them and not have everything in one huge block of text. Last, say a prayer before taking the test and do your best, as always. Good luck, and God bless.
MYT

Adults will be equally afraid if not more afraid with tests than children. Tests that adults take tend to have bigger implications, and they warrant more time and focus.

Certainly understand that, especially considering this is a test for a license that will allow Box6 to continue her job.

Well said.  (thumbsup)

 

[linnettejane]

its called test anxiety...have quite a few students that experience it around ACT and SAT time....google test anxiety and i bet you can come up with a world of suggestions...but for sure...get a good nights sleep and also eat a good healthy breakfast...


i pretty much highlighted my way thru college....read everything, highlighted the important stuff and reviewed whatever was yellow...worked pretty good for me...

 

[box6rranch]

Thank you for all of the good advise, it's much appreciated  Here's another question for you............when reading a lot of text how do you determine what's important to memorize or what do you think will be test material?

 

[jason]

Red Bull, lots of it.  (thumbsup)

 

[box6rranch]

Holy crap, that's a definite NO!!!!! I'd start hyperventilating and have to take the test with a paper bag over my head!!!!

 

[box6rranch]

Well folks, I did it!!!!! I passed both parts of my licensing examination. The state and federal law was pretty difficult but the lending basics and ethics was a breeze. You have no idea how relieved I am, I'm an official Colorado Licensed Mortgage Broker and unless we decide to move out of state I should never have to take this test again. Much thanks to my friends on sp for their advise and a big thank you to my family for putting up with my insanity for the past several weeks. I'm off to celebrate!!!!!!

 

[Davis Shorthorns]

Congrats.  I am in the last semester of my senior year of college and every test is a big one.  I know how it feels.  I also go and celebrate after every one now. 

 

[linnettejane]

<party> congrats!

 

[box6rranch]

Congrats.  I am in the last semester of my senior year of college and every test is a big one.  I know how it feels.  I also go and celebrate after every one now. 

Good luck, I was in your shoes many moons ago. What a great feeling when you are done. Hang in there, you'll do terrific!
Thanks for the nice words everyone, still hasn't completely soaked in. Still feel like I need to be studying every free moment I have.
At least now I can go play with the cows without feeling guilty. That is if I can get through the slush and mud!