AM session strategy help needed!

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JuniorCk8

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Just took a practice exam (2013 CFAI AM session), and will be taking the PM session this afternoon.
Same struggle I had with last yr’s, although i’m getting better at it, is TIME. from other people who failed last yr, lack of time seems to be the #1 reason for failing (besides not knowing the information, obviously). I left 9 points (out of the 180) on the table since I am ran out of time, so i need to get 10 minutes faster at completing the AM. I keep track as i’m going through each question so i don’t get rushed the last 3-4 questions. i feel like 1-2 questions always takes about 3-4 min longer than given.
anyone have any tips on keeping pace with time (and maybe even giving extra time for quick review of answers) ??? if you’re 30% not sure of the answer do you skip and come back? maybe those types of questions i am taking too long thinking and formulating the “best” answer. there are some questions that i’m 80-90% sure of that i find myself trying to find the best explanation.
any help you retakers have or those who are finding themselves with ample time going through the AM session - much appreciated!!
thank you!!!!
 
If you’re 30% not sure doens’t that mean you’re 70% sure? If that’s true, then answer to the best of your ability.
If you’re sitting there starring at a single question for 7 minutes before an idea of an answer comes to you then you don’t know the material well enough.
 
If you run out of time in the AM Session, then it means ***YOU DIDN’T PROPERLY BUDGET YOUR TIME***
As simple as that sounds, think about it… The entire AM Session is worth 180 points and is to be completed in 180 minutes (or less). So if a question is worth 12 points, you should be able to complete it in under 12 minutes. But if it takes you 20 minutes to answer that question, then you’ll have to “shave minutes” from other questions in order to finish the exam within the given timeframe. And that isn’t easy to do.
If you get “stuck” on a 6-point question, it would be silly to spend 10 or 15 or 20 minutes trying to write a solution. Just move on and come back to the Q if time allows. Most people make this mistake on the first couple IPS questions. Mind you they’re usually worth 30+ points apiece, so you can expect them to take some time. But if you spend 60 minutes trying to solve a 40-point Q, then you’re frantically racing against the clock just trying to catch up.
So, yes, you should definitely skip the IPS questions when the AM Session begins for this exact reason (this is one of Marc’s tips, too). Instead, skim through the exam Qs when you’re told to “open your books” so you can quickly answer the less complex problems to pick up some quick/easy points – and work on the IPS questions later on.
 
Find out 80% question you can get 80% credit.
80% * 80% = 64% should be good enought for AM?
 
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