As I'm getting ready for Level II, I can't help but think about how scared I was before Level I and how much I wished someone would tell me a bit about what it would be like and what to do. Hence, I wanted to take the time to share some tips (aside from the usual) for those taking the exam for the first time.
This is not the GMAT or a CPA exam. The Level I exam tests your understanding of 1) material assigned 2) relationships between variables and their impact given some change in assumptions or data input. Keep this in mind as you review.
- Do tons of problems!
With only a couple of weeks left, your time should be focused on doing tons of sample problems and reviewing weak areas that will most likely be tested.
- FSA and Ethics were pivotal!
Know those topics well as they are most likely the toughest and often trickiest problems you will encounter. The rest of the material will likely be straight forward as long as you read all the materials and did the problems.
- Do practice exams - Keep track of time!
This has two purposes: time management and getting used to sitting and focusing for a 6 hr exam. In the actual exam there will be questions that will be easy and others that are hard. So keep that in mind as you practice your time management. It was more useful for me to keep track of time every 10 or 20 questions. Don't be scared if half way through FSA you feel you're behind, it's ok, because as mentioned, it's the toughest part. It pays off to devote a couple of extra SECONDS (not minutes!) to get them right. If not, check your time, guess if you must.
- Review Ethics days before the exam!
Despite having memorized the code of standards, it was very useful to review Ethics a few days before. In my case, I even reviewed GIPS the night before for about 30 mins. and it paid off because there were several questions that I would have missed otherwise.
- Relax during the break
During the break eat a good meal and relax. Thinking too much about the exam and reviewing will have a marginal benefit. I think it's best to eat a light meal that will get you through the day. I prefer a good salad. I try to avoid too much pasta and a lot of meat because it's harder to digest and will make it easier for you to get tired during the exam as some of the blood from the brain is used for digestion. This is usually the reason people feel groggy after they eat.
- Stay positive
If you read the material and you did the problems you should be fine. If not, then go in striving to do your best. You confidence will be very important - be sure to bring it with you!
Of course, there are the obvious things to do: bring extra pencils, know how to get to your exam center, sleep well the night before, etc...
If I think of something else in the next couple of weeks, I'll be sure to add it.
Best of luck to all!
This is not the GMAT or a CPA exam. The Level I exam tests your understanding of 1) material assigned 2) relationships between variables and their impact given some change in assumptions or data input. Keep this in mind as you review.
- Do tons of problems!
With only a couple of weeks left, your time should be focused on doing tons of sample problems and reviewing weak areas that will most likely be tested.
- FSA and Ethics were pivotal!
Know those topics well as they are most likely the toughest and often trickiest problems you will encounter. The rest of the material will likely be straight forward as long as you read all the materials and did the problems.
- Do practice exams - Keep track of time!
This has two purposes: time management and getting used to sitting and focusing for a 6 hr exam. In the actual exam there will be questions that will be easy and others that are hard. So keep that in mind as you practice your time management. It was more useful for me to keep track of time every 10 or 20 questions. Don't be scared if half way through FSA you feel you're behind, it's ok, because as mentioned, it's the toughest part. It pays off to devote a couple of extra SECONDS (not minutes!) to get them right. If not, check your time, guess if you must.
- Review Ethics days before the exam!
Despite having memorized the code of standards, it was very useful to review Ethics a few days before. In my case, I even reviewed GIPS the night before for about 30 mins. and it paid off because there were several questions that I would have missed otherwise.
- Relax during the break
During the break eat a good meal and relax. Thinking too much about the exam and reviewing will have a marginal benefit. I think it's best to eat a light meal that will get you through the day. I prefer a good salad. I try to avoid too much pasta and a lot of meat because it's harder to digest and will make it easier for you to get tired during the exam as some of the blood from the brain is used for digestion. This is usually the reason people feel groggy after they eat.
- Stay positive
If you read the material and you did the problems you should be fine. If not, then go in striving to do your best. You confidence will be very important - be sure to bring it with you!
Of course, there are the obvious things to do: bring extra pencils, know how to get to your exam center, sleep well the night before, etc...
If I think of something else in the next couple of weeks, I'll be sure to add it.
Best of luck to all!