Acing standardized tests comes easy to only a select number of individuals. Unfortunately, most perform at a subpar level and this holds them back from getting into their school of choice or getting licenses that will help them in their careers. But I figured out a process that will virtually guarantee that you will ace every standardized test you take in life. This process assumes that you will be using a topic-based study guide which includes practice exams. If you follow this process you will perform above your wildest expectations and leave your competition in the dust. I’ve successfully used this process over the years to obtain my CPA, CFP, Series 6, 7 and insurance licenses. In my last exam, the CFP exam, I used this finely tuned process to pass the CFP in one sitting. The pass rate on the CFP exam is less than 50% for those taking it the first time, so this process will ensure you do your absolute best the first time you take any standard exam. Here’s the process:
Step #1 Read Topic Material
Step #2 Re-Read Topic Material and Highlight Important Information
Step #3 Create Note Deck
Review highlights. Summarize important concepts/info in a 81/2 inch by 11 inch notebook for that specific topic.
Step #4 Review Note Deck
Step #5 Take Topic Test
Step #6 Review Topic Test
After taking your Topic Test, read every answer, right or wrong, and summarize new information onto you Note Deck.
Step #7 Create Index Card Deck #1
Add key information (from Note Deck) onto your Index Card Deck #1 for that topic.
Step # 8 Topic Practice Test #2
Take 2nd Topic Practice Test.
Step #9 Review Practice Test #2
Read all answers and include new information onto Note Deck.
Step #10 Amend Index Card Deck #1
Add new key information from Note Deck into your Index Card Deck #1 for that topic.
Step #11 Index Card Deck #2
Summarize key information from the topic onto Index Card Deck #2. Index Card Deck #2 should include key topics that have a high likelihood of being tested.
Step #12 Repeat Steps #1-11 For Each New Topic
Step #13 Take Full Test
Step #14 Review Full Test Incorrect Answers
Review your incorrect answers to the Full Test and incorporate new information onto your Note Deck. Then transfer new key information onto your Index Card Deck #1. Any new information included on Index Card Deck #1 that has a high likelihood of being tested should then be included on Index Card Deck #2.
Step #15 Take Full Test #2
Once again review your incorrect answers to the 2nd Full Test and incorporate new information onto your Note Deck. Then transfer new key information onto your Index Card Deck #1. Any new information included on Index Card Deck #1 that has a high likelihood of being tested should then be included on Index Card Deck #2.
Step #16 Study Index Card Decks #1 and #2
Step #17 Full Test #3
By the time you take Full Test #3 you will be testing well. Your test scores will be significantly higher.
Step #18 One Week Review
Spend the week prior to your official exam studying Index Card Decks #1 and #2.
Step #19 Cram & Sleep
On the day prior to your official exam, study Index Card Deck #2. Then get at least 7 hours of sleep.
Step #20 Ace The Exam
Final Point: Getting a full night’s sleep is critical. Sleep helps consolidate memories. That’s one of it’s main purposes. You must, therefor, get at least 7 hours of sleep every night throughout this process and especially that week prior to the official exam. The more sleep you can get during that week, the better you will do on the official exam. Good luck. Never stop dreaming and never quit on your dreams!
About Thomas C. Corley
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