Exam Anxiety, Help!

  • Creator
    Topic
  • #827890
    csvirk
    Participant

    I have BEC coming this Sunday. This is my retake and exam anxiety is killing me right now. I feel lazy, tired and sleepy all the time now (things I normally experience with anxieties). BEC is the only exam which I hated studying. I have done about 2600 MCQ with 100+ hours and trending between 85-90%. Did 70 question today and already having headache. Yesterday, I was only able to do 50 MCQs and pretty much was on bed after work. I really want this exam to be over so I could have normal life. How do you deal with anxiety? or keep energized? Any tips would be really helpful. Thank you.

    AUD - 80
    BEC - 86
    FAR - 77
    REG - 84
    Hardwork will always pay off!

    FAR: 71, 77!
    AUD: 69, 80
    BEC: 72
    REG: 84

Viewing 10 replies - 1 through 10 (of 10 total)
  • Author
    Replies
  • #827926
    Accountant183748
    Participant

    I think you need to relax and take a little break. I had the same thing happen to me and I decided to take it slow the last few days before my exam because I didn't want to feel that way on exam day. I get the same way before tests – start getting a lot of answers wrong on MCQ, not being able to get through a set of cards, losing focus after 10/15 minutes of copying notes.

    The way I deal with it is to just take it slow. I still study, but in short intervals. Create a “cheat sheet” and go over that multiple times a day. Instead of answering flashcards I just look at the question and read the answer – I know the answer, but my mind goes “blank” before the exam. Take naps or make sure you get enough sleep at night.

    Also, it helps me to get outside and get some sun and fresh air!

    #827935
    l3rittany75
    Participant

    When I am waiting to take the test or even during the test to calm my nerves I do this and it works every time
    -Breath in for 4 seconds
    -Hold your breath for 7 seconds
    -Exhale breath for 8 seconds
    & repeat it once or twice

    It says that this “causes the automatic nervous system to shift from a sympathetic (flight or fight reaction) state to a parasympathetic response.” Don't know what that means, but it works every time and stops panic attacks when I get frustrated, nervous, and stressed.

    BEC: 78!! (10/15)
    REG: 75!!!! (2/16)
    FAR: 72, 72, 81!!! (7/16)
    AUD:63 Retake: 9/16

    "The only way you can fail the CPA Exam is by quitting."

    #827953
    SkiBum1990
    Participant

    Yes, do not burn out your brain right before the exam. Letting your brain recover during studying and days leading up to the exam is KEY. I will not make that mistake again. –In July I took my 2nd retake on AUD and completely burnt myself out b/c I didn't want to miss any material. About 1/3 of the way into the test I was mentally exhausted (headhurt, slower info processing, frustration from burn out…creating added frustration), and I definitely contribute overworking myself to the 70 I received (68 prior in May).

    Good luck!

    B - 79
    A - 68, 70 (UGH)
    R - Oct
    F - Nov

    "The mind can only absorb as much as the seat can take"

    "The mind can only absorb as much as the seat can take"

    B - 79
    A - 68, __ (got bumped from Aug 4 release to Aug 23-THANKS AICPA)
    R - Oct
    F - Nov (HA! 1 month to study working full-time; love NTS rules)

    #827968
    SkiBum1990
    Participant

    also, I'm sure eye-strain is adding to your headaches and what not. I currently have it really bad now actually .I did so many MCQ and lecture viewing over the week, I needed to stop studying to recover. On top of things, I'm on the computer at work all day.. sigh

    B - 79
    A - 68, 70 (UGH)
    R - Oct
    F - Nov

    "The mind can only absorb as much as the seat can take"

    "The mind can only absorb as much as the seat can take"

    B - 79
    A - 68, __ (got bumped from Aug 4 release to Aug 23-THANKS AICPA)
    R - Oct
    F - Nov (HA! 1 month to study working full-time; love NTS rules)

    #828076
    Accountant183748
    Participant

    Something else that really helps with my anxiety is cleaning. Before my exam my place looks like a mess so I clean the day before/morning off and remove all the clutter/trash. It helps 🙂

    #828172
    csvirk
    Participant

    Thank you every one for the tips. I am going to take a small break and not burn myself. Thank very much for valuable advice.

    AUD - 80
    BEC - 86
    FAR - 77
    REG - 84
    Hardwork will always pay off!

    FAR: 71, 77!
    AUD: 69, 80
    BEC: 72
    REG: 84

    #828175
    csvirk
    Participant

    Thank you every one for the tips. I am going to take a small break and not burn out myself. Thank very much for valuable advice.

    AUD - 80
    BEC - 86
    FAR - 77
    REG - 84
    Hardwork will always pay off!

    FAR: 71, 77!
    AUD: 69, 80
    BEC: 72
    REG: 84

    #828334
    monikernc
    Participant

    csvirk… relax, review and breathe. focus on this exam. answer the question in front of you.
    ask for the handheld calculator.
    and remember, you studied. a lot.
    they are not going to ask you anything you don't know.
    you've got this.
    good luck!

    AUD - 93
    BEC - 82
    FAR - 76
    REG - 88
    How have you been?
    Ninja book and MCQs and the forum, all first try! 2016
    Licensed State of Montana April Fool’s Day 2020
    State of Colorado June 2020 - AICPA Ethics 93
    Experience was the worst part of the journey for me. You?
    If you want things to change you have to do something different.

    FAR 7/25/15 76!
    AUD 10/30/15 93
    BEC 2/27/16 82
    REG 5/23/16 88!
    Ninja Book and MCQ and the forum - all the way!!!
    and a little thing i like to call, time and effort!
    if you want things to change, you have to do something different

    #829664
    monikernc
    Participant

    csvirk, how did your exam go?
    hang in there and good luck!

    AUD - 93
    BEC - 82
    FAR - 76
    REG - 88
    How have you been?
    Ninja book and MCQs and the forum, all first try! 2016
    Licensed State of Montana April Fool’s Day 2020
    State of Colorado June 2020 - AICPA Ethics 93
    Experience was the worst part of the journey for me. You?
    If you want things to change you have to do something different.

    FAR 7/25/15 76!
    AUD 10/30/15 93
    BEC 2/27/16 82
    REG 5/23/16 88!
    Ninja Book and MCQ and the forum - all the way!!!
    and a little thing i like to call, time and effort!
    if you want things to change, you have to do something different

    #829731
    Porma Fierles
    Participant

    never knew you could ask for additional items, like a handheld calculator. Their policy on items you can bring seems very very strict. I doubt you can even bring anything into the test room except a sweater!

    "Fearlessly shape-shifting, to pass this exam!" "STRIVE FOR 85"

    BEC-PASSED!, September 6
    AUD-PASSED!, November 3
    REG retake-March 4
    FAR retake-Spring 2017

Viewing 10 replies - 1 through 10 (of 10 total)
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