I hope this thread can become a resource for anyone who is planning to take or retake the EPPP in the foreseeable future. To my knowledge, no such thread exists. I believe it would be beneficial to have one centralized location for future test-takers to discuss and share how to best prepare, practice, and ultimately pass the EPPP.
Helpful topics may include, but are not limited to:
- When to start studying for the EPPP
- Preparing to study: Gathering materials; Developing a reasonable study schedule
- Most helpful study materials
- Least helpful study materials
- Recommended EPPP study apps
- Helpful study tips (e.g., mnemonics)
- Studying w/ a buddy: Yay or nay
- How to approach practice tests
- Managing test anxiety
- Self-care
- Things to avoid
- Q&A about difficult concepts
- Ways to save money
- Other
I also hope this thread can be a place where we can motivate, support, and encourage one another throughout this process.
I wish everyone the best of luck, and let's try to keep this thread going.
When to start? I personally wouldn't do it longer than 3 months out. Personally, I think 6 weeks is enough (provided you have the time to dedicate to studying). I scheduled 6 weeks out and studied intensely for maybe 3-4 of those weeks (with a day or two off per week). Longer than that and I would have made myself EVEN crazier.
Preparing to study: I would see what materials you can get from other students. Some internship/post-doc sites have the audios to study for the EPPP (I used PsychPrep's). They may also have old practice tests. I personally would refrain from buying anything. The exam is expensive enough as it is.
All I did to study was take practice tests and study the audio from Psych Prep (I took notes on all the audio cds and then studied the notes). I also read over the Ethics code 3x. I passed with a huge buffer, so I can recommend that. I can't say about other study materials as I didn't use them (including apps). The Psych Prep audios also have helpful mnemonics. Sometimes it is helpful to make your own (since it will be more meaningful for you).
Buddy: Yay! I met with a buddy to study. We didn't necessarily study together (we sat in silence and studied next to each other), but having that person to be accountable to was VERY helpful. I would highly recommend it!
Practice Tests: I would take maybe 1 or 2 practice tests initially (see where you are) and then wait until you study some more to take others. I used them more as a "gauge" of where I was at throughout the process (e.g., how close to passing). A good chunk of the exam questions will not be directly from practice tests so I would refrain from relying on them too heavily to learn the material. The exception being the Ethics questions. I thought those were EXTREMELY helpful since I found that section tricky at times.
Anxiety: I'd manage your anxiety using the principles you used in graduate school (think therapy). Also, refrain from procrastinating as this will most likely increase your anxiety.
Self-care: Take nights off during the week. I always took 1-2 nights off per week (e.g., had a long day at work and was just too exhausted to study). You want to be diligent, but you need to give yourself a break. Also, don't cancel fun events just because you're studying for the EPPP. I kept date nights with my partner and fun activities going. In other words, don't suffer unnecessarily.
Avoid: Come to the conclusion that you will not learn everything (i.e., there will be questions you don't know the answer to on the exam). Obviously, avoid procrastinating and realize that you will have to study at some point. Just doing practice tests won't be enough (IMO). Avoid NOT setting a date. AKA Set a date! That made me way more motivated and also helped me realize the end is in site. Also, avoid spending time on stuff you already known. Focus more of your time on the things you don't. Avoid relying on what people who supervised you did for the ethics questions. I've come to learn that not every psychologist is up-to-date in terms of ethics (sadly).
$: See what people have lying around and borrow from them. Avoid spending any more $ than you have to! With the exam and the fees for your state, you're already spending $1k.
The flashcard app ended up being too overwhelming (recall vs. recognition) so I ditched it early on. I read all the psychprep materials, did ~1 practice exam a week for 5 weeks, and spent the final two days before the exam doing rote memorization of things I consistently got wrong on practice exams. I'm working 4 days a week right now so I essentially did 3 5-hour days per week for five weeks... no evenings. I was given Psychprep and AATBS audiofiles but didn't end up using them much. The psychprep reading material + practice exams & quizzes seemed more than enough.
