Feedback from an "UNnamed" EPPP Testing site.....please provide input

[deleted1228511]

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So, I had used AATBS and taken all their practice exams, from the 40's to the mid 50's, and a few in the high 50's percentage wise. Then I used PrepJet for a month and my scores were all in the 40's and low 50's. PrepJet's questions were awkward and seemed purposefully ambiguous as though the goal was to ensure you do poorly more than the other companies. Then I signed up for another agency that offers 8 practice exams. My goal has been to take AS MANY full length practice exams as possible and to use the taking of practice exams as my way of studying. I feel like I do not have the luxury of "Studying," or reading...and I need to do thousands upon thousands of practice questions, some rote memorization, and some reading (but more like taking time to read the rational of the questions I got wrong, as compared to just sitting and reading about a topic.) The owner of the company, responded to me after I asked for clarification on a specific question and he wrote this "In general, I want to caution you about the use of our tests i'm noticing in the portal so far. It is our general recommendation to take 1 full-length exam every 1-2 weeks. While practice tests are important they are not actually the best way to study for the EPPP (against common online opinions) it is infinitely more important to pair them with significant study between exams and careful review of each item you've taken. We really advise against frequent testing in the way you have over the last 4 days as it tends to yield suboptimal results. This is free advice, you can take it or leave it. If at any time you're interested in 1:1 tutoring for the EPPP, including how to potentially maximize your use of our portal let me know. In general I would encourage you to prioritize taking full-length exams via exams on the left sidebar of the portal as the quizzes pull from the same questions you'll see on the full-length tests. If you frequently take small quizzes, what you'll find is they artificially inflate your scores on the exams as you'll have seen the questions/answers before. Your best insight to your current progress in your studies is with novel exams as you've noted so taking the exams first over a minimum of 8 weeks before taking daily quizzes is advised."

I have received a 63% and a 68% percent on my first two practice exams with this company. I am going to sign up with PsychPrep after I take/complete all practice exams offered with this company. I am also used AI to generate new questions for me. I have provided a copy of the DSM 5 digital version and the questions of past practice exams to have AI generate more questions.

I feel like the single and BEST way for me to prepare for the EPPP is to take as many practice exams as possible. Thoughts? Ideas? Suggestions? Anyone completely disagree with this approach?

 

[Justanothergrad]

Yes.

 

[psychtrauma]

Honestly it sounds like you got some good advice and I would recommend taking it. Bouncing around to a bunch of prep programs and taking tests may work for you, but I don't think it would for most people. Don't make your own questions through generative AI, it's a terrible idea. Stick to studying existing content and periodic testing of your progress - it works for the vast majority of people.

 

[smalltownpsych]

Practice tests were just one component of my prep. I used multiple strategies and cleared the bar easily. Mainly used the tests to determine which content areas that I needed to shore up and also to measure my overall progress. Began with light, brief studying and then more intensive as I got closer. Made some flash cards and memorized a few things from IO psych and a couple of other areas that I didn’t know as well. Also, had my spouse tell me answers and I had to give the question.

 

[cara susanna]

Yup, everyone told me the best way to prepare is to take practice tests.

 

[oliversacks4thewin]

Just my quick two cents, but I recall there was a new generative AI app designed specifically for this when I was studying. Some of my classmates used it and results were less than ideal, per their report. Admittedly, this was a few years ago, when AI was newer, but I echo the wary sentiment of others in this thread. Practice tests and recordings that I could listen to while doing other tasks (cooking, walking, etc.) were my best resources. I know others here may disagree because of the "situated learning theory" body of evidence, but honestly, for reviewing information, I found the recordings to be very helpful. Make sure they come from a reputable study program though, and definitely combine this with multiple practice tests...