Final Week Burnout?

[deleted862553]

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I am taking my test on the day before Thanksgiving which gives me exactly 7 full days left to study. I'm trying to figure out how to spend the next 7 days and am stressing myself out trying to fit everything in 7 days. That includes rereading Feralis entirely, reviewing all of Chad's notes, Destroyer notes, BC notes, continuing practicing PAT and RC, and taking 2 full tests (test 5 of BC and the 2009)...It's alot since I work full time as well.

I'm afraid of burning myself out in the last week and underperforming on the test. Exhaustion is setting in. I get up at 6 to study before work and get to bed a little past 12. I've been doing this for the last 3 weeks. At the same time, it's not the time to slack and I keep telling myself to endure for 1 more week. It just feels like the material is neverending and I'm trying to find the balance the continue to stay productive vs burning out!

Can anyone give me advice on how to split my time? I was thinking of getting in 5 hours on Thursday (tomorrow), 10 hours each on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, 5 hours on Monday, and 3 hours on Tuesday. It seems like alot to me but then again, all or nothing right? Can anyone share their experiences for the last week?

 

[ProspectivePostPreDent]

Do not skimp on sleep, period. And I'm not talking the night before, because you may not even sleep then (I tossed and turned my way to 1 1/2 hours).

Get a bare minimum of 6 hrs a night, and if you can do 8 the 3 nights before, do it. The improved processing speed matters so much more than an extra couple hours of material revision.

I used sick days for the 3 days leading in.. Not like I was getting anything done at work anyways with the DAT around the corner.

 

[DallasCowboys]

For the 2009, personally I think going over just the SNS portion is good enough, the RC and QR were (for me) not representative of what was on the test so it may stress you out if you don't do well, and you don't need that leading up to your test. I'm not sure about the answer key.

For the last 5 days or however many you have left, make sure not to neglect practicing some angle ranking/hole punch/pattern folding/keyholes.
I just kept going over practice problems for GC/OC/QR, and rereading biology notes (especially areas where I was weak)
Make sure to get some good sleep for the few days before and maybe take it easier on the day before (I did 5 hours of light studying and relaxed the rest of the day, but that's really up to you).

Good luck and make sure to stay relaxed during your test, hard work will pay off.

 

[RegionalManagerScranton]

Thanks for the replies. I’m taking the BC test 5 today.

For tomorrow, I’m thinking of doing only the SNS section of the 2009. I feel like taking it on paper is an entirely diff experience for PAT and RC. The QR seems to have changed a lot assuming BC is more representative of the recent tests.

I’m thinking of going through Feralis one more time and reviewing my notes and doing some Destroyer questions for the remainder of the time.


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile

 

[FeralisExtremum]

Tomorrow morning is the day. I am prepping things to bring. I got my 2 IDs, confirmation letter, water bottle, a snack. Am I allowed to bring ear plugs? ALso, any tips to calm yourself down? I'm a bit antsy right now and am afraid i won't be able to focus when I hit 'start'. I did well on my practice tests (low to mid 20s on BC) so I know I know my stuff but I sitll have the fear I'm in for a surprise.

I'm not too sure about ear plugs, but if they don't let you take yours in you won't need to worry about noise (they provide a set of noise-cancelling headphones).

As for calming yourself down, deep breaths always help. I think when the actual exam begins you'll find it's easier to focus versus practice tests.

Your practice scores reflect a solid understanding of the material. You're going to do great!

 

[deleted862553]

I'm not too sure about ear plugs, but if they don't let you take yours in you won't need to worry about noise (they provide a set of noise-cancelling headphones).

As for calming yourself down, deep breaths always help. I think when the actual exam begins you'll find it's easier to focus versus practice tests.

Your practice scores reflect a solid understanding of the material. You're going to do great!

In case anyone else is wondering about ear plugs...they let me take in the ear plugs. It has to be foam and they make you press on it to make sure nothing is in there. You can also bring in only 1 pair. I brought a few in case I lost one or two but they forced me to leave them outside.

I convinced myself that I was just going out to do another full length practice test I think I kind of sold myself on the idea..I did get a little antsy but it wasn't too bad.

Also, another tip - stretch during your break! I looked silly since everyone else was just sitting but whatever...it wakes you up!

 

[beeepbooop]

In case anyone else is wondering about ear plugs...they let me take in the ear plugs. It has to be foam and they make you press on it to make sure nothing is in there. You can also bring in only 1 pair. I brought a few in case I lost one or two but they forced me to leave them outside.

I convinced myself that I was just going out to do another full length practice test I think I kind of sold myself on the idea..I did get a little antsy but it wasn't too bad.

Also, another tip - stretch during your break! I looked silly since everyone else was just sitting but whatever...it wakes you up!

So, it went well?! 😀

 

[RegionalManagerScranton]

Deleted. OP here. Went in and posted with my old account.

 

[deleted862553]

Yes it did. I’ve been enjoying the last few days eating, enjoying the weather, and eating more.

Went from 21AA/22TS/19PAT to 25AA/26TS/23PAT!

 

[Winged Scapula]

Deleted. OP here. Went in and posted with my old account.

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