Vaccine for examination fever

Let me share an excerpt from “The Greatness Guide” about Pablo Picasso.

One day a woman spotted him in the market and pulled out a piece of paper.

“Mr. Picasso,” she said excitedly, “I’m a big fan. Please, could you do a little drawing for me?”

Picasso happily complied and quickly etched out a piece of art for her on the paper provided. He smiled as he handled it back to her, and said, “That will be a million dollars.”

“But Mr. Picasso,” the flustered women replied, “it only took you 30 seconds to do this little masterpiece.”

“My good women”, Picasso laughed, “it took me 30 years to do that masterpiece in 30 seconds.”

The same is applicable to our examinations also, as in order to properly attempt a paper of 3 hours we need to go through hardship and perseverance of at least 250-300 hours. It is not those 3 hours that matters but how we have spent those 300 hours before examination, matters the most. 

Institute’s Curriculum or Syllabus

 Before we get into the nitty-gritty, you must acquaint yourself with the curriculum or syllabus. You must first understand what the whole curriculum entails. After absorbing the whole syllabus into your mind, it’s time to get organized, develop an effective study program and review. These three points are quintessential for success in any course of action.

Now let’s get to the point. Just follow these three rules:

1.    Get Organized: Once you have made the decision to sit for the upcoming exam, you need to develop a course of action. Here are some tips:

a)   Start early: As per standard at least 250-300 hours of self/independent study is necessary to pass each exam. In other words, a candidate starting six months before exam days should devote no less than 10-12 hours a week to studying.

b)   Preview the study material before starting: Examine the study materials to get an idea of how to proceed.

c)   Develop a game plan. Get out your calendar and determine which weeks you will be studying which subject/topics.

d)   Join coaching classes, if required. In no way coaching classes are better than self study. However, a good coaching can augment your study program by clarifying or pinpointing concepts you may be having trouble with. But make it sure that you get time for self study; otherwise it will be of no use.                                                                                                                                                         

2.    Develop an effective study program

a)   In-depth study: There is no substitute to this point. In-depth study of Institute’s study material with supporting reference book is recommended.

b)   Writing Skills. Work on your writing skills to enhance your chances of getting better marks.

c)   Use flash cards: Flash cards are an effective way to master the material. Flash cards are portable, much lighter than carrying the entire study material with you and can be quickly reviewed while commuting to work, during a lunch break, etc.

d)   Using Memory techniques: Mnemonic devices, such as taking the first letter of each word in a concept to spell one word, are helpful. For example, SWOT analysis denotes ‘S’ for strength, ‘W’ for weakness, ‘O’ for opportunity and ‘T’ for threats. There are other tricks such as catchy slogans.

e)   Study quantitative and Qualitative material differently. When studying quantitative material, working on problems is important. First study the concept, and then learn by doing these problems over and over again. Once you understand how to solve a problem, return to the material for further understanding. Read qualitative subjects as if you were enjoying a good book.  

f)    Work through as many practice questions as you can. Use the curriculum provided by the Institute to show which problems you must work on. Enhance your studying by working on additional problems from good recommended books.

g)   Use your approved calculator. Part of the challenge in passing the ICWA exams is the ability to answer questions in a short period of time. Practicing with the calculator you will use on exam day will allow you to achieve the greatest efficiency.

h)   Stay motivated. Focus on why you are earning your CMA degree and how you will reward yourself after you take the exam.

i)     Maintain a healthy lifestyle. Eat healthy meals, sleep right, avoid excessive alcohol or caffeine, and remember to exercise. People who are healthy are better learners.  

3.    Review: Keep reviewing the materials as you progress. However, you will need a solid month to review the material again once you have gone through all the sessions. Remember do not take this part of the study process lightly.

a)    Finish early. Finish covering all materials at least one month before the exam.         

b)    Take practice test. Solve previous years papers like you would solve on the day of the exam – with pen, pencil and calculator.

c)    Sleep tight. Take it easy the night before the exam. Lightly review the material, brush up on weak spots and eat a nice dinner. Also remember to pack your calculator, pencils, erasers, required medications, exam ticket, photo ID and ear plugs. Get to bed at a decent time.

d)    EXAM DAY. Wake up early and eat a good breakfast. Go over some broad concepts. Start with ones that are easy for you; then work a few problems. Don't go into the exam cold. Leave the house in plenty of time to get to the exam.            

e)    Take the exam. Relax and take a few deep breaths. Avoid talking with others about the exam. If you see someone you want to talk to, try not to talk about the exam. This will only stress you out and hurt your performance.

      sincerely follow the points mentioned above, hopefully you will clear your exams if everything goes well.  

Best of Luck to all of you!