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3 weeks before exam I feel like I have hit a wall - help!

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Simon Reid Wicklow, Ireland
Hi All,

I have my PMP exam in just over 3 weeks.

I have studied Rita Mulcahy and read one the PMbok Guide and Andy Crowe. Even though I continue to study it's been some time since I last found information that seemed a new concept to me.

My problem is I am scoring on average about 75% on Rita Mulcahy exam simulator and I seem to have the glass ceiling which is can't seem to break through. I am starting to feel anxious that time is starting to run out and I really want to make the remaining time count.

Would anybody have any advice on how best to spend the remaining time before the exam. I can basically dedicate myself to this full time between not and the exam date.

Thanks and best regards,
Simon
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John Caron, MBA, PMP, CSM VP - Technology Project Solutions Consultant| Bank of America Jacksonville, Fl, United States
Odd, I used the same three materials - PMBOK, Rita and Crowe. Work on that brain dump for the 25% glass ceiling areas where answering incorrectly. Take your Crowe cards and pull the 47 process areas to memorize the key ITTOs. Have a partner Q&A you and if not part of a local PMI chapter, find a workmate or another to Q&A you. In the above, there are wonderful comments and I bet you will smash through the glass. We are all excited/anxious to see the letter PMP after your name.
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vishal degaonkar Program Manager| NTT DATA Business Solutions Melbourne, Australia
Mar 20, 2016 10:16 AM
Replying to Simon Reid
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Thanks all for the words of encouragement and wisdom. Today iI feel in much better frame of mind than yesterday. I turns out I needed some time away from my studies and now I feel to push again. I have taken all advice on board. Thanks again
Hi Simon

Now is the time when you need to believe in yourself & all the hardwork you have put in so far. Focus on your strength areas/topics which will take you through the exam.

Have a look at my blog I posted right after I cleared the test. Good Luck!

http://pmzilla.com/pmp-30th-dec-2013hurray
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Sergio Luis Conte Helping to create solutions for everyone| Worldwide based Organizations Buenos Aires, Argentina
Is the same when you will take a plane to go with some place: when you are in is nothing to do except to be calm. The day before the exam forget to do something related to the exam.
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Rhonda Martens Huntington, Ny, United States
Keep taking the practice tests. You'll succeed!
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Stephen Pack Sr Program Manager| Terumo BCT Denver, Co, United States
75% is pretty good on the practice exams, but I'd look at the breakdown -- what topics are you getting 90% on, and what topics or themes are you more at 50% on? As one example, if earned value falls in that second category, spend serious time on that, looking through sample questions that come with explanations.
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IKMAL HISHAM YAACOB Senior Project Manager| PETRONAS Ampang, Selangor, Malaysia
Hi Simon.

Keep practising the questions and map out what you want to write during the 15 mins (before the exam starts). Time management during the exam is crucial as well.
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Ruchie Lamba Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada
Take a break for a day or two. The same happened to me and i took a break for 2 days where i didn't study at all and didn't take any tests/exam. As much as it sounds crazy, it really helps as your brain needs to relax more than physical relaxation.

Good luck!
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Krunal Naik, PMP,CSM,MBA Project Manager| https://www.linkedin.com/in/naikkrunal South Brunswick, Nj, United States
Hi Simon,

First of fall you are in good shape, it seems like you have prepared well!

I would recommend going over processes, input/outputs and tools and techniques for the same. And, try to connect the dots. Try to attempt one complete test every other day. You will start realizing sections you need to brush up and you will keep getting better as every day passes!

That's what I had done few weeks before my exam and recommended the same to several people I have trained and mentored.

All the best and do well!

-Krunal
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Kevin Baron Project Manager| University at Buffalo East Amherst, Ny, United States
Hi Simon,
Stephen Pack and Ruchie Lamba are exactly right. While Rita is very good, she also presents her material in a more rigid format than others. Take a couple practice tests from other sources to compare to her tests. When you sit for the test, you will see the answers to the questions pop right into your mind from your studying. As Ruchie stated, take a break for a day or two and give your mind a break. Remember, your brain needs to absorb everything you are learning so if you don't take a break you are not allowing your mind to retain the info.
I also HIGHLY recommend that you do absolutely no studying the day before the test, NONE. Also, as soon as you sit down, create your brain dump (especially formulas) and break up the test by taking a 10 minute break after every 50 questions or so. Sitting for 4 hours straight is too overwhelming. If you would like to see my brain dump let me know and I will send it to you.

I wish you the best and look forward to welcoming you to the PMP club!!

- Kevin
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Stéphane Parent Self Employed / Semi-retired| Leader Maker Prince Edward Island, Canada
I also found out that if you stick to only one exam simulator, you can quickly top up. As suggested, try different ones. You will get different questions which should help break through your current plateau.

All the best.
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