Back from a brief hiatus

Hi Everyone,

My apologies for not writing much on the blog lately - I have been amidst a multiple state move and trying to get my life settled at my new post-doc.

I have some how managed to (barely) keep up with my study schedule using PsychPrep. I've actually been surprised at my test scores and have remained on par for where I should be, regardless of my minimal study time and adjusting to a new job.

Also, the winds appear to be changing as to where I will be applying for licensure. I originally was going to apply with Iowa since they have no written or oral exam beyond the EPPP. You pass = you're done and licensed. Now though, I have been told by those applying for jobs that being licensed prior to completing post-doc could be a serious advantage, and I am looking at applying in Ohio, one of the many "new law" states that allows pre-internship hours to count towards licensure. (If anyone has feedback on this, please comment!) I'm not sure yet whether this is do-able since the documentation my academic program may not be sufficient, but hopefully I can press forward. Either way, I am still looking to take the EPPP in November.

I'm hoping to do some more upcoming posts on additional resources for EPPP studying, ABPP, applying for licensure in a "new law" state, and my process in completing my application with the National Register. What would you like to hear more about?

Test Questions

I've been busy studying using my materials from PsychPrep, including their online tests. I have been tracking my progress over time, and I am already surprised at how many improvements I have made. Since I have only gotten through 4 sections of study materials, I don't believe this is because I know more content. I believe it's because I know how to answer test questions better. Here are some of the common errors I noticed I was making at the beginning, but have remedied over time with continued practice.

1. Read the ENTIRE question and ALL of the answers. So many times, I think when we think we know what the question is asking, and we miss some key words. Same deal with the possible answers - I read one that sounded good and kind of ignored the rest. Now, when I look at answers, I try to figure out how the question would have to be reworded to make this answer correct, or what concepts the distractor items are referring to that make them incorrect.

2. Carefully read the EXACT wording of the questions. I got burned sooo many times initially because I did not read into the importance of a single word. From undergrad, we might have remembered those terms as "always" or "never", but now you have to look even harder at the one word that could potentially be the difference between the right and wrong answer. At times I feel like the people who write these exam questions enjoy finding little ways to throw you off course.

3. Use common sense. In reading a question which concepts are a completely mystery to you (which I am sure will happen to anyone taking the EPPP), take some time to think and remember what you even remotely know about this particular subject, and what common sense would tell you from what you know. While this is no guarantee, it's better than guessing blindly.

4. With ethics questions, I visualize myself in the potential dilemma and I answer what I would instinctively do in that situation. Ethics are about avoiding those "icky" situations we don't want to find ourselves in, and most of us have a pretty good conscience. Again, it's no absolute winning strategy, but I find when I trust my judgment and experiences as a clinician already, I pick the correct answer most of the time. Especially with ethics questions, the situation presented to you will not likely match up with any ethics standard you would find in the APA ethics code.

5. Read and master explanations when you get questions wrong. Hopefully, this should be obvious, but I think the MASTERY part is key. Take the time after you answer the question to read it through until it seems clear and you could explain it in your own words to someone not in psychology.

Overall, I do agree with most that the practice exams are invaluable tools in teaching you HOW to take the EPPP. While the content is equally important, we all know that some people are better test takers than others due to those particular skills.

Got a study strategy you would like to add? Comment below!

Stage 1: Neuroticism

I have been studying for the EPPP these past couple of weeks using study materials from Academic Review, and I am finding myself feeling incredibly overwhelmed with the amount of material. This is not to bash the materials, I'm just realizing they don't work very well for me personally. I'm finding myself creating insane amounts of flashcards after also trying outlines - either of which I am not finding to be helpful in absorbing the dense material. I've decided to look at other study programs, specifically PsychPrep's program, which seems to present more condensed materials, and more prescribed program of study.

PsychPrep offers a free introductory package to those interested in getting a taste of their materials, including 1 section from learning/behavioral theory study materials, a set of mp3 tracks to listen to the associated lecture material, and the mp3 tracks and lecture materials for their free study strategies workshop offered in California (that normally the rest of us wouldn't be able to get to).

After listening to the study strategies workshop, I identified with a lot of the faults in my current study habits, like doing endless amounts of flashcards or outlines that don't help you absorb the materials. At this point, I am planning on using PsychPrep's program to get through the rest of my studying process. They can be a bit pricey, but I don't know a set of materials that isn't at this point, and additionally you can still receive some return when you sell the materials after you pass the EPPP, which I don't believe is hard to do considering all of the used EPPP study materials I replied to and they told me the materials were already sold.

Either way, if you can sample study materials, you might be able to get a feel for what is best for you. Most study material companies have return policies on their materials, so you should be able to purchase and give it a try. If it's not for you, return them and find a system that works best for your study method! In addition to PsychPrep, the Taylor Method also offers an online trial of their materials. If you are considering either of these methods, they are worth a try before you buy!