How to stay Focus

Nylonathetep

Hello fellow posters:

I'm going to write an exam (CFA exam Level I) next week.

Sadly, This is my 4th time writing the exam and I want to pass it this time.

The exam format is a full day, 6 hour exam. 3 hours in the morning, followed by 1.5 hour lunch break, and then another 3 hours in the afternoon.

I can honestly said I've known the materials as much as I can... the problem is mental fatigue. I'm getting old and just seems to lose focus towards the end (and especially in the afternoon part)

Is there any general advice on how to stay focus and keep your head clear in these types of exam?

Invictus

I find caffeine helps me a lot, but that may vary significantly by person. You should sleep well the night before, have a breakfast, but not too much, and eat like a salad or something for lunch.

starmanbrand

Do you know all the material very well or do you know it to the best of your ability? If its the latter, I would advise taking a test prep course that will teach you strategies to pass the exam and better review the material on it.

Sleep well the night before, don't stay up late studying.
Eat something at breakfast that will fill you up, but not something that has any chance of messing up your stomach (I'd eat pancakes.)
Have some good protein at lunch like a chicken sandwich or something.
If I was losing focus on the test, I wouldn't have any sugar throughout the day. No soda, no sugar in the coffee, nothing.
While you're taking the test, take a few moments to collect yourself if you feel yourself losing focus.

Sharp10r

Trust your work so far. All of your training for the exam as well as your training in other things in your field has changed you. You've had to read a lot, and over time you must have developed increased focus. Try not to think too much about losing focus as it will be self-fulfilling.
When my mind wanders when reading for large chunks of time, I move my lips when reading to keep my body connected to what my mind is experiencing. Mouth the words of the question or even what you are writing in response.
I think the lack of focus you get during this kind of test- is like road hypnosis. DOes that sound about right? If so- keep doing things to encourage your mind/body connection (sounds cheesy, but you know what I mean- you get so lost in thought your body slumps and then your thoughts go elsewhere) bounce your legs if you need to to keep blood flowing, breath well and sit with good posture.

Nylonathetep

The exam place is downtown... I'm thankful that someone is driving me there... yes sleep is essential.

I'm already a coffee addict and goes by 2 cups a day... it's at the point where coffee doesn't have too much affect on me, but I can't live with out.... I'm considering bring a can of red bull there. Tried that drink once and it just made me nauseate.

Breakfast is most likely bread at this point.. but I've just realized that protien might help... maybe have an egg and some fruits before I go is a good idea.

Basically I know a lot of material... it's just the scope of the exam is so huge that when you focus on one thing, other materials just escapes your mind. The exam will quiz you on everything since there's 240 questions in total.

Thanks for the support so far.