Information
- It can readily be what you used to study. Often, it is a matter of what review materials you used that were not as helpful as other resources could be. Remember, some study aids are better than others. For next time, get a fresh start. Use different review materials.
- Using too many study aids, from too many different resources. You wind up finding that theory and questions in books contradict each other, and there is no one to "referee" as to which books have the right information when books disagree.
- Reviewing only with questions and answers in books will not help you to systematically cover all the theory that you need to review.
- Reviewing primarily with computer tests is too time-consuming. You can cover more questions in less time by using a book. In addition, when you get through the thousands of questions on the disk or computer test, you cannot be sure that you have reviewed all that you need to know in each subject area, because the material is both limited and fragmented (i.e., it is not organized by concepts or systems). Compare this with a book that has detailed explanations for wrong and correct answers, where so much more helpful information can be seen at a glance on each page.
- Taking the examination when you are not ready, just because you set an examination date.
- Going into the examination with little or no review because of life circumstances (e.g., illness, moving, vacations, marriage, baby, job).