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Today i recieved my official score from last exam (64). I studied for a solid 4 weeks prior to test date. I do understand that a MINIMUM of 5-6 months of studying is necessary to score 75 or better(earned). I have some questions for those that scored above an 80.
First, How do you get passed that temporary "zoning out" that many experience due to mounting disintrest?
Second, What is a good system to follow that compliments the Fast Track study aids(besides the obvious, read the PG)?
Third, How do I remember those long pesky additional data/notes sections that seem extremely irrelevant yet unpredictably testable?
Fourth, What is an effective method to organize a study system with maximum retention and minimum unproductivity during study?
Fifth, For the super high list numbers 1-20, DO TELL please...
I want to score between 80-90... I have been studying for a little over a month and mastered 210 and part of 206....I understand that time is a factor and want to be able to walk out of the test that day without having the slightest doubt that i might have failed. Bosses are welcomed to comment.
To get past the temporary boredom associated with the patrol guide, just study in 20-30 minute chunks. Start with 30-min. in the morning, followed by 20-minutes before going to work (after breakfast and taking a shower, for example), 20-30 min. on the train (if you take the train), etc. Keep moving around. I used to drive from one Barnes and Noble to another, staying for 1-hour at each place (I found that the change in surroundings plus the break from studying while driving from one spot to the next, helped). Start thinking like a sergeant. i.e. "buff-out." I bought my sergeants uniform 3 months before the test just to motivate me.
If something doesn't make sense to you, ask someone else to read it and have them explain to you what they think it says. There were times on the exam where I couldn't remember a procedure but I remembered the conversation. Get a notebook and take notes. Start writing down (in your own words) the difficult procedures and periodically review your notes.
A study "system" is one that works for you. You might have to change them from time-to-time, but one thing will remain constant: you need to put the time in. I studied 5-hours a day for 5-6 months for all three exams and did well (I averaged a 94.6 on all 3-exams with a top-5 list number on one exam and an average of a 2-digit list numbers for the other two exams).
For one-on-one coaching, check us out at: www.risingstarpromotion.com
EZE what do you think about study groups? I get scared becuase ill think i mastered a section then when i read it again or answer a question on a section ill pick up something new that was totally obvious
Study groups are excellent if those in your group are just as serious as you. Always keep a patrol guide handy and refer to it whenever something is not clear. I've witnessed groups go back-and-forth arguing a procedure when they could have just looked it up and gotten the answer straight from the book. As I mentioned above, there will be times when you won't remember procedures but you will remember conversations about that procedure. If you have a tight group, make a game out it (bet money on who can answer the most number of questions correctly, etc...)
I agree, a study group is only as good as the other members of the group. Even if you don't have a group per se, you might want to hook up with some people who are studying so that you can ask each other questions on the fly. When someone throws out a wacky question you'll probably remember it.
Anytime you deal with something and don't know the procedure, look it up. Now you'll have a frame of reference of what you should have done.
Any time I had a procedure I was having trouble with I would break it down step by step, maybe write it out in simple terms (simplyfying it will help you "get it," therefore remembering it).
As for boredom, as time goes on your attention span will increase. In the meantime when you feel that boredome strike (and you're not absorbing anymore), take a quick (less then 5 minute) break, go to the bathroom, get a drink, snack, whatever, just don't let it be too long.
since text messages are so popular i used to text message questions to people who were also taking the exam. for motivation i bought a chevron and taped it to the wall or tv. that would prevent me from wanting to watch tv or stare aimlessly at the walls or ceiling. i also agree with taking an hour break...eat ice cream, watch a football game, news, cartoons, cooking ch., etc. let your mind relax.
I was going over 212 again...Many of the procedures towards the end are a little obscure..like212-67,69,70,72,75,79,80,82,87,88,90 and another dozen or so. Should i waist time on these or focus on command operation? Last years test didnt touch these at all.
I was going over 212 again...Many of the procedures towards the end are a little obscure..like212-67,69,70,72,75,79,80,82,87,88,90 and another dozen or so. Should i waist time on these or focus on command operation? Last years test didnt touch these at all.
You need to read them and have a working knowledge of the procedure. I picked up a point on the radiation pager question.
Many people might disagree with me, but I believe that u should only read (remember) handouts aether from the key or fast track. I passed 2008 test just by knowing handouts. You can read the whole PG, but why? Those handouts cover about 95% of the material so if you know them good, you are ready for the test. Personally, reading PG would only make me confused and loose interest in studying in general. DON'T STUDY HARD, STUDY SMART!
The Fast Track hand-out is the ENTIRE PG. The Key handouts confused me even more. If you want to DO WELL, read the actual Patrol Guide and do the Rising Star questions. If you don't want to read the PG then just do the Rising Star questions WITH the PG handy (for reference).
I recommended looking over those procedures, but not spending too much time on them. You're not going to get many questions from them, but if you've read them at least once you have a shot at a question about them.
hey guys...can I just make a suggestion..I honestly wouldnt bother reading the CIMS chapter, I would just look at the break down they make.. YES I KNOW there is always atleast 3 questions on it, but the truth of the matter is CIMS is so confusing, so much more info, I think it was too confusing. Especially since its the last chapter. Alsoits funny things I skimmed over ended up being on the test (there were 3 questions about counseling units and which one to send an MOS to)...I can almost guarantee that they are going to ask a question on the new interim order that came down sept 12th about anti crime personnel drinking on duty..that change its huge..it used to just be must be fit for duty meaning anti crime could technically drink, not now,now no one can without permission of bureau chief...after sean bell I can almost bet that will be on the test.
hey guys...can I just make a suggestion..I honestly wouldnt bother reading the CIMS chapter, I would just look at the break down they make.. YES I KNOW there is always atleast 3 questions on it, but the truth of the matter is CIMS is so confusing, so much more info, I think it was too confusing. Especially since its the last chapter. Alsoits funny things I skimmed over ended up being on the test (there were 3 questions about counseling units and which one to send an MOS to)...I can almost guarantee that they are going to ask a question on the new interim order that came down sept 12th about anti crime personnel drinking on duty..that change its huge..it used to just be must be fit for duty meaning anti crime could technically drink, not now,now no one can without permission of bureau chief...after sean bell I can almost bet that will be on the test.
I read CIMS section the night before and got all three question right.
The rising star questions and academy questions are the best cause they closely match the actual test format. At a certain point of studying, just reading the patrol guide is not enough. You need to train your mind to start thinking in the way of hoq questions will be asked. Some people are posting just read the PG and you will be fine. That is a load of crap. I know quite a few people who studied for hours for several months and could actually recite some procedures word for word. Somehow , they still failed. Why ? They knew the info but they never answered questions. Do not get discouraged by Fast track's questions because some are very hard and have 8 choices. YOu need to answer questions that are of the same format of the actually exam. Make sure you understand how the in basket works and the common tricks used to try to fool you. Good luck studying.
Well said NYCOP80, Rising Star definitely has questions that are closest to the real thing out of all the schools out there. I agree, it's important to start now for training yourself on how to answer questions. Why would you want to condition yurself to answer questions that aren't realistic to what they really ask??????
i agree rising star has the best format for test taking i stop going to the classes and just read the patrol guide at home and answer question from rising star . i hope we all past rising star is the best
The academy questions were easy for the 6 weeks and when they gave out the questions for the practice exams...they were much more difficult which made me feel that I needed more studying. I attended Fast Track and read the PG which helped a lot. I got a copy of Rising Star's questions 2 weeks before the exam and man.....those questions were crazy hard but great questions indeed!!! If people dont have the money or time to attend courses.......read the PG 2-3 times and study the Rising Star questions.....if you can answer 75% of the questions right......then you are good. BUT like I said before.....those questions are crazy hard......very challenging and it makes you go back and read that section.
Try to get a copy of the copcards........while you are on patrol....read a few and memorize them. $25 is worth it.......GOOD LUCK to you all.
I was going over 212 again...Many of the procedures towards the end are a little obscure..like212-67,69,70,72,75,79,80,82,87,88,90 and another dozen or so. Should i waist time on these or focus on command operation? Last years test didnt touch these at all.
Some of the procedures listed (212-67 and 70, probably others but I didn't check) don't have cop or Sgt duties listed anywhere so don't bother. As far as the others, that's why it helps going to the classes. If they say "don't bother with that procedure" that means you have a 95% or better chance it won't be on the test.
You cannot skip cims.On the 06 LT test there were 5 cims questions.People who thought there were no ADMN questions took a hit also.Nothing is to obscure.I am under 350 on both lists for sgts test and lt test.If you cant motivate yourself just ask yourself DO I WANT TO DO THIS AGAIN.I passed two tests in a row.I am no genius..Have fun
I told everyone my method that worked to just make the list, and no one believed me, so I don't share my studying secrets anymore. Lt's test, completely different approach will be taken though.
Phil - do not hold out, you would not have posted if you did not want someone to ask....I am asking!
I am studying 2 hrs a night, going to step it up to 4 this week until the test. I am going to start the review now. I am going to the key on Mondays, the Police Academy on Weds and I am starting the Fast Track Cram Courses on saturday am classes...doing Questions along the way....my fingers are crossed!
Today i recieved my official score from last exam (64). I studied for a solid 4 weeks prior to test date. I do understand that a MINIMUM of 5-6 months of studying is necessary to score 75 or better(earned). I have some questions for those that scored above an 80. 
