Success

I am very happy to report that I passed the Series 7 exam yesterday!  It feels wonderful to have that monkey off my back.  This was my first experience of HAVING to pass a test for a job.  Sure, I've taken important tests in the past, like the ACT in high school and the GMAT to get into an MBA program.  But this test was a little different because not passing meant my job could potentially be in jeopardy.

So phew.  It's behind me.

Taking this standardized test was an interesting experience.  I went to a testing center where they were administering a plethora of exams.  When I checked in, the receptionist say, which a look of dismay on her face, "Oh my, you are the lucky girl taking the series 7..." 

Odd, right? 

Then when I went to see another person to get seated for the exam, she said, "Oh honey, you are taking the 7?  Oh my.  We are going to put you in your own room, because you are going to be with us for quite awhile."

She seated me in my own little room, gave me a look of sympathy, and wished me luck.

Bizarre.  Luckily I am a pretty good test taker.  Yes, I was nervous, but I don't really get test anxiety, thank God.  But sheesh - imagine if I was a nervous test taker!  I think my anxiety would have gone through the roof.

So the 7 is over and done with.  I celebrated by buying some new running shoes and then I treated myself to tacos + guac + wine from my favorite Mexican restaurant, Barrio.

Yes, I drank at noon on a Wednesday.  Don't judge.  ;)  It was my first alcoholic beverage in 2.5 weeks!!

Did I spend the rest of the day reveling in my success?  Not really.  After my leisurely lunch, I went to a coffee shop and resumed my studying for the CFA, which I will take in June.  I mean, that is the beast of all the finance exams I will take this year, as the pass rate is 35-40%.  I figured I better not waste any time and better get back to studying.  The good news is that I am almost done with the 16th section... out of 18 total.  The end is in sight and the reviewing can commence soon!   

I did end the day with a massage, which was glorious and a wonderful way to reward myself for all the studying I've done! 

So tell me, do you consider yourself a good test taker?  Or do you struggle with testing anxiety?  I am VERY thankful for the fact that I am a good test taker.  My challenge is that I tend to get test ADD - meaning, I can't bear to sit there very long, so I tend to read through the questions uber fast (it took me 2.5 hours to complete the exam...  they give you 6...), which means I can skip over key words and make stupid mistakes.  And I don't go back and check over my answers because I just want to be freaking done with it.  So those are my test taking weaknesses.