It is certainly easier said than done to say that stressing before exams is actually counter productive. In fact, a little bit of stress is a good thing, it serves to focus the mind and create a sense of urgency around what you are doing.
In studying for financial exams, more than anything else, it is generally important to understand the work, rather than simply learn it by heart.
I am a firm believer that understanding principles and concepts rather than simply wrote learning them from a text book will actually help you more in the future anyway, as you will be able to recall these concepts far more easily.
Finding time to study in the evenings after work can be hard, but I recommend either going to the gym straight from work for an hour, or taking a jog or something to clear your head, and then setting aside an hour or so to concentrate on work.
If you are a morning person, getting up an hour earlier and using that time to study before starting the day can be very productive.
Take time out at work to think through the concepts that you are studying, and make sure you really logically understand them. If not, try to speak to someone at work, they can often explain things simply.
Leaving the hard part of your studies for the end just make your life easier but does not contribute for a good learning. I believe it is better to study from the beginning and what really helps me is to combine studies with sports. It really clear your thoughts.
For the lucky ones good relevant experience and understanding will be learnt at work.
Posted by: Rafa | May 20, 2008 at 11:59 AM