The 5 biggest mistakes students make when studying for the NBCOT Exam

Studying for the NBCOT Exam is stressful, exhausting and feels like a process that will never end. One of the few worse things than having to do it once, is doing twice, three times or even more. Here are ways to ensure you don’t make mistakes so you do it once, and get it over with.

Learn many topics at a time

Trying to master multiple topics at once can add even more stress to the process, learn one, do well on quizzes and tests and then move on, periodically doing quizzes on the topics over the course of your study period to ensure you don’t forget the information.

Doing the same thing over and over, expecting the same result

If something isn’t working, don’t force it. Learn from your mistakes and take a different approach, making tweaks until you get it right.

Not having balance

This is so, so crucial. While it's important to be focused with your eyes on the prize, spending time away from the books is imperative; go see friends, workout, spend time outside, whatever allows you to relax and take your mind off things.The time away from the books will only allow you to be more focused when you’re reading them.

Being distracted when you’re working

You read that right, put your phone away, turn the TV off and pay total attention to the work you have to accomplish. Not only will you be more productive, but you also won’t have to work nearly as long when you’re 100% focused.

Changing your answers

Unless you’re 99.9% sure, don’t change your answer. Your gut is almost always right and usually, when you want to change your answer it means you’re over analyzing a question too much.

Not making a study schedule

Mapping out when you’re going to study specific topics helps alleviate some of the stress that comes with preparing for the NBCOT Exam. If things don’t go to perfect plan, don’t freak out, just figure out what days you can catch up on topics and start chipping away.

There you have it. Studying for the NBCOT Exam doesn’t have to be as stressful as its made out to be. By following these simple tricks, you’ll make your life easier and your study time, tremendously more effective.

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Pass the OT offers the most effective and affordable study prep for the NBCOT® exam. Since launching in June of 2013, our web course and one-on-one personal tutoring via Skype/phone has helped over 1500 students pass the occupational therapy test (NBCOT® exam).