stochastic wrote: I never touched any of my review materials in the 36 or so hours preceding the exam, which usually meant not looking at anything (exam related) on exam day or the day before. It is my opinion that if you've prepared adequately then you should spend your final pre-exam hours resting and relaxing. The benefits of a rested mind will outweigh the benefits associated with cramming or reviewing any material prior to the exam. No one ever seems to listen to me on this topic but nonetheless everyone has their own styles and methods of learning. As a disclosure, I used to cram before every exam and then one day realized it was a terrible strategy for my own habits since you would rely on memorization (bad) rather than actual accumulated knowledge (good). If I were you I would relax and do something you enjoy, but I'm sure others will disagree. Of course relaxation means something different for everyone, but I spent my time reading (non-exam material), playing video games, and sipping on scotch. Turned out pretty well.

stochastic

It's obvious, given your scores (including non CPA scores) that you are a unique person and a great test taker.  I say this without being facetious or wise and I truly salute you.

Some people, like me, would not get those scores.  I have never been a good test taker and it has never been from a lack of trying.  I work hard at everything I do and get very passionate about reaching any goal whether its competing in marathon or passing the exam. I am two for two so far with REG and AUD left.

My point is, many of us, need that extra push to get us through and frankly there is no shame in that.  At the end of the day, it's not where you start that matters.........it's where you end up that counts.

Good luck to you in your future endeavors.

I tried both strategies.  I pulled an all nighter for FAR because I wasn't prepped properly and knew it.  I wasn't going to get any sleep any way.  I squeaked by with a 77%

If I am properly prepped, then I do not study the day before.  Doing that always gets me confused on something I had nailed down, then frustrated as I spend time nailing it down again, etc.  I chase my tail.   The only things I touched were the mnemonics, since memorizing is short term memory.   Can't tell you how much a good night's sleep and good breakfast will do for your score.

If you are not going to get any sleep, or won't be able to relax, then study.  But pick the topics you are consistly not scoring well on and, one at a time, pull it apart and figure out what you learned incorrectly and fix it.  Don't spend all day or night thrashing, touching all the topics eratically, and ratcheting up your anxiety levels but not gleaning much clarity.