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I wanted to share my experience with the EPPP since this thread was very helpful in my preparation for the exam.
I passed on my first try with a score of ~ 580 (NY converted ~ 80). Overall, I studied quite casually for the exam beginning in October of last year. I acquired different materials but I believe that only a few were critical (*) to my passing the test. Below are a list of prep materials I used:
(*) Modern Psychologist’s EPPP study guide – I thought his study guide was excellent and covered 90% of what was covered on the exam. I read his guide 3x attentively although I did not take copious notes or make flash cards on the material. This guide is absolutely worth the money.
(*) Psych Prep audio CDs – this was great to listen to while commuting, walking to/from work, etc. Listening to the CDs were a great way to passively learn the information. I went through most of set 2x and reviewed any sections I felt I was weak in.
(*) Old practice tests – hand-me-down tests from friends – not sure where they were from. Also take the Items from the Previous Exam if you can. I did not score beyond 70% on any exam…most of my scores were in the low to mid 60s, maybe a stray score in the 50s. You must get your hands on the practice tests. I was tempted to buy the online practice tests offered by AATBS, PsychPrep, etc. but I couldn’t justify the cost – I don’t think you need to buy these tests/packages to pass.
EPPP flash card app – I bought this app with the intention of using it almost exclusively for my prep but I felt kind of overwhelmed with it and I stopped using it after a handful of attempts. But if you do well with flashcards, definitely get this app.
EPPP Fundamentals book – too basic. Casually read a quarter of it and stopped.
EPPP app (based on the Fundamentals book) – the style of questions asked on the app are not representative of the items on the exam. The daily questions you get are a joke. Despite all this, it was nice to have an app that could help me prep – helpful when you’re waiting in line at the grocery store. Don’t think it’s worth the money though.
I also had notes on different subject areas geared toward EPPP prep and they were fantastic for review.
My goal was to study enough so I could pass comfortably – I did not want to ace it and I was reluctant to put in any more hours of studying than I needed to. I studied casually over the past several months, but there were several weeks (6-8 weeks) in which I did not study anything whatsoever. I was feeling very nervous about this so I took the PEPPO a few weeks prior to my scheduled date and passed (wish they gave you the actual score). Taking the PEPPO before you start studying might even be helpful to identify the areas you need to work on the most. Overall I think I was most productive in terms of studying once I actually scheduled the test and could count down the days to the big day. A few days before the exam, I spent 5-6 hours per day going over the material again in case I missed anything. Also, after going through old threads and practicing on old exams, I found that if I wanted to get a rough estimate of my NY converted score, I would add 8% to my actual test score (YMMV).
If you are worried about this test, know that it is surmountable. Follow a study method that works with you and don’t overwhelm yourself with so many different sources – pick a few solid ones and stick with it. Memorize concepts that are known to be asked, have shown up on previous exams, etc. If you are scoring within the mid-60s or if you pass the PEPPO, I think you are good to schedule the EPPP.
I passed on my first try with a score of ~ 580 (NY converted ~ 80). Overall, I studied quite casually for the exam beginning in October of last year. I acquired different materials but I believe that only a few were critical (*) to my passing the test. Below are a list of prep materials I used:
(*) Modern Psychologist’s EPPP study guide – I thought his study guide was excellent and covered 90% of what was covered on the exam. I read his guide 3x attentively although I did not take copious notes or make flash cards on the material. This guide is absolutely worth the money.
(*) Psych Prep audio CDs – this was great to listen to while commuting, walking to/from work, etc. Listening to the CDs were a great way to passively learn the information. I went through most of set 2x and reviewed any sections I felt I was weak in.
(*) Old practice tests – hand-me-down tests from friends – not sure where they were from. Also take the Items from the Previous Exam if you can. I did not score beyond 70% on any exam…most of my scores were in the low to mid 60s, maybe a stray score in the 50s. You must get your hands on the practice tests. I was tempted to buy the online practice tests offered by AATBS, PsychPrep, etc. but I couldn’t justify the cost – I don’t think you need to buy these tests/packages to pass.
EPPP flash card app – I bought this app with the intention of using it almost exclusively for my prep but I felt kind of overwhelmed with it and I stopped using it after a handful of attempts. But if you do well with flashcards, definitely get this app.
EPPP Fundamentals book – too basic. Casually read a quarter of it and stopped.
EPPP app (based on the Fundamentals book) – the style of questions asked on the app are not representative of the items on the exam. The daily questions you get are a joke. Despite all this, it was nice to have an app that could help me prep – helpful when you’re waiting in line at the grocery store. Don’t think it’s worth the money though.
I also had notes on different subject areas geared toward EPPP prep and they were fantastic for review.
My goal was to study enough so I could pass comfortably – I did not want to ace it and I was reluctant to put in any more hours of studying than I needed to. I studied casually over the past several months, but there were several weeks (6-8 weeks) in which I did not study anything whatsoever. I was feeling very nervous about this so I took the PEPPO a few weeks prior to my scheduled date and passed (wish they gave you the actual score). Taking the PEPPO before you start studying might even be helpful to identify the areas you need to work on the most. Overall I think I was most productive in terms of studying once I actually scheduled the test and could count down the days to the big day. A few days before the exam, I spent 5-6 hours per day going over the material again in case I missed anything. Also, after going through old threads and practicing on old exams, I found that if I wanted to get a rough estimate of my NY converted score, I would add 8% to my actual test score (YMMV).
If you are worried about this test, know that it is surmountable. Follow a study method that works with you and don’t overwhelm yourself with so many different sources – pick a few solid ones and stick with it. Memorize concepts that are known to be asked, have shown up on previous exams, etc. If you are scoring within the mid-60s or if you pass the PEPPO, I think you are good to schedule the EPPP.