EPPP Exam Prep: Studying during COVID


As I am sure we are all aware, this year has been quite challenging for all of us. Whether you are a young mom attempting to teach your kids at the dining room table or recently struggling with a job loss, grief, or a recent COVID diagnosis, studying during this time presents its own unique challenges. The EPPP is a difficult exam that requires sufficient time and preparation. For many, just the thought of studying for this exam might be met with overwhelming feelings. If you are planning to take the EPPP in the next few months, here are just a few things to consider:


Practice saying “yes” (to support)


Most people in the position of preparing for the EPPP have a few things in common; we are high-achieving, goal-directed, and independent. At times, this can make it difficult to accept help from others. However, if there is ever a time to say “yes” to help, now is that time. Hire a tutor for your kids so their study time can also become your study time. Allow your mother-in-law to babysit every Saturday morning so you can work uninterrupted. Let your partner give you the 2 hours at night you need guilt-free to focus on your study materials. Now is the time to prioritize yourself and practice saying “yes” to support offered to you from others. Your friends and family want you to succeed and allowing them to help you is important for your success.


Practice saying “no” (to more responsibility)


On the other hand, because this is such a difficult time for everyone, you might be finding that you are in the position of having to assert yourself more often than not. Maybe a few employees were let go at the office and you are being encouraged to take on their work. Practice advocating for yourself when possible and saying “no” to requests for taking on more work. For the next 3-6 months, studying for the EPPP is a part-time job and should be treated as such.


Find the little moments of opportunity


Now is the time to get a bit creative when it comes to finding opportunities to study. Take a detailed look at your daily schedule hour by hour. When do you have passive time that is not engaged in deep thought or work? Do you walk your dog every morning? This is a great opportunity to listen to some audio recordings of study material. Do you have free time at work such as a cancelled meeting? Make sure you have your study materials with you at all times to take advantage of the small opportunities to review flashcards or read through content material.


Stay consistent with your study plan


At a time when it feels like everything is disorderly and chaotic, make sure your study plan doesn’t follow suit. Create a detailed study plan and follow it diligently. Be realistic about your plan as well. If you are a parent and work a full-time job, acknowledge that it might take you a bit longer to prepare for the exam compared to someone who recently lost their job and has endless time for study review. Remember that this is a difficult year and you might feel more stressed than normal. As a result, don’t hesitate to shape your study time somewhat differently. Give yourself a day off each week. Try breaking your study sessions into 30 minutes to 1-hour time slots to allow greater flexibility.


Be Flexible


Because this year is met with such significant uncertainty, be prepared to alter your study plan as needed. For example, if you or someone in your home tests positive for COVID, it might be quite difficult to study for the exam and maintain your current study schedule. Plan in accordance when scheduling your test date and allow yourself a few more weeks of study time than you feel you might need.