need advice -2 weeks and counting!!!

[mcore]

need some advice if you ranchers have the time.
today, i decided to go ahead an register for the java programming exam. i've been studying for the last 2 months about 4hrs a day. i started with some java experience, mainly com, dcom, vb, asp, etc. i've read khalid mughal's java cert book (2x) and java sun certified programmer book (3x) along with taking notes on many many index cards. i've also taken many mock exams. at first i was amazed how poorly i did! however, with further study i've got my mock exam scores around 80%, 100% on roundup, 90% on sun sample mock exam.
the problem i have is that i've always been a horrible test taker, even when i really knew the material. i feel that i know the material, but when i take the mock exams, i miss very simple questions like, static methods accessing non-static vars, i++ and ++i. one of my problems i believe is that i hurry through them to see how i do! any advice on how to calm down and carefully read each question? any strategies for creating a check list? my weak areas are IO and awt events so i plan on spending a great deal of the LAST two weeks preparing for them.
i guess i'm just a little freaked and fear waiting those few very long seconds after a complete the exam and see "FAILED".
anyone else have the same problems? if so, what did you do to over come them?
many thanks! I love this site!
-MCore

[Dave Vick]

Matthew
I have pretty much the same problem with test taking - not reading the questions in detail, or the answers. I often find out I missed a question just because I didn't notice that a variable was private or the scope something was in or something equally stupid.
I got JQ+ about 2 weeks ago and taking them has really helped me to remember to concentrate. They are pretty hard questions, probably harder than the actual Sun test so it a good judge of your preparedness. Also, there are multiple tests you can take in it which really helps by getting you in the right mode.
I find myself having to tell myself to slow down less and less, also I have a litte note on my computer that says 'modifiers, scope, variable type' just to remid myself to check those things on every question - it helps.
hope that gives you an idea or two
Dave

[Padmaja Balaji]

Hey! Cool guys. I am also appearing for the exam in the next few days. Do also find time to relax and think other than Java. Things will be brighter and clearer when you come back.
- Paddy