Hi,
Here's my SCJP story.
In the afternoon on Saturday the 22th of June, I began making telephone calls to Prometric centers in the city to book a slot for SCJP test for the weekend ahead, 28th or 29th of June (or in the worst case any date before the expiry date on my SCJP coupon, 30th of June). I had got the coupon some eight months before and had forgotten about it for a long time (Ever since I started working, I've forgotten a lot of things of my student life). Unfortunately slots for the weekend were all taken and none were available through out Bangalore. In the end the farthest date before 30th that I could get, was 25th. I got a 3.30 pm afternoon slot. Time was too short and I had to revise a lot of things. I was in a kind of do-or-die situation, and I worked quite hard.
On the morning of 25th I woke up with flu. In the afternoon I left my office a few minutes after lunch so that I'll be on time at the Prometric center. I felt a bit uncomfortable during the test because of sinusitis. But thank God, I had flu on day on which I had the test. Had the flu come before the test date I wouldn't have been able to prepare for the test. I passed SCJP 1.5 with 97%. I was a bit like heart-broken initially for not being able to get 100, but then I was satisfied with what I have got. With only a short time before the test for preparation and flu, 97 sounded like a good score.
Although the two day revision before the test was crucial, the secret to my success is the interest I have in Java since my college days. I always found it very exciting to work on Java. After college, before I started working for a company I spent most of my time working on small Java applications and thought of getting Sun Certification. I also spent one full day at book stores to find the best exam guide. The SCJP study guide (K&B) by Kathy and Bert is a wonderful book not just for SCJP but even otherwise it is an excellent reference/study material for Java developers. I have always loved Java and the book adds to the beauty of Java and makes it a pleasant experience to read through. Thank you, Kathy and Bert.
Regards,
Sujan
. Mere reading through SCJP books (no matter how many times) may not do much help; you need to assimilate the ideas and concepts expressed in the books. When you understand and begin to appreciate what the book is talking about, you will not have to put any extra effort to memorize most things. K&B is an excellent book but it is not for reading in haste. Work diligently and clear the exam. I wish you Good Luck. 