From: Ryan LaTorre \(crl\) (cisco@xxxxxxxxxxxx)
Date: Thu May 31 2001 - 21:26:54 GMT-3
Well, it's my turn to write this message. I've passed my lab in Halifax
on my first attempt. Instead of writing a ton of advice about the lab,
I'll leave that to the abundance of information in the Groupstudy.com
archives. When reading what I write below, remember that this does NOT
minimize the six months of intense study / books / practice that I did.
I just don't think I have a lot to offer by talking about that stuff.
My most important piece of advice is to stay in a positive, relaxed
state of mind. Do whatever it takes to keep the pressure subdued as much
as possible. I flew out to Halifax two days before my test. Partly to
get the lower fare, partly to avoid the stress of airline overbookings,
potentially arriving at 1am the day before the test etc. So that left me
with a day in between arrival and showtime. For those of you who are
taking the test in Halifax, you have got to spend some time exploring
the city. I did not try to cram more knowledge into my brain the last
day. I walked around the nice shops downtown, went to the pier and
peoplewatched for a while. And perhaps the most calming of all, I went
to the Public Gardens for a few hours. This is a place just a block away
from the CCIE lab with immaculately kept gardens. Flowers, trees, ponds,
fountains etc. I haven't been to New York, but I'm imagining it's like
Central Park. I walked around there for a couple hours, just enjoying
nature's beauty. I'm convinced this put me in the right mindset. (If you
think this is hokey, just press the delete key...)
Be sure to take a break during your studies now and then. There times
when I felt totally run down and my efforts began to do more harm than
good. I took the odd week off from studying in February and April. Just
a week. And the last couple days before the exam. My prep was 6 months
of targeted CCIE prep. There has to be the odd time in there to let the
mind recoup.
I've got a big bunch of very supportive people in my life as well, which
makes this much easier. *Before* embarking on this journey, have a
really good discussion with your significant other. My wife has been my
number one source of support throughout this - thanks Jocelyne! There
were times that this really tested the strength of our relationship, so
be prepared for that, and then it can be handled. The people at work are
very supportive as well. You really do need the support of your
employer.
So I don't think I can offer much more than that. There are numerous
posts in the archives, and I know Chuck Larrieu has a webpage of
compiled advice. I've read it, and I suggest all of you read it too.
Good luck everybody!
Ryan LaTorre
UNIS LUMIN Inc.
www.unislumin.com
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