Re: Failed 2nd Attempt at RTP Yesterday

From: Elias Chari (elias.chari@gmail.com)
Date: Thu Mar 15 2007 - 09:05:34 ART

I guess whatever works best for someone is the right approach. However, I
would approach it from a different angle. I would try and break this habit
by applying time management with practice labs. If I spent an hour on a
single task, this means I probably don't know the answer and even if I
configure it, it could still be wrong. I would only do this if I had done
all the others and double checked them, then I would sacrifice that kind of
time on a single task.

When I passed my lab, there was a single 3 point question with multiple
parts, that I knew all except the last part. In fact I was not sure where to
start. I took the decision that I was not going to touch it at all and
instead concentrate on all the others that I was confident I could solve.
What is the point of solving all parts except the last one? I would have got
no points for the question anyway!

Even though I had about 2 hours to spare at the end, I used my time to
verify my other configs and still didn't touch that question. In fact by
doing this I rescued 6 points which I would have lost due to config errors.

So 3 points given away, does it matter? Not if you get 80 or more from the
other 97. 

--
Regards,
Elias
CCIE#17354

On 3/15/07, Sean.Zimmerman@clubcorp.com <Sean.Zimmerman@clubcorp.com >
wrote:
>
> I was thinking of wearing a stop watch. When I start down that
> troubleshooting rabbit hole, I'll set a 5-10 minute timer. I completely
> lose track of time while working on a problem because I get so focused. I
> probably worked on a 5 point category for almost an hour, which put in
> jeopardy later tasks that weren't all that difficult. I need something to
> tell me to stop.
>
> I appreciate your advice. I will certainly feel better about a task if I
> skip it with the intention to go back. I just need to know when to skip.
>
>
>
>
>
> < anthony.sequeira@thomson.com>
> 03/14/2007 02:27 PM
>
> To
> <Sean.Zimmerman@clubcorp.com>, <ccielab@groupstudy.com >
> cc
>
> Subject
> RE: Failed 2nd Attempt at RTP Yesterday
>
>
>
>
>
>
> What great comments for everyone!
>
> I had the same problem with small tasks - I just could not get myself to
> SKIP THEM. "I am not wired" that way either.
>
> Make a note (literally on your scratch paper) of the small, independent
> task that you need to look up. Note the point value - the subject - the
> task number - and any thoughts you have on the solution. Then CONSIDER
> THE TASK DONE and move on.
>
> I found this was the only way I could effectively deal with this issue.
>
> Anthony J Sequeira
> #15626
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: nobody@groupstudy.com [mailto:nobody@groupstudy.com] On Behalf Of
> Sean.Zimmerman@clubcorp.com
> Sent: Wednesday, March 14, 2007 12:48 PM
> To: 'Cisco certification'
> Subject: Failed 2nd Attempt at RTP Yesterday
>
> Just like last time,  I immediately realized some mistakes after I was
> finished. My IGP and Switching scores were higher than last time, but my
>
> other categories were lower. I think I scored higher overall.
>
> A few problems and strategy mistakes:
>
> A clock that I referenced during the exam wasn't compliant with the DST
> change. I didn't even look at the time for the first two hours, and when
> I
> did I thought I had an extra hour. I was really surprised when they
> stopped us for lunch at 10:00 AM!
>
> I dwelled on problems for small point categories too long. If I would've
>
> spent 5-10 minutes on those problems and skipped them, I could've got to
>
> some things that I knew how to do towards the end and maybe had more
> time
> to check over my work. I did reach full IGP reachability before lunch,
> so
> I know I was on track.The afternoon killed me. It's just difficult for
> me
> to give up on something because that's not how I'm wired.
>
> I didn't read all the way through the entire lab. I know that I'm
> supposed
> to. If I would've read the entire lab, I could've saved 15 - 20 minutes
> in
> the morning, and another 10-15 minutes in the afternoon.
>
> Some good things:
>
> I asked the proctors more questions than last time. I found that they
> were
> forthcoming with helpful answers if I exhibited expertise by asking very
>
> detailed questions about the technology.
>
> I seemed to fly through the initial tasks. The 2nd half really screwed
> me.
>
> Oh, and the Wingate RTP was great! They shuttled me from the airport,
> took
> me to a nice area for dinner and picked me back up, stopped by a gas
> station to get me some toothpaste, and took me from Cisco back to the
> Airport after the test. I tipped almost $30, but that's still far less
> than rental car. The rooms were pretty nice, and the breakfast was good.
>
> It's just great not having to navigate RTP in a rental car.
>
>
> I'll try again soon. I'm hoping some seats open up for late April or
> May.
> I'm going to beat this thing, it's now a matter of pride!
>
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