Tips for Passing the EPPP

How I Passed the EPPP First Time Without Seminars or CDs

Teresa Wells, Ph.D.
PSY 23811

Part I: General Tips

1. First of all, I think it’s important to understand that every topic covered on the EPPP is based on introductory subject matter. This was the one thing that helped to turn the corner for me when I was literally freaking out thinking I would never be able to do this. It simply enabled me to change my perspective regarding how much in-depth and possibly even new information I thought I needed to know. So most of the EPPP should be seen as a brush-up OR even if you have never studied things like “org-industrial” or statistics or test construction in detail, with some effort, you will be able to master the introductory material in these areas. You got your doctorate didn’t you? In addition, you are probably very rusty or downright “noncomprendez-vous” in at least one, possibly two, subject areas. Not to worry as long as you study the other subjects so that you have a thorough introductory grasp of them. I tried to look at this process as an adventure and an opportunity to learn more about mainstream psychology.
2. Except for the “pre-test questions” (see “Part III: Taking the EPPP”), there wasn’t anything on the test that wasn’t covered in the Psych Prep written materials. That means that if you know this written material, you will pass the EPPP. Much of it is verbatim, however, the way the questions are presented is very tricky. I’ll get into that later. How you cram all of this info into your head and remember it for the exam is the most difficult challenge, but this you must do!
3. Knowing the written material isn’t the same as memorizing it, however. You will need to understand the concepts which also can be mastered by going over the materials in a methodical way. In addition, you might need to purchase one or two introductory books in those areas that are hard for you. I would say that you could get away with memorizing some of the areas that you just can’t wrap your head around no matter what. So, rather than get so furious and frustrated with the material in those particular areas, just plan on memorizing it. I would say that you shouldn’t try to memorize more than 15% of the entire EPPP subject materials. By “memorize” I mean not really understanding the concept. There are other things that you will need to be able to do, like knowing how to make “maps” of the information once you understand the concepts, etc. I give examples in my packet of how I condensed the material and then made “maps” for myself so I could refer to them once I was at the test site. If you're not able to do this, you won't be able to stay mentally organized during the exam, you will lose precious time trying to sort through all this "info-data" swimming around in your brain, and you will run out of time.
4. Another important thing to keep in mind is that you don’t really need all the “stuff” being sold by these prep programs. So don’t get bogged down with too much “info-data,” after a certain point it will simply be too much to organize/handle. Remember, these programs want to sell you things and will sell as much stuff as you think you need. Who needs 2000 flashcards? You can make your own and should, but not in the cumbersome way in which they are marketed. I will show you how to make your own and how to “keep it simple.” Having said that, there is still a lot of material that you must know. The way I “managed” so much material (much of it I hadn’t studied in years: behavioral psych, test design/construction, and some not at all: organizational, etc.) will be outlined in the next section “Part II: Approaching the EPPP materials,” supplemented with examples from my actual notebooks, how I condensed the material into mental “maps,” and my “flashcard” procedure, etc. Even if the information in my packet improves your score by 5-10 points, it can make a difference between passing or not.
(See my post “How I passed the EPPP first time without seminars or CDs,” under topic : “EPPP study materials” at this site. If interested, send $25 check or money order to Dr. Teresa Wells, POB 268, Talmage, Ca. 95481 and I will send you the 20-page packet that I prepared to help you pass the EPPP.)

Hi, thanks for the tips...Is your package of information still available?

Helen

Dr. Helen,

Yes, this packet is still available and will be until further notice. Thanks for the inquiry.

Teresa Wells, PhD