Mac nightmare

alicia18

hey guys, i will be attempting the MAC for the third time in June and am really worried that it will turn out be another nightmare like the other times. i was so confident going into the exam room to attempt the MAC for the second time in December because i could do all of the pass papers with my eyes closed, but when i took a look through the exam paper i immediately got nervous and confused.Most of the task seemed so strange. I ended up failing both sections AGAIN (SCREAM!!!) can anyone give me a few tips on how to pass this MAC exam, i have passed all the other exams and skills test, this is the only one keeping me from getting my Diploma.
I would be so grateful.

lisnic

im doing mac for the first time in jue but i would say from all my exam experience of aat and uni

dont give up

dont rely on being able to do questions just how they have been asked in the past - you actually need to have the knowledge to apply to any question

study your weak areas and keep going over them

practice practice

could you contact aat and ask for some feedback on your previous papers? im sure you can get this

Miss_HJ

If you have failed 3 times then then something is obviously not working for you atm (im not having a go, just trying to explain my opinion)

If you have prepared for the exam in the same way each time then this could be the issue. as with doing the past exam papers too much, you pre-empt what they want and dont read the actual question, or rush through thinking u know they layout and panic when its different.

Have you considered re-reading the books, doing the questions in the back of each chapter and maybe do i/2 past papers prior to the exam. this way you are not pre-prgrammed to the previous papers but can tackle any kind of question.

Also spend longer on things you are unsure of or weaker at the things you find easy just refresh before the exam. Have you considered attending a revision session for MAC? AAT normally hold them i think. but sure some guys on here can reccomend sessions.

Good Luck

A-Vic

i do like doing past papers but worry that i would end up rote learning if i do them to much, so i allow a months revision, for the first two weeks i re-read each chapter out of the books and do all the chapter questions again making sure i understand then the final two weeks do practise exam questions in the form of questions however i mix and match papers i did this for dfs and it worked out well. Also have you tried the PVE and PCR exam papers simular questions will be good for learning.

Also id try so relaxation techniques for before and after the exam itself.

Saying this am doing MAC myself for the first time in june and worried

bootsycollins

Hi guys

I can thoroughly recommend the AAT revision course for MAC. I had been really busy in the lead up to he exams and hadnt really had much of a chance to look at my books (and when I had, it went in one ear and out of the other!) but I went on the revision course and everything became clear. Sandy Hood ran the course and he was brilliant as always. If you cant get to the AAT revision course, then definitely try getting on one of Sandy's personal revison courses. He is the master!!!

Hope this helps!

Ampsie

Hi,

I too can highly recommend the aat revision course for mac that Sandy Hood tutors.
I did it before the december exam and it made things slot into place.
When i first looked at the exam paper in dec i thought - OMG i don't even understand the first question! But all the info was there, it was just worded slightly differently from how i expected it.
As others have said, you need to understand the knowledge in order to apply it to any scenario.
PEV and PCR papers are well worth doing as well.

But just practice, practice and practice!

I'm sure you'll get there!

Ampsie

umerali2003

you are not alone its my third attempt as well and like you its the only one holding me as well from one and half year . but dont worry we will make it

umerali2003

sandy u got my email ????

CelticStar

I'm sorry to hear you're having such a difficult time with MAC, Alicia. It sounds to me that it is more panic and a mental block than a lack of revision that is causing you to have such a hard time. I had this a bit with my driving test and it is quite a difficult mindset to break out of. It might be a good idea to learn some relaxation techniques and to try something called Rescue Remedy (which you can get in Holland and Barretts) which really helps you calm down. Apart from that then I think the idea of the revision course is a really good one and would boost your confidence before the exam.

Good luck whatever you decide to do and I really hope you pass in June - you can do it!

alicia18

helpful

Thanks guys, for your advice and encouragement,they really help.

I really want to take those revision classes but finding the time is my biggest problem.

Am planning on REALLY reading every chapter in my aat text book instead of reading only the chapters on what i think will come on the exam ,then i'll attempt the pass papers.

i suddenly feel this urge to go read that text book.

thanks again

A-Vic

alicia18 wrote: »

Thanks guys, for your advice and encouragement,they really help.

I really want to take those revision classes but finding the time is my biggest problem.

Am planning on REALLY reading every chapter in my aat text book instead of reading only the chapters on what i think will come on the exam ,then i'll attempt the pass papers.

i suddenly feel this urge to go read that text book.

thanks again

i think ive relised what it is you really need, to get some sleep because your first post is 04.13 and second 02.52