Dr. Dziegielewski's course

[Anderson]

Has anyone ever used just her Dvd's and course to study for the social work exam?

[Sonya Thomas]

I took the course, but never watched the video once I got home. I also did not review the manual. Nor did I listen to the CD. I loaded the CD on my ipod, and had good intentions to listen to it over and over while I worked out, but just could never bring myself to do it. I did, however, take all the practice tests in Dr. D's manual. That was helpful as far as jogging my memory on things I learned in grad school 12 years ago. Beyond taking all her practice tests, I took the ASWB 170 quesion on-line practice test, which was VERY helpful. In fact, those 2 strategies prepared me the most for passing the exam.

[Anderson]

Thanks for replying. What did you use to study for the exam?

[Sonya Thomas]

Honestly, I could not bring myself to "study" in the traditional sense of the word. I had lots of good intentions over the course of the summer, but just couldn't make myself sit down and do it. So, 5 days prior to the scheduled exam, I started taking practice tests. I took all the practice tests in Dr. D's manual (I did take her course in early summer and recommend it), a few other free online practice tests - one of which was the AATBS practice test 2 nights before the actual exam. I failed it so miserably that I almost had a panic attack. Avoid their practice tests unless you want an excuse to take valium. They are not at all like the actual test. Other folks have good things to say about the AATBS books, but I did not use them, so I can not comment on them.

I paid the $75.00 for the ASWB practice test the day before I took my exam, hoping to boost my morale. Taking that practice test was very comforting, because it really was not too intimidating. I reasoned that if the actual test was like the ASWB practice test, then I would be ok. Well, the actual test was VERY MUCH like the practice test. I highly recommend purchasing it. It is worth the money. You must have already scheduled your actual test with ASWB before you can purchase the on-line practice tests. One of the things that made it so helpful was that it provided rationales for why an answer is right vs. wrong. This was helpful, as it really illustrated how the test writers reasoned out the correct answer. And as everyone has said, this is a test of reasoning, not necessarily a test of regurgitating memorized information. Of course you need to have a basic grasp of theory, DSM, defense mechanisms, etc. But in my experience, one does need to know in deep depth any of that information. Recall and conventional wisdom kicked in and got me through the exam.

I scored an 81 on the ASWB practice test and an 84 on the actual exam. A woman who was testing with me had scored a 74 on the practice exam and ended up scoring an 80 on the actual exam. I think if you purchase the practice test, it will help reduce test anxiety just by virtue of having experienced what the actual exam is going to be like. I think it will improve your score in much the same way as ACT or SAT scores go up the 2nd time those tests are taken - familiarity. I can attest that when I took the real exam, it seemed very familiar after taking the practice test.

As I said, I took the practice test one day prior to the real test. I would recommend taking it earlier than I did. You get a 30 day window to review your answers once you take the test. If I had it to do over, I would take the practice test 1 week prior to the actual test, and spend the week reviewing the information provided in the diagnistics on why an answer was right vs. wrong.

Hope this helps.

Sonya in Nashville

[Lenka]

sonya, when you took the ASWB test before the actual test did you know the right and wrong answers and something about it after the test. like it was online, but could you review the answers again?

[emanuelle Gomez]

Hi Sonya and Anderson,

I also used Dr. D's trainings, video , the cd for 'quick review' and found it helpful. I'm taking the exam tommorrow and feel pretty comfortable about it. I do have a license in calif, but live in oregon now and there is no recriprical relationship., it has been 30plus yrs since grad school. will let you all know how it goes. I sure don't recommend the AATBS site. can say more later.
Em

[emanuelle Gomez]

Hi, just wanted to let you know the good news, I passed the LCSW exam today!! what a relief.
Em

[Anderson]

Congratulations! I have a few questions. How many months and hours each night did you study? What practice exams did you use? Did you rely on Dr. D's study guide and DVDs? What did you do the day before our exam? I plan to take the master level exam in the summer and don't want to fail again. Thanks.

[emanuelle Gomez]

Thank you. I studied for about 6 months off and on. I read all the AATBS texts which was a waste and then I had the realization that Sophias training tapes, cd and bookette was all I
needed and totally focused on that for about 3 months. I studied about 2 hrs a day several days a week and towards the end more. I have a particular way of studying that works for me, don't know if it would work for you. I watched the DVD and made my own set of notes which I
typed on my lap top, spell checked and printed out and reviewed. I also typed up the notes from her cd. Not everyone learns this way. I threw away two shopping bags of notes, flash cards, etc. I tossed yesterday. I truely found the AATBS tests to be alarmingly confusing and fear producing.
I finally just stuck with Sophias tests in her booklette, and the test questions she mails out via email
as updates and also typed up the ones I made mistakes on. Don't know if this is your learning style though. also the ASWB test was very helpful. I also got their 30.00 booklette. I agree now with Sophia it is important to focus your attn and not over study. seems to me alot of the
test is having a strategy and knowing how to apply the logic they are looking for.
hope this helps. Em

Oh, on the day before the exam I studied. ;- ) I also had trouble going to sleep which
was awful. but I survived. Yes, I don't want you to have to do this again. Maybe you
should call Sophia and talk with her. I had a question and her husband Linden who runs
her business put her on the phone. she was very helpful. I think this is her mission (in part)

[donnamaguire]

Would you be willing to sell the DVD or training tapes I have used the AATBS and the exam practices were over kill an I flunked.donna

[Anderson]

Emmanuelle, you may have answered this already, but did you study with practice online questions? If so what site did you use?

[susan]

Emanuelle,

How to get in touch with Sophia and Linden? Do you have their website and contact number?

Thanks

[donnamaguire]

Does any one have the DVD and her workbook to study for the clinical exam. I will buy them.