Useless at SCJP questions

[Bren Reg]

Hi Ive been studying java for around a year now. Coming from no programming experience. I did an introductory course in java which didnt really cover much but I used it to see if I would like programming which I did. i loved it. After that I studied Head first java. Since then I have read another book that helps prepare you for the SCJP exam and I am now currently reading the Sierra and Bates SCJP book. Im am reading through each chapter and understanding it but when I come to the questions at the end of each chapter I am failing really bad. Sometimes only getting 2 questions right. I am getting the questions wrong on simple things like using a non static method in main or just forgetting something. I really enjoy writing programs but the study part of it I am finding tough. Is it possible for me to pass this exam. I really think I should be doing better at the questions at this stage. Has anyone any advice or has anyone gone through something similar and came out good the other side? Really down at the moment!!

[Helen Ma]

The self-tests from the KB's study guide are harder than the real exam, but they are similar to the real exam. I spent 1 year studying for the exam every evening.
I did not do well in the self-tests, but I could still manage to pass it.
Before you take the exam, make sure you understand why you get the questions wrong or right. Make sure you remember all the two-minutes drills.
A lot of ranchers said the actual exam is not that "bad".

[Bren Reg]

Hey thanks for the reply. Ya I heard the real exam isn't as bad as the questions in the book but gettin 2 right is dreadful!! My biggest problem is trying to remember stuff. I will read a chapter and understand everything but in the questions something from a different chapter will come up and I know there is some rule but can't quite remember it. Also Im gettin mixed up with compiler error And runtime error lot!!

The worst thing is when I see the answer I am so mad at myself cause I know I knew it but chose the wrong answer!!

[William P O'Sullivan]

Hello Bren,

The best thing you can do is code.. code.. code..

Take for example some of the questions posted here.. They are usually self-contained apps.

Set up an Eclipse development environment, copy and paste into a new file, run and tweak.

You may have been studying for a year, but there is NO substitution for real coding experience.

WP

[Bren Reg]

Hy thanks for the reply. Ya I agree. Coding is the way to go if you are not working with I every day.

I just sat down and did my first full mock exam there and scored 50%. Not a pass but I'm pretty happy with it!!

[Minu Sam]

Actual exam is really very easy i wrote my exam yesterday and scored 91%.i was being tested on really easy stuff but from what i remember many problems were related to overriding, instanceof operator so if you get basics good..you should be good to go.I remember when i wrote my 1st practice test from KB book..i scored 39% and i was so upset.but as you keep doing test you realize where to look for weakness and then you gradually improve.