The OT Exam FAQ - Preparing for the Exam | OT Miri

[@allthingsamberb4516]

Miri, you are so generous to allocate and dedicate your time and energy to OT students/colleagues. Your videos break things down, even for those who typically considered smart.

[@MiriLee]

Thank you, Amber. It's not always easy to take the time to create these videos. But, I promised myself that I would give back to our community if I passed the exam and I'm grateful to have been able to find a platform to do so. The NBCOT process can be daunting, lonely and discouraging and it was a pretty dark time for me. So I wanted to be a source of light and support for those who may be feeling as discouraged as I once felt. And I wanted everyone to have access to this support and content, regardless of ability to pay. Although I don't get paid for the work that I do, the fruit of my labor is felt in the joy of seeing others tap into their potential and reaching their goals. So thank you for all your comments, engagement, love and support. They mean so much to me and remind me that my passion and efforts are not in vain.

[@allthingsamberb4516]

@@MiriLee that's wonderful! You are definitely a valued resource! I promise myself that if I pass, I am going to eat better and lose some weight.

[@jacquelinedufour9307]

I cried when you spoke about being a slow learner but always working hard and being a different kind of smart. It spoke to me because I am the same way. I always feel I have to work harder and longer than most, but once I get something I get it. But I have always felt deep down like I am stupid and not enough. I am a COTA student and in December I will graduate. I am very apprehensive about the NBCOT but hearing from you, someone I admire and find extremely intelligent, about your experience makes me feel a bit better. I'm so glad you are able to put your videos back up!! Thank you so much!!

[@MiriLee]

Jacqueline Dufour Hi Jacqueline, thank you for being here and sharing more of your story. I’m happy to know you feel a little better and that my story resonated with you. This is why I do what I do- I don’t want anyone to feel as defeated, discouraged or anxious as I had felt during the exam process and I’m going to keep making videos so that by the time you graduate, there will be even more for you to reference and enjoy. Sending you so much love. Keep your head up my friend-we’re in this together 💕

[@jacquelinedufour9307]

@@MiriLee 💕💕💕💕

[@saramiller1947]

You are the closest thing to a human representation of what occupational therapy is. Your words and passion are invaluable. Thank you for your time and effort!!

[@MiriLee]

This means so much to me. Thank you, Sara.

[@KRPatterson92]

I just wanted to come on here and thank you for all you have done for the OT community. I found out yesterday that I passed my OTR exam!!! You really do have a gift for teaching. Thank you so much for helping me study (I watched all your videos)!

[@MiriLee]

Congratulations Kathleen! I'm so happy to hear this exciting news! Thank you for thinking of me and coming back here during the momentous time to allow me to share in the spirit of celebration! I wish you all the best as you embark on this new chapter of your life!

[@ChileKat3]

I love hearing this from you. I feel like my learning style is so much like yours. I've always been "delayed" in school and was surprised when I got into OT school! But now I'm trying to prepare for my NBCOT exam and am so grateful I stumbled onto your videos to help me with my studying!

[@MiriLee]

awww looks like we share more in common than our passion for OT! I love seeing all your comments and hearing your thoughts as you watch these videos. Makes me feel so much more connected!

[@leabowen945]

Miri- Just wanted to post you a post of thanks! I passed my COTA exam first try and I credit a large part of that to your videos and study suggestions. You're an asset to our community and I can't tell you how grateful I am for the time you've taken to share your knowledge and experience with us! So from the bottom of my heart thank you! I'm going to continue following you because I know I'll keep learning new things from you! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!

[@MiriLee]

Lea!! Congratulations!! This is WONDERFUL news and I can't express how excited I am for you! Our journey here began just a little month ago and I still remember your first heartfelt comment. It impressed upon my heart and I felt a strong connection with you. And only a month later, here we are, celebrating this high achievement. You not only have the intellectual capacity, but emotional intelligence to help you navigate this new chapter of your life and bring healing to so many people. I wish you only the best as you embark on this new journey and hope you will stay connected. It's been such a pleasure walking this journey with you, Lea, and I am elated to hear the news this morning. Sending you my love and BIG hug your way, Miri

[@stephaniebojorquez3783]

*tears That was inspirational ! Thank you for being vulnerable with your audience.

[@MiriLee]

aww, thank you, Stephanie... KZbin is an uncharted territory for me and I often feel like I'm stumbling my way through, but the support and love of this community has sustained my efforts and encouraged me to continue building on this platform. So thank YOU for creating a safe space that allows me to be vulnerable. I appreciate you and this community so much...

[@stephaniebojorquez3783]

OT Miri well you're doing a heck of a great job! Keep it up!! Blessings! 😘😘

[@MiriLee]

Happy holidays, Stephanie! Just wanted to say hi and let you know that you are on my thoughts and prayers as we begin 2018. May this year bring you blessings and joys beyond your imagination. Love, Miri

[@michelejacquin9573]

Hi Miri, thanks so much for all the work you put into your videos and for sharing your love of OT with others. I took my OTR exam (the day you posted this video, actually!) and I just found out today that I passed. Your videos were so helpful and I'm incredibly grateful to you for helping me learn, or relearn, these concepts and for making me laugh, smile, and cry... so many emotions, lol. I hope to continue following you as I embark on my OT path... you should let us know when you make it out to an AOTA conference! Keep up the great work! ~ Lots of love from the East Coast! :)

[@MiriLee]

Wow, congratulations Michele and thank you so much for coming back hear to share your story! Isn't it incredible how we can be living on the two opposite side of this enormous country and still have this connection?? I'm grateful to have been able to share this journey with you- it's a privilege and joy, truly, to be able to connect through our shared passion... Your message warms my heart and reminds me of the very reason why I started this channel- to share, encourage and support. I can't wait to meet you in person and will definitely let you know when I attend the AOTA conference. Congratulations again, Michele! This just made my day! YAY!!!!!!! Sending back lots of love from the West Coast!

[@orteot448]

Work hard kind of smart! I am right there w u ! Watching this video 2 years away from taking my exam!

[@MiriLee]

Thank you for being here! It's great that you're getting an early start!

[@pakou24ify]

Please don’t ever get rid of your videos! They are so helpful and I appreciate your hard work! 💕

[@MiriLee]

They are here to stay as a free resource for all! Thank you for being my study buddy.

[@leabowen945]

Thanks for this! Got a disappointing score on practice exam yesterday and this just what I needed to hear! And just so you know ego or not you ARE part of the reason so many of us do well! You inspire us! You're positive attitude and determination that we CAN do this make a huge difference. In your own way, you are shaping the future of OT by what you do by helping so many of us newbies find our way! So thank you!!!

[@MiriLee]

Lea~~ You made me cry a couple weeks ago with your sincere, encouraging words, and you're doing it again! Thank you for listening and for being here with me. We are all in this together and your success is my success. Thank you, Lea. I appreciate you.

[@MariyaLoveyah]

I am seriously crying... I think you are not only smart, but you are so humble and beautiful and you are my OT inspiration. Even though I passed my test, I will always quietly listen to you. :)

[@MiriLee]

awww, that's just the sweetest message. Thank you for all the messages and comments you've left me these past couple of months to lift my spirit. Our shared journey has brought me many smiles and moments of inspiration and encouragement. I mean it from the bottom of my heart when I say that your thoughtful gestures and comments go a LONG way in making me feel motivated, understood and valued as not only an OT, but as another normal human being. I'm far from perfect, but what I have created here for our community is with great heart, love and devotion. So to see you appreciate my heart moves me deeply and reminds me that my efforts are not in vain. So thank you so much Mariya!

[@MariyaLoveyah]

@@MiriLee , I so want to visit you and hug you for all your hard work and being able to build this community. You are truly an inspiration. I seriously mean it! Love Yah!

[@t.c.5456]

Miri you make me want to cry!!! You are beautiful, God bless you. Ps: if you do want to calculate a til easily - multiply .15 or .20 times the total that you have to pay. That number will be the total tip. Xoxo

[@MiriLee]

awww thank you so much. The sweet encouragement, kindness and generosity of our community is what keeps me going. Thank you for being here.

[@k.r5238]

Miri, I just had to write you a message to say thank you!! I have watched all your videos several times and learned so much!!! I took my test at the end of June and just found out I passed!! I attribute some of that to you and what you taught me so thank you sooooo much!!! I tell all my friends who are still studyingthat your videos are a must watch. please keep up the good work

[@MiriLee]

Hi K Robertson! I'm so happy and glad you took a moment to say hi and connect with me! I love hearing from the community and connecting on a personal level so thank you for sharing your feedback and more importantly, for sharing the news of your passing!! CONGRATULATIONS!!! It delights me so much to know that we were able to share this journey together, even from thousands of miles away. Thank you for listening to my stories and allowing me to be a part of this meaningful journey leading up to your dream. I hope you'll stay connected in our community and will hope to meet you one day at an AOTA conference! With much love, Miri

[@k.r5238]

OT Miri oh I would love to meet you so I could thank you in person!! Next time you go to conference let us know and Ill look for ya!! Thanks again! you honestly made the stress of studying for this test disappear for short periods of time. You are wonderful and Im so glad I found your videos!

[@MiriLee]

Thought of you today and wondered how you're doing. I hope life is treating you well and that you are enjoying the holidays surrounded with people you love. May 2018 bring you blessings, joy and pleasant surprises!

[@annettemagro3858]

OT Miri, you have me tearing up!! I am beginning my journey to studying for the NBCOT and I have always loved you but you really are such an inspiration and wonderful spirit! Thank you for all that you do for the OT community! you are truly a gem.

[@MiriLee]

Aww thank you, Annette. I'm happy to know you feel supported here with me. Thank you for sharing your journey and allowing me to be a part of this meaningful chapter of your life.

[@khloejackson941]

You're such an inspiration!!. You're so understanding and you're HUMAN lol. Thank you for sharing this ❤ keep that humble spirit 🤗

[@MiriLee]

aww, Jasmine, thank you so much for your kind words. I appreciate you being here and am encouraged with your words. Thank you for lifting my spirits today.

[@tyfmac238]

This was so encouraging, thank you. I am now motivated again to keep pushing forward.

[@MiriLee]

That's wonderful to hear. It's not always easy to keep that momentum and motivation when you're preparing for the board, but I hope you will always take a moment each day to remember how far you've come instead of worrying about how far you still have to go. The fact that you're here preparing for the board means that you're well equipped and prepared to conquer this exam!! Thank you for taking a moment to connect with me~

[@marilynnreyes9569]

hello miri, I wanted to take a moment to thank you for your guidance and support on my journey to study for my NBCOT. I finally pass my exam the third time around I'm now in the process of applying for my state license. thank you so much, hope to see you in the field :)

[@MiriLee]

Congratulations Marilynn!! How time flies. It's already been 2 months since the first time you left a comment on this page and I have enjoyed our interaction and connections through the last couple of months. Thank you for sharing this meaningful journey with me and sharing your heart, struggles and joys with me. I am so happy for you and hope you will stay connected here in the community. Congratulations again, Marilynn!! So happy for you!

[@santinabranch579]

Thank you so much Miri!!! You are wonderful

[@MiriLee]

You're welcome, Santina! Thank you for being here and sharing your journey with me!

[@lfritzsche01]

Miri, you are AMAZING! you are so inspiring and I really love that you share bits and pieces of your life with us through the videos... it takes a lot of courage to share some of the things you do and I commend you for that! You are such a hugeee help, I really feel like I've transformed and revamped my study methods because of all of your awesome suggestions. Thank you for sharing your experiences with this awesome community! I take my exam a week from tomorrow, hopefully it goes well! ((fingers crossed))

[@MiriLee]

oh Lydia! Thank you for your sweet, kind and enthusiastic comment! I can sense the love and appreciation in your words and I'm grateful for your support! If you haven't already, please be sure to check out the NBCOT Essential Guide, which was released yesterday on the OT Miri website: www.otmiri.com/nbcot-exam-essentials/. It's not meant to overwhelm you with more work, but to give you a checklist of things you can think about before your big day next week. I'll be keeping you in my heart and prayers, Lydia. Take good care of yourself in the days leading up to the exam and remember that you deserve to be celebrated today and every day, just as you are.

[@kymbrailsford9997]

I can't believe I just found you! My test is tomorrow. Your videos are fantastic!

[@MiriLee]

Thank you, Kym! Although I wish we could have connected sooner, I'm grateful that we were able to connect before your exam and hope my videos provided some sense of calm before your exam. I wish you the best tomorrow as you take your exam- I'll be thinking of you and sending prayers your way. Go in there as an entry level practitioner and don't let any question waver your sense of confidence. You have within you everything you need master this exam. ❤️

[@carleigh2161]

This information is so amazing! Thank you so much Miri! I love your videos and they are so encouraging and helpful!

[@MiriLee]

Hi Carleigh~ Thank you for your sweet message and feedback. I'm happy you're here and grateful for the support and love of our community. I wish I can make more videos (and more frequently). If only there were more than 24 hours in a day... But messages like this fires me up and makes me want to do moooore!! So thank you for taking a moment to connect with me and share your appreciation and support. Love, Miri

[@jonharris30]

Hi Miri, just want to say that I watched this video and your other videos in my preparations for the COTA exam. It was instrumental in my passing the exam. This was my second time taking the test and I felt so much more prepared. I passed the test! thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@MiriLee]

Congratulations Jon Harris!! I am happy to know you passed the board and even more delighted to know we were able to share this journey together! Even though we never met, these sort of messages are what give so much joy and meaning to the work I do on a personal level. So thank you so much, Jon, for coming back here to share this exciting news so I can celebrate with you in spirit! ❤️🎉 I wish you only the best as you transition to practice and discover your limitless potential!!

[@jrod7017]

I watched, and absorbed the whole thing! Thank you.

[@MiriLee]

Oh good! I hope you walked away from this video feeling encouraged. Thank you for being here.

[@herminialopez1396]

Thank you for your honesty and insights. It is what needed as I prepare for my exam. ❤

[@MiriLee]

Thank you for studying with me. I hope you continue to feel supported as you transition into different chapters of your OT journey.

[@caitlineller4163]

So inspirational!! Made me cry because I’ve always had difficulties myself with learning, all my life, and this gives me so much confidence! P.s I still can’t do math without a calculator!

[@MiriLee]

Caitlin, thank you for connecting with me and sharing more about yourself. A relationship forged through shared struggles and passion is truly meaningful and I am grateful to be able to walk this journey with you. Thank you for being here. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@ishaaqhasan4584]

thank you so much for all you do and continue to do for us!

[@MiriLee]

You're very welcome, Ishaaq! Thank you for being here and sharing your OT journey with me.

[@Thelmhale]

Miri you are so awesome, sweet, and such a funny person! I re-take my exam in 2 days (failed the first time by 9 points because I was so nervous and distracted the first time!). I am SO nervous and SO stressed out once again but watching your videos helps me so much. You are keeping me calm right now lol! Thank you for all your dedication and everything you do!

[@MiriLee]

Hi Thelma! What a thoughtful and encouraging message. Thank you for leaving me a comment and sharing your thoughts with me. It's always so nice to connect with the OT community and it brightens my day when I receive these comments and messages. These next two days may bring a lot of intense thoughts and feelings that make you feel unprepared or inadequate, but I hope you will practice mental discipline and seize those unproductive thoughts and replace them with the truth of how capable you are and how far you've already come. You've endured and accomplished so much already and everything you need to pass the exam is already within you. Trust yourself, trust in the process and have faith in the grand path and destiny of your life. I'll be keeping you in my thoughts, Thelma!

[@Thelmhale]

I just wanted to check back and let you know I passed my exam with flying colors! I'm so happy :) Thank you again for being a part of the positivity that helped encourage me in my whole study process! I am very grateful to have had your videos and websites as resources during this process! I'm finally a COTA, yay!!

[@MiriLee]

Hiiii Thelma! Congratulations!!! This is such wonderful, exciting and joyful news! I'm so happy for you and excited for all the adventures and stories you will encounter as a new COTA practitioner. I would LOVE to hear these stories as they unfold and hope you will continue to stay connected and engaged in our community. Please feel free to share your experience and insights in our forums if you so feel compelled! It may be just one story, but your story may be the one that provides courage and inspiration to the future test taker who needs to hear your words. Congratulations again!! I'm so happy for you!!

[@stanlesserafim57]

Thank you!!! I've just started studying for my boards. You're remarkable.

[@MiriLee]

aww, thank you so much, Modinat! I'm happy you're here and thankful for this meaningful journey we can share together. I hope you'll always feel safe and supported here in our community. Please be sure to join OT Miri Facebook group, page and website (www.OTmiri.com) to maximize all the resources available to you. Take lots of breaks, be good to yourself, and I'll look forward to celebrating with you every step of your journey.

[@laurencecorpus7367]

Hi Miri I just want to let you know that I passed my cota boards last Friday. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. Now, I am doing the same thing, helping out my classmates to learn the material better in their preparation for boards. You have been an inspiration. Ty so much.

[@MiriLee]

Laurence!!! Congratulations!! YESSSSS!!! YOU DID IT! I'm elated to hear the news!! Thank you for coming back here to share this exciting news with me. We've been sharing this journey for a little over 2-3 months now and I've been eagerly awaiting the good news from you. This really made my day, Laurence... As you embark on the next chapter of your life, I hope you will be met with continued support and resources that help you thrive. It's been wonderful sharing this journey with you and I hope you will stay connected. Sending you my love and BIG HUG!! Congratulations!!!

[@stanlesserafim57]

Laurence Corpus hi..Congratulations!!! Did you use therapy Ed book? Do you by chance still have any of the books you used to prepare for the exam? Thank you.

[@michellemarin1563]

I just took the test today. I'm so happy that I found you!!! and I am truly grateful to had watched most of your wonderful videos. I'll highly recommended your videos to study and prepared for the test. 😊 I know I passed because of you. lol 😄 like i already know. I wanted to thank you. Please don't stop what you doing. Everything you said on each video was on my test. I love 😍 you. hahaha 😁🤓😙😄

[@MiriLee]

Michelle, thank you for coming back here to share your experience and feedback! I appreciate the opportunity to connect directly with the community and each time I receive messages like this, my entire face lights up and I get super motivated and encouraged to make my next video! So thank you for your love, enthusiasm and support- it means a lot to me. More importantly, congratulations on completing the exam! I know you don't have the results yet, but you have already accomplished and achieved so much to get to where to are today and that is certainly worth celebrating!! 🎉🌹❤️

[@melissapothier5026]

Miri! I just found out today that I passed the NBCOT COTA exam! Your videos were a big part of my studying. Thank you so much !!

[@MiriLee]

woohoo!! Congratulations Melissa!! I know you posted this comment three weeks ago, but I hope you're still savoring your high achievement and reward! I'm so happy to have been able to share this journey with you leading to your success. Thank you for walking this OT journey with me. Congratulations again!

[@melissapothier5026]

OT Miri Yes, I feel proud and excited. Thank you again so much 💜!

[@MichelleKMedeiros]

Hey Miri, just wanted to let you know that I recently took my NBCOT exam and unfortunately did not pass by 3 points. I will be retaking my exam in 3 weeks and would just like to know if you could give me any tips to ease my anxiety and ways to stay positive throughout this time. I love your videos and thank you for making them. - Michelle

[@MiriLee]

Hi Michelle, thank you for reaching out and sharing your story with me. I wish there was something I can say to alleviate your anxiety and disappointment... Although I don't know your unique situation, I can empathize with your pain and understand how hard this time may be for you. I don't know that there is one really easy or quick fix to managing anxiety, but for me, it really helped me to practice mindfulness and positive thinking. It takes a lot of mental and emotional discipline to silence the voice of negativity, but we must be active and vigilant in catching these patterns of negative thoughts because they are often founded in harsh self criticism, comparison with others, and self imposed expectations. Once you can silence that negativity and trust in your own unique path and timeline, it becomes easier to accept (and even thrive) through your situation. The fact that you are getting ready to test your board means that you have already endured, accomplished and achieved so much in life. There is much to celebrate and be thankful for... Although the NBCOT exam feels like the single most important and pivotal priority right now, this is but ONE event in the grand scheme of your entire life. When you look back to this time, it is my hope that you will remember it as a time of growth, personal development and breakthroughs, not a time of misery and hopelessness. Let this journey allow you to learn the art of not merely passing an exam, but passing in life. And to do that, you must be guard your heart against negativity, stand your ground when you feel defeated and encourage your spirit when you feel like giving up. No one can make you feel less or inferior without your permission. Take good care, Michelle. Love, Miri

[@Talisa3636]

This came right on time! Thank you!

[@MiriLee]

I'm so glad! I hope your NBCOT journey begins and ends with peace, confidence and optimism!

[@BBradleyJ]

Thanks Miri!! This will be so helpful! I take my NBCOT the 12th of October!! :)

[@MiriLee]

Oh your exam is coming up soon! I'll be thinking of you and sending you lots of positive vibes! Thank you for leaving a note and connecting with me.

[@BBradleyJ]

OT Miri I’m anxious and trying to study but not doing a great job with it 😖

[@MiriLee]

Some days are harder than others and there will be days when you feel unproductive. But even on those days, remember that even small efforts do matter and don't be so harsh with yourself when you find yourself needing to rest and take a break. "Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out." Robert Collier As long as you keep at it and persevere, even with small steps, you will get there. Have a great weekend, Brad!

[@BBradleyJ]

OT Miri also get discouraged trying to find jobs to apply for

[@BBradleyJ]

Miri! I'm happy to report myself and the two other people that took the NBCOT before the grading last Wed passed!!!! :)

[@s09g21]

Hi Miri, thank you so much for all that you do and for sharing your knowledge. Your videos have helped so much! I test the 13th of Oct.

[@MiriLee]

You're welcome, Lori! Thank you for taking a moment to connect with me and leave a comment. I appreciate it! 13 more days till the big day- I hope each new day up to your exam brings you greater confidence and courage. I'll be thinking of you, Lori! ❤️

[@s09g21]

Hello Miri! Just want to share some great news with you, I just found out this morning I passed my exam!!

[@MiriLee]

Oh wow! Congratulations, Lori! This is such wonderful news and I'm thankful you thought of me to come back here to share the news with me! I'm celebrating today in spirit with you!!! Enjoy the day and savor the moment! You deserve it!

[@s09g21]

OT Miri, Thank you so much for your kind words!

[@jessicacaballero8293]

I did watch the whole video, you inspire and made me laugh. Thank you Miri.

[@MiriLee]

Thank you for watching and listening to my story, Jessica! I'm happy to know that my story can resonate with you and provide some inspiration and smiles. Thank you for leaving your comment and taking a moment to connect with me.

[@laurencecorpus7367]

I did watch the whole video while getting ready for school:D it's my last week and my exit exam is on Friday. Thanks for the tips.

[@MiriLee]

aww, thank you for listening Laurence! Good luck with your exit exam- you're almost there!! I'll be looking forward to sharing the NBCOT journey with you once you're ready to begin preparing for the exam. Until then, it's time to celebrate your achievements and how far you've already come!!

[@MariyaLoveyah]

Bottom line is : YOU are amazing! Lol

[@cicelyanderson2435]

Hello, I'm in my 2nd rotation of my FW. I will be completing it the end of July. I have the "purple book" and I have been doing the PDFs and practice exams on AOTA website ( when I have time) so my question is do you think I need to purchase the Therapy Ed book as well or would that be overload. My plan is to take the NBCOT the first or second week in September. Thanks in advance for any advice. By the way you ROCK 😀

[@MiriLee]

Hi Cicely! Wow, you're almost done! Congratulations on getting through the program! Sounds like you got an early start to NBCOT prep and are well on your way to transition smoothly. One of the main advantages of utilizing multiple study guides from various companies is the exposure you'll have to a large database of questions. In addition to the number of questions, you'll also be exposed to several different types of questions since every company presents their questions and rationales slightly differently. This is helpful because we want to avoid memorizing the answers and instead, practice using critical thinking to think about the same diagnosis or clinical scenario from multiple angles. I realize that it's not always easy or possible for everyone to purchase multiple study guides, but I do think it's helpful to answer as many practice questions as possible in preparation for the board. Having said that, it might get very overwhelming and even disorganized to study content from various study guides, because these companies utilize different structure and format in presenting their material. So it is up to you to decide which format and structure best fits with your unique learning style utilizing 1 or 2 study guides to learn the content, but getting your hands on as many practice questions as possible, including Therapy Ed if you feel the need to practice more questions. From there, I would focus on creating your own structure and timeline utilizing one or two resources. I personally utilized my textbook quite a bit to fill in the blanks when things didn't make sense. And I cross referenced every discrepant information through my textbook. I hope that helps, Cicely!

[@cicelyanderson2435]

OT Miri thank you so much for taking the time out of your day to respond. I'm so nervous, and filled with excitement. I love your videos they are so helpful. I don't have a lot of time to study like I want to so I listen to your videos a lot. Thank you and keep them coming. 😀

[@emilyvajirasarn666]

Miri your videos have been so helpful Thank you. I take my exam on Monday, Feb 5th. I've been studying for a month and noticed that this past week, my practice test scores are getting lower. I started off in the low 70s and now am in the low-mid 60s. I'm starting to panic and worried I won't pass. What is going on?! Is it study fatigue? Should I push my test date back?

[@MiriLee]

Hi Emily, I'm glad you're finding these videos helpful. There are probably several factors influencing your practice exam scores, including stress, mental fatigue, anxiety... At the end of the day, you are the best person to assess your situation and readiness to test on February 5th. I posted an article on my OT Miri Facebook group this morning that touch on this topic and I'm not sure if you've had a chance to see the post, but in it, I talk about the importance of evaluating your own progress and readiness without comparing yourself to the "norm." The practice exam scores don't always accurately predict your future performance so don't let that encourage you too much, or discourage you too much. Above all, guard your mind and heart against the voice of negativity and try to anchor yourself in confidence. You can and you will pass this exam because everything you need to pass is already within you.

[@emilyvajirasarn666]

OT Miri Thank you, Miri. Your advice helps a lot. You are an incredible person and I admire and appreciate all you do for those of us working towards this exam. Thank you again!

[@davesaenz5691]

15% tip. ? JUST Add $1.50 for every ten dollars. So if your tab is $20 you multiply $1.50 x 2 which is $3. But what if your tab is $24? Same, $1.50 x 2 = $3.00. But there's $4 additional dollars. Then its 4 x .15 cents. Or 60 cents. So At $24 you tip $3.60. Same applies to 18% or 20%.

[@davesaenz5691]

By the way this is how my thought process works. Hopefully someone here can use it differently.

[@MiriLee]

You're the best, Dave!! Thank you. I always look forward to your comments : )

[@jklov8590]

OMG DAVE THANK YOU I CAN CONQUER ANY RESTAURANT NOW! I have never been able to do basic math either Miri! Love you!!

[@pollywerner3616]

Great tip, Dave! Miri, here's another tip for percentages! This helped me a lot and I feel it makes calculating tips easier. Let's start with a bill for $54.98. Move the decimal over to the left by 1 place. That makes it $5.498. That's it - $5.49 would be %10 (or round up to $5.50). Simple right? To get 20%, double it. (I can't do a lot of math in my head, so you can round up or down to make it easier. So approximately 20% would be $11. Close enough, right?). Similarly, for 15% you would halve the 10% number ($5 in half becomes $2.50) and then add that to the $5. For 15%, you get $7.50. It's not exact, but it's good enough in my book. :) I hope this helps others out there! You've inspired me - maybe I will make a video someday.

[@pollywerner3616]

I forgot to say, thank you Miri for the wonderful videos. I am just beginning to study and I think it will help me formulate a great plan! I really appreciate the comments about "failure" - it really helps take the pressure off! I also loved learning about the meaning of your name.

[@tiffanychristine5470]

TY!!!

[@MiriLee]

You're very welcome! Thank you for all your comments. I love connecting with the community and appreciate your engagement very much. ❤️