I really need some guidance (and a reset). I scored a 65% on the SIE today. I figured I would wallow in the pain for the weekend before starting back up again on Monday. However, I felt discouraged throughout the test because it didn’t seem like anything I studied for the past month and a half wasn’t even on the test. The questions seemed so foreign to me that I kept thinking these were the “10 random” questions that weren’t going to get scored. But they seemed to keep coming and nothing I learned ever kicked in.
Scoring a 65% means you’re close! We know it’s disappointing, but you’re within reach, and with a few adjustments to your study approach, you’re well on your way to passing next time.
We reviewed your study history and saw that you’ve completed a lot of mock exams, which is great. That said, it looks like you haven’t quite reached the point where you’re consistently passing them. Most people continue practicing until they’re regularly scoring 85% or higher, which helps provide a buffer for exam-day stress or a tough set of questions.
We also noticed that you tend to finish your practice exams quite quickly, sometimes in less than half the allotted time. FINRA designs the exams to be nuanced, and it’s often worth slowing down and taking the time to carefully read each question and answer choice. A small detail can completely change what the question is really asking.
One of the most important steps is reviewing your practice exams after you take them. The main goal isn’t just to get a score; it’s to identify which concepts still need work so you can focus your studying more effectively. That way, even if a question is worded differently next time, you’ll know how to approach it.
We’ve reset your account so you can start fresh! Please reach out if there’s anything else we can do to support you as you study.