Shaping Strategy Episode 8: Do I Have to Take the Test?

The APR exam can feel like one of the most intimidating parts of the accreditation journey, but it doesn’t have to be.In this episode of "Shaping Strategy: The APR Journey," host Krystyna Baumgartner, APR, explores what to expect from the exam and how to approach it with greater confidence. Hear from Jessica McCartney, APR, and Mandy LeCompte, APR, as they share practical strategies that helped them prepare, including: How study groups, accountability partners and mentors can strengthen your preparationWhy practicing strategic thinking matters more than memorizing every detailHow Jessica used a custom AI-powered study guide to simulate exam questions and reinforce key conceptsTips for building a realistic study timeline and knowing when you’re ready to take the test Then, 2024 Missouri School Counselor of the Year Rachel Reeves Hagelin joins the conversation with practical advice for managing test anxiety, including grounding techniques, positive self-talk and mindset strategies you can use before and during the exam — tools that can also support managing anxiety in everyday professional and personal situations well beyond the APR journey.Whether the APR exam feels daunting or you’re simply wondering what to expect, this episode offers reassurance, preparation tips and a reminder that you may be more ready than you think.Show notes and resources from the episode:"APR SIDEKICK" GPT: https://chatgpt.com/g/g-aCmNuCOgz-apr-sidekickNote: This guest-created GPT study tool is shared as an optional supplemental resource and is not part of official NSPRA preparation materialsTEST ANXIETY:Test anxiety tips and notes from Rachel Reeves Hagelin, shared as an optional supplemental tool.Motivational InterviewingWhat would be good about taking the test?How might their professional lives look differently in 5 years after taking the certification?What worries you if you don’t get the certification?What gives you confidence to take the test?What have you succeeded at in the past that shows that you can succeed in things in the future?How committed are you to taking the test?Test Anxiety in AdultsUtilize the resources for the test above (be well-prepared)Utilize the motivation to help with your whyRecognize that anxiety is the amygdala taking over and that you are truly safe.  Here are strategies to do thatWhat are you doing right now?I’m sitting and I’m safeI’m typing and I’m safeI’m walking and I’m safeLabel thoughtsThinking/future/unpleasantThinking/past/unpleasantThinking/future/neutral etc.If you catastrophize the test (this will be horrible, and that will be terrible), take a deep breath and reframeImagine what it would be like to look at your score in a couple of weeks when it comes back, and it is one you are satisfied with it.Utilize positive self-talkI have trained for this examI have gotten through hard tests in the past and have been successfulI have confidence for this exam because of all of the successes I have had in the past like…my daughter being born, landing a job, running a 5KThis is just a test.  I can take it again if I need toDo meditation before the testUtilize “Headspace” or “Calm” or Headspace Exam ExerciseExam Success MeditationBreathing ExercisesBox BreathingImportance of sleepSleep is crucial for memory and focus. Build a consistent sleep schedule leading up to your exam, aiming for 7-9 hours a night.  (https://www.cmich.edu/blog/all-things-higher-ed/15-strategies-for-overcoming-test-anxiety)Importance of foodLean in to the anxietyMost strong emotions last for only 3 minutesStrong distractionsHold iceEat a very sour candyThese shock you out of the rumination</