RPR

[Jackie]

Well, I just registered for the November RPR. I passed the written knowledge test in July, so this is the big test. I sat for it in May just to get an idea of how it was (with no expectations to pass any leg, which I didn't), and so I'm hoping that will help my test jitters. I am writing a solid 200+ wpm and just need my final three Q&A tests at 225 to get out there and start working. I don't need the RPR to work, technically, but really want to get it to beef up my resume. It is one thing to say "I can write 225 wpm" and another to have letters behind your name that back that statement up.

I am feeling a lot better about my 225s lately, but still have some speeding up to do in order to pass the tests. I have been working on the 225s for 6 weeks and hope to pass the tests in a month or 6 weeks, which will give me 4-6 weeks before the RPR. I have been practicing at 240-250 for 6 weeks and recently started practicing speed tapes that my teacher gave me, at 220 Lit, 230 JC, and 280 Q&A. It kicks my butt and is really hard to practice to.

I learned StenEd, which has been good for the most part, and have been working on shortening my writing. I work full time and go to school twice a week (nights) and try to get in 2 hours of practice a night. Does anyone have any further recommendations on what I can do to bump my speed up to finally get out of school? I am so ready! I have also been interning once a week, which I enjoy immensely. Should I just continue doing what I'm doing - high speed, briefs, 2 hours - or should I bump my practice time up to 3 hours? Any ideas on what you did to finally get your 225s would be much appreciated! Thanks in advance!

ETA: I turned in a Q&A test last week and it was sitting fairly pretty at 89% - definitely not what I need, but just to give everyone an idea of how close I'm getting to the speed. I can get the majority of what is said, but the quick exchanges that fly by are my struggle right now.

[Glen Warner]

Jackie --

Next week, for sure!

--gdw
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"For a Good (steno) Time ...."
http://www.cheapandsleazy.net

[Jackie]

Thanks, Janet -- those high speeds are tough, but I know that it will help in the long run!

Jill, that is a really good point - thanks for posting.

Glen, I am an avid reader of your blog (thanks for the good stuff on there!) and actually have a copy of the book you recommended. I haven't incorporated many of the extensions into my writing at this point (it was slowing me down while incorporating it), but I will keep working on them until them become automatic. Thanks!

Thanks again, everyone! I've turned in two Q&A tests so far - the first was 89% and the second (a week later) was 92%!! I'm almost there!

[Glen Warner]

Jackie --

I ditto all comments ...!

BUT, to piggy-back off of Monica's post, I recommend that you take a look at my article, "Dictionaries 'r' Us." It it you will learn about the Magic Drill, which teaches you basic phrases, and how to drop properly, and the Q&A extensions Monica mentioned.

While the Q&A extensions I show you in the article are good, the book I got them from (Q&A, a Faster Way, by Donna Dunn, has a whole lot more. The ones I share are limited to one or two words, but the book has a few that are a lot longer. For instance --

STKPWHRA-URBGS will translate as

      Q. What is your place of employment?

One stroke. Six words, a question mark, and the Q. symbol as well -- all in one stroke.

This will definitely help you pass that Q&A ... and the small briefs should help you with the other tests.

Good luck!

--gdw
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"For a Good (steno) Time ...."
http://www.cheapandsleazy.net

[Jill Moyle]

When I was practicing for the RPR, one thing that really helped me was not writing the same takes too many times, constantly pracitcing on new material. That way you're always having unfamiliar stuff thrown at you, and it won't be so jarring when you take the test.

[Janet]

It is painful to practice at higher speeds, but the results are worth the pain. That 225 is going to feel slow in comparison. Just tell yourself you can do it, and you will!

[Jackie]

Thanks, ladies! It is always nice to have some encouragement! I practice for hours last night, playing those speed contest practice tapes over and over. When I had had enough of that, I finally brought it down to my tape that is 225/250 of the same take, and I could really tell a difference! It is painful to practice at that high speed where I can't keep up, but I know that it is working. I have class tonight -- wish me luck!

[Jennie Ann]

If your transcripts are punctuated as nicely as this blog post, I believe you have a very bright future ahead of you. There's nothing better than reading a well-written post. Congratulations on your success. It's time to kick your heels together and celebrate! :-)