Encouragement = extra pressure

[BedeliARE]

Taking these exams is a big time commitment, so my friends and family know when I have one coming up, and they offer lots of encouraging statements like “you’ll be fine” and “you got this” or just asking how it went.
I appreciate all these people rooting for me, but being told “I’m sure you rocked it!” when I think I failed or don’t feel confident doesn’t actually make me feel better – they make me feel like this person is invested and if I fail, I’m disappointing them.

Anyone else feel this way? Or has the stress of exams and mental gymnastics of deciphering NCARBs wording finally broken my brain?

[rackbobo]

BedeliARE, yes I feel the same way. I've failed multiple tests and it can be frustrating to hear others say something like those comments you mentioned. I get the same ones!
At this point, I don't share any information about my studying or when test taking dates, except to my husband. It definitely messes with me mentally!

[Sparky83]

Taking these exams is a big time commitment, so my friends and family know when I have one coming up, and they offer lots of encouraging statements like “you’ll be fine” and “you got this” or just asking how it went.
I appreciate all these people rooting for me, but being told “I’m sure you rocked it!” when I think I failed or don’t feel confident doesn’t actually make me feel better – they make me feel like this person is invested and if I fail, I’m disappointing them.

Anyone else feel this way? Or has the stress of exams and mental gymnastics of deciphering NCARBs wording finally broken my brain?

They mean well. Take it in the spirit they intended.

[mbkarp]

Yes, I felt the same way. "You will do great" will not help you when you are staring at a question that you can only know if you happened to study that specific topic. It is however the only way that a non-architect/'person who has taken the exams' can help. While they might add extra pressure, they will be there for you if you fail and will certainly be excited if you pass, in fact some of these people will be the first you tell when you pass.

[ekelsey15]

Be happy that someone says something at all. Only my parent and my wife remember enough to wish me luck.. My friends don't really know that I'm testing nor could they care less if I pass or not. The only people who will really understand are the other people sitting in the exam next to you. Take any little bit of encouragement as proof that they know what's going on in your life..

[AREMC]

hah - feel the same way. I no longer tell anyone when i am testing lol

[Quigaboo]

Who cares what other people think if you pass or fail. Once you pass them all and you start your own practice raking in 200k+ a year, you will forget all about the exams! Just keep your eye on the prize and don't even discuss the exams unless it is with peers or colleagues.

[rwwon]

start your own practice raking in 200k+ a year.

[vjam]

Be happy that someone says something at all. Only my parent and my wife remember enough to wish me luck.. My friends don't really know that I'm testing nor could they care less if I pass or not. The only people who will really understand are the other people sitting in the exam next to you. Take any little bit of encouragement as proof that they know what's going on in your life..

Ekelsey15,
It's one thing if no one knows you are studying and testing. It's a whole different thing if they Do know and Don't Care. They could not care less about your success? Wow, you may really need to reconsider who your "friends" are...sounds like you need better friends! No harm or insult meant, I'm just astonished...

Vjam

[ekelsey15]

Well let me state that they are my friends by marriage mostly, but yes I know..