This message has been cross posted to the following Discussions: Answer Exchange P2P Support and CMA Study Group .
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Hello Candidates,
The essay part is pretty daunting, isn't it? Without options to choose from, candidates think the essay part is difficult because there is no way that they can validate whether their answer is correct or not.
For those who have previously taken the CMA exams, I think you would agree with me that the (quantitative) questions asked in the essay are, more often than not, straightforward.
I think the essay part becomes very crucial to getting a "pass" when one's mark on the MCQ section is just a little above 50%. It has been made known that essay comprises 25% of the candidates' total scaled score, which may mean that scoring above 60% should be the minimum target score on the MCQ part.
Some simple tips I would like to share in preparing for and tackling the essay part:
- Hone writing skills without bothering too much on preparing for essay by answering (very) long problems.
- On practice rounds doing MCQs, try to write 2-3 sentences on selected possible essay questions, explaining the concept upon which your answer is based from, and also explain why the other choices are incorrect.
- Spelling, grammar, even punctuation, are important to earn those extra needed points. Better to be used to coherent writing and standard business sentence construction right from the get-go.
- Allot at least 90 minutes for the essay part.
- Browse through all questions and prioritize first before you start answering each one of them.
When the fact pattern on the main essay is on a topic you are not familiar about, do not panic; use all your remaining time and be creative in responding to the questions by organizing your answer using proper business English. Remember: Partial credits are given in the essay part. On both (Part 1 and 2) examinations I chose to skip to give an answer to one sub-question to buy more time and give decent and better responses on the remaining sub-questions. You can still earn a passing score despite being unable to answer 1-2 sub-questions in the essay section. -------------------------------------------
Angel Secerio CMA, CPA
Director/Manager
Leighton Middle East LLC
Azaiba
Oman
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