After failing the exam in April and after second guessing myself and rescheduling 3 times, I finally sat for the second attempt and passed with moderately proficient in all process groups. Let me tell you guys, these forums really helped me to craft a study plan and I will even go as far as to say that they helped me pass the exam. This is my story.

I took and passed the CAPM in February on my first try. After listening to some (bad) advice from people who pretended to be in the know, I studied for about 3 weeks, focusing on memorizing the inputs and outputs and then  took the PMP exam on April 9th. As soon as I started the exam, I knew that i was out of my league. I scored half below proficient and half moderately proficient. After passing the CAPM with ease, it was very disheartening failing the PMP.I scheduled to take it 2 weeks later and I ended up pushing it back another two weeks, then another two weeks and finally decided to give myself a month. Best decision I ever made.

As I studied for my second attempt, I switched from the Andy Crowe PMP book to the Rita book. About three chapters in, I decided to use all my resources and used the Crowe Book, Rita and the PMBOK. Using all of these resources really helps to drive the information home.

Another great resource is the bevy of practice tests online. I took 5 practice tests durings my preparation:

-PM Study (free)
-Andy Crowes final test
-Lehman
-Edwel
-Headfirst PMP

I'm cheap, so I was big on the free practice tests. Luckily there are a lot of them.

Definitely use the practice tests as both a way to simulate the exam, but also as a study tool. Going over your wrong answers and even right answers helps you learn as well.

I want to thank everyone on these PM Zilla forums for the advice they give. It helps us all to make it!

I can't express the feeling you get once you pass the PMP, but it's still surreal that I passed it. Put in the time and the effort and it will pay off. It's a great feeling!

Good luck.