Assessment time...

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I had sent in my Pre-Application Skills Assessment (PASA) to the ICAA last Friday, but it isn't being processed until the coming Monday at least. It took Pakistan Post's Express Mail Service (EMS) about two days to reach Australia and another four days for Australian post to finally deliver it to the postal box address on the form. Tracking the package was not a problem, as both Pakistan Post and Australian Post provided tracking summaries of the package.

Another risky undertaking that saved at least me Rs. 1,200 from an exchange service or a fat half-lie at my bank was that I included my VISA card details on the form for payment. I've sent them three emails so far to tell them that they will need to advise me the exact time and date of payment so I can activate an online session to be able to complete an online transaction.

This is a potentially costly risk in case it doesn't work out, as I would have to pay Rs. 1,200 plus the local exchange rate for AUD, which has increased dramatically from around Rs. 50 to almost par with the USD around Rs. 85, as well as Rs. 2,400 for courier charges and up to another week of waiting.

The ICAA was definitely the more responsive of the other assessment bodies, with a number of incentives - 1) 4-6 weeks processing time as compared to 15 weeks with CPA, which is straining to complete a backlog 2) Automatic assessment for ICAA membership and 3) Responsive email customer service with a maximum of one-working-day TAT for answering mails. This means I usually send my emails in the evening and receive a response by the next morning. Filling the form was also not-painful though their documentary requirements seemed slightly more stringent.

Just a sneak preview at the migration process in case I clear the assessment - Firstly, no time to lose and I should complete the form and arrange for supporting details or documentation as soon as I have taken my exams so that I can make it for my 30th birthday (though I would still have 120 points if I don't get the maximum points for age). Secondly, and more importantly, I have to arrange for the first installment of almost 2.5 petis (around AUD $2,500) to submit with my application. I also need to be very sure of which visa I will be applying for, as one of the migration agents had talked about sponsorship. But more on this later, with full details.

Finally, with exactly a month or just three more weeks of study time and a week for revision, I doubt that I will be able to finish my studies. I am still stuck in the first few blocks of my blackboard manager, with less that 20% of the entire syllabus covered. I will have to work very fast, but that is just not happening as I seem to swimming in quick sand, with memory lapses eating up my work to date as well.

Having the blackboard manager drawn up months ago would have much more appropriate, with even just a few hours on weekends to get through the major chunks so much more desirable.

Oh well, another round of sweat, blood and tears coming my way and desperate prayers to inch a passing mark. With a load of work exhausting me on weekdays and very little chance of leave scheduling, this exam is probably going to be the toughest one yet with a real run for my money.

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