Updated 7/10/21
Do you feel like you can learn everything you need to learn for your exam in just 30 days? That’s cool (though we totally don’t recommend it)! Need 13 months, 16 days, and 7 hours to prepare? That’s cool, too. No matter what your plan looks like, we can all agree that preparation is the key to success.
With board exams coming up, you might be knee-deep in studying for the first time in a while. Or maybe you’re a perpetual learner continuously studying for the tests life throws at you. Either way, it never hurts to have a little help. Here are a handful of useful tips and tricks proven to help you succeed:
Don't Put Off Studying
Getting ready for a board exam can take a lot of time. When your schedule is already packed with work, the thought of adding in more study time can feel overwhelming. How do you overcome your tendency to delay studying and actually get more done?
Try one of these tips to pulverize procrastination—like scheduling an appointment for yourself to study!
Put a stop to procrastination and start studying now!
Conquer Test Anxiety with Mindfulness
If you're feeling nervous about your upcoming exam, you’re not alone! For many physicians, anxiety about passing boards can be overwhelming. Mindfulness is an effective way you can manage your anxiety while you're preparing for and taking the exam. You can start by cutting back on multi-tasking and focusing more intently on one thing at a time while studying.
Here are 6 more strategies that can help you approach boards with a clear mind.
Try mindfulness to beat test anxiety before your board exam.
Craft Your Study Plan
Not sure where to start? Check out our StudyWise guide and learn how to study more effectively with the MedStudy Method. We break down the best way to approach studying for immediate recall and retention, and show you how to do it in 3 easy steps. The guide also de-bunks 6 learning myths that may be holding you back—and reveals the 2 secrets to long-term learning.
The StudyWise Guide is full of study tips to help you ace your board exam.
Review With Multiple Formats
Using a variety of formats will increase your memory cues. That's why we recommend adding different formats into your study routine like reading books, self-testing with Board-Style Q&A, and flipping through flashcards.
Learning tools such as audio or video lectures also help you make use of time that might otherwise be wasted. Now you can study on your commute, while doing household chores, or sitting in a waiting room.
Using multiple formats while studying will deepen your understanding and improve your recall.
Take Care of Yourself
This one might not seem obvious, but it matters more than you’d think. The stress of the exam, work, and keeping up with your daily life can take a big toll on your body and mind.
Make it a priority to get at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise and 7-9 hours of sleep as many days as you can. Exercise and sleep help your brain stay alert, clear, and ready to recall all the medical information you are studying. Keeping your brain healthy is just as important as filling it with all the essential medical information you need to know.
Take care of your brain by getting 7-9 hours of sleep as many nights as you can.
Set Up For Success on Exam Day
Your focus may be to just cram in a few more facts before exam day. But what about exam day itself? Don't forget to make a plan for your exam day ahead of time, so on the day of your test you can relax, review any last-minute notes, and focus on passing your boards. Here are more of our favorite tips to stay positive walking into your board exam.
Plan ahead to take some stress out of your exam day.
We hope you’ve found something useful in this assortment of preparation advice. Whether you’re taking an exam this month or next year, MedStudy is rooting for your success. Want even more study tips? Follow us on Instagram @MedStudySTRONG for daily study tips, Q&As, and inspiration.
