So I am about halfway through the D.C. program and my first round of board exams are right around the corner. Most of what I have been learning for about the last two years is going to be tested in a little over a month. That has made this trimester a little more interesting as I have had to learn how to stay up on my classes, as well as prepare for Part I boards. I feel like I do a lot better on big exams when I go into them feeling confident. Now, I know I haven’t taken the test yet, so I can’t say for sure if I have been successful in preparing, but I do feel pretty confident as of right now. So, I can tell you what I have done to feel confident going into the test.
First, and I know this will seem like common sense, take your classes seriously. From day one, do your best to seriously learn the material instead of just learning enough to get through the class. This will make it easier when you go back to review the material for boards.
Second, ask students from upper tris that have already passed the boards. Many students here share study tips, and this can help you figure out where to start and how to narrow down what to study.
And lastly, try to study at least once a week starting 2-3 months before your test. I have not always succeeded at this, but when I do get in a little study time each week, it makes me feel a lot better when I think about boards. Also, most board exams seem to be scheduled after a break, whether it is after a break between trimesters or spring break or something like that. So, you have one last opportunity a week or two before the test to really buckle down and study to be ready. So good luck and happy studying!
