Being dedicated to your studies means you are already on the right track, even though preparing for your board exams might feel overwhelming.It is best to give yourself at least a month to study for your board exams, as it will take time to go through all of the material.If you use study tricks, review the test material, and test your knowledge, you can pass the exam.Make sure you take care of yourself so you are ready for the test.
Step 1: You can create a study schedule.
It's a good idea to set aside a block of time every day for your studies.If you want to retain the most information, you need to work in 30-minute to 2-hour blocks.To stay on track, it is best to list the topics you plan to study each day.Schedule your studies when you are most alert.You can study for 1 hour every morning and evening after breakfast.If you were studying for your medical board exams, you might spend the first hour studying cardiovascular conditions, while the second hour is dedicated to the respiratory system.If you're studying for your 10th year board exams, you might spend the first hour studying history and the second hour on geography.
Step 2: Make a distraction-free study space.
You can study at a desk or table.Don't use your phone, television, radio, or other electronic devices.Don't forget to keep all of your materials at hand.Choose stimulating music that doesn't distract you from your studies if you want to listen to music.You could listen to classical music.Put your phone in the next room if you don't want to use it because of work or family concerns.If you receive a call, you'll be able to hear it, but you won't be constantly checking it.
Step 3: Take a look at your syllabus or exam prep book.
You should focus on major ideas and concepts in your studies.At a time, study one main idea.You should spend more time on topics that are difficult to master.Minor details, such as dates and quotes, are not important until you have a basic understanding of the main ideas and concepts.If you have a broad knowledge of the topic, you will perform better on most exams.Writing the topics you need to study into your schedule is a way to keep yourself organized.Check the board exam website to find the best areas to study.
Step 4: To find weak areas to study, review your previous work.
Everyone has strengths and weaknesses.Knowing yours can make it easier to prepare for your exams.Discuss graded assignments with your instructor or supervisor.You may review the list of concepts you are expected to know.Make a list of what you need to study.You might not spend as much time studying material that falls under your strengths.Spending more time on areas that are weaknesses for you will save you time.Pre-tests and practice tests can help uncover areas you need to study more.If you're taking your medical board exams, you could use your test results from an In-Training Exam to figure out which topics need more attention.
Step 5: Make sure to fill in any gaps in your notes.
Your notes can be used as a study resource.Follow up on areas where information is missing after you review what you have written.After reviewing your notes, write down the questions you have.If you still have study guides from previous exams, review them.They can help you figure out what to expect on the test.
Step 6: You can skim or re-read your course materials.
If you want to read through highlighted passages, go back through your text.You should re-read sections that were confusing the first time.As you read, take additional notes.Taking more notes will help you remember the ideas.In the time you have to study, read as much as you can.You may not have time to go over all of the sections.You should spend this time on areas where you have struggled.You can use your old textbooks to review highlighted portions and topics that you struggled with the first time.If you have time, read peer-reviewed articles.You might read medical journals related to your field when preparing for medical board exams.
Step 7: If they are available, use a study guide, review book, and online resources.
Most of the time, you can find a digital study guide for the board exams.Purchase a book that covers the exam format, the subject matter you need to understand, and practice tests for some exams.You can find educational videos and articles related to the topics you are studying.A study guide or review book can be found online.To find out what's available to you, do a simple Internet search for your board exams.Many exams have study materials for free.Look for the most recent version of the study guide.The review guide's publisher as well as any websites you use should be checked.The testing board's materials should be prioritized as well as those from other reliable sources.You can find online quizzes to help you study for the internal medicine board exams.
Step 8: To learn, create diagrams, summaries, and tables.
You can better understand the information by organizing it in new ways.When you review the material, it gives you studying tools to re-use.You can create mind maps to organize the information.A numbered list is made.Do a chart.If you want to compare similarities and differences, make a comparison chart.
Step 9: A rhyme or device can be used to remember information.
A mnemonic device is a sentence or story where the first letter of each word is what you need to remember.It could spell a word, represent a series, or remind you of a concept.You can use the information you need to create a rhyme.One way to remember the planets of the Milky Way is by saying, "My very excellent mother just served us nuggets."litmus paper turns blue for bases and pink for acids as an example of a rhyme.Your rhyme could be, "Bases are blue, acids are pink, use litmus paper to help you think."
Step 10: To make it easy to recall, set the information to music.
It is possible to make a song to a popular tune.It doesn't matter if your song rhymes or not, as long as you remember it.To remember your song, sing it to yourself.You can sing it to yourself during the exam.This trick can be used for information that is hard to remember.You won't be able to create a song for every concept you need to remember.The Harvard Medical School students have produced a few songs about medical information.
Step 11: You don't want to get mentally fatigued if you switch between topics.
Some topics are more interesting than others, so pair them with ones you find challenging.Take a break after covering the challenging topic in your study session.To maximize your study session, come back to your easier topic.It is normal for you to be exhausted while studying.Don't try to do too much at once.During the first part of your study session, you can study endocrinology and then switch to hematology.
Step 12: You can teach and work with a study group.
Teaching others what you know strengthens your understanding.You can get help on topics you don't understand when you work with a study group.If you want to start your own study group, look for an existing one.You can find a study group at your school.If you have friends who are preparing for the board exams, invite them to start a study group.
Step 13: Take a break from studying to refresh your mind.
You can improve your focus by taking a break every hour.It will improve your study experience.You can go for a walk, eat a snack, or listen to music during your breaks.If you're grabbing a snack, make sure you choose something that will help you retain information.Great options include yogurt, whole grain cereals, popcorn, hummus with carrots or peppers, almonds, walnuts, or fresh fruit, like apples and bananas.Do not do anything that will distract you from your studies.If you start watching an episode of your favorite show, it will be hard to turn it off and study.
Step 14: You can make flashcards.
You can use flashcards to study for your exams.You can either use pieces of paper or index cards to make flashcards, or you can use a website like Quizlet.You can study by flipping through your cards.You can find flashcards on Quizlet.There are pre-made flashcards for topics like medical terminology, medications, and cell biology.
Step 15: Check your knowledge with prior tests.
Most board exams give previous tests to people who plan to take them.You can review the exam format and the types of questions.These tests can be used to predict how well you will do on the test.Use a prior test to study the format and types of questions.The test should be used as a set of practice questions.Try another test as a practice test.If you are doing a practice test, treat it like the real thing.You can take the test in a quiet place.
Step 16: You can ask a friend or relative to look over the material.
This will help you figure out what topics need more attention.Giving your answers aloud can help you remember them.Explaining your answers to someone else can help you understand them.Asking someone who knows the material is a good idea.If you give the correct answers to the questions, they can check your accuracy.
Step 17: The final review of the material should be done a few days before the test day.
Try to stay away from new information in the days leading up to the test.Cramming will not help you be successful.Before you take your board exams, it is best to do a general review of the main ideas and concepts to refresh your memory.Before your test day, make sure you understand every topic.
Step 18: It's a good idea to go to bed early the night before the exam.
If you are not exhausted, you will perform better on the exam.Don't stay up all night studying for the test.You should get in bed about 8 to 10 hours before you need to wake up.If you are having trouble falling asleep, sit up in bed and relax.You could read a comforting novel, listen to calming music, color in an adult coloring book, or knit.Something that relaxes you is what you can choose.
Step 19: You can arrive early if you set your alarm.
You don't have to worry about being late for the exam site if you give yourself an extra hour of travel time.It will give you padding if you encounter traffic or miss a bus, and it will help you stay relaxed because you won't feel pressed for time.If you set an alarm on your phone, make sure to set several.You don't want to sleep through your exams.
Step 20: The morning of the test, eat a balanced breakfast.
A good breakfast will help you concentrate.It is the best way to fuel yourself for exams.Make a bowl of oatmeal with milk and almonds.You can eat scrambled eggs with a side of sliced tomatoes.A container of Greek yogurt should be mixed with half a banana and oats.