Schedule your studies for the time of day when you feel most alert. For example, you might study for 1 hour every morning after breakfast and 1 hour every evening after dinner. If you were studying for your medical board exams, you might spend the first hour studying concepts related to 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 studying geography.
If listening to music helps you, choose stimulating music that doesn’t distract you from your studies. For example, you might listen to classical music. If you don’t want to turn off your phone because of work or family concerns, put your phone in the next room. This way, you’ll be able to hear it if you receive a call, but you won’t be tempted to check it constantly.
Don’t worry about minor details, such as dates and quotes, until you’ve gotten a basic understanding of the main ideas and concepts. You’ll perform better on most exams if you have a broad knowledge of the topic rather than a few memorized facts. To keep yourself organized, you might write the topics you need to study into your schedule. You might also review prior tests or check the board exam website to identify the best areas to study.
You might spend less time studying material that falls under your strengths. Use the time you save to spend more time on the areas that are weaknesses for you. Taking pre-tests or practice tests will also help you uncover areas you need to study more. For example, if you’re taking your medical board exams, you could use your test results from an In-Training Exam to determine which topics need more attention. [5] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Family Physicians Organization devoted to improving the health of patients, families, and communities Go to source
If you still have your study guides from prior exams, review those, as well. They can help you review the material and predict what might be on the test.
Taking additional notes will also help you commit the ideas to memory. Re-read as much of the material as you can in the time you have to study. You may only have time to go over certain sections. Spend this time on areas where you’ve struggled. For example, you might go through your old textbooks to review highlighted portions and topics you struggled with the first time. If you have time, read up on current events or current peer-reviewed articles. For instance, when preparing for medical board exams, you might read medical journals related to your field.
Look online for a study guide or review book. Do a simple Internet search for your board exams to find out what’s available to you. Many exams have study materials available for free. When choosing the best study guide, look for the most recent, updated version available. Additionally, check the publisher of the review guide, as well as any websites you use. Prioritize materials published by the testing board, as well as those from other reliable sources. As an example, you can find online quizzes to help you study for the internal medicine board exams. [9] X Research source
Create mind maps. Make a numbered list. Do a flow chart. Make a comparison chart to compare similarities and differences Outline your notes
For example, you might remember the planets of the Milky Way with the following mnemonic device: “My very excellent mother just served us nuggets. ” This helps you remember Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. As an example of a rhyme, you might need to remember that litmus paper turns blue for bases and pink for acids. Your rhyme might be, “Bases are blue, acids are pink, use litmus paper, to help you think. ”
Sing your song aloud to yourself to help you remember it. During your exam, you can sing it to yourself in your head. Use this trick for information that’s hard to remember. You likely won’t be able to create a song for every concept you’ll need to remember. For instance, Harvard Medical School students have produced a few songs about medical information, which are available on YouTube. [14] X Research source
It’s normal for you to feel mentally exhausted while you’re studying. Don’t try to do too much at once. For example, you might study endocrinology during the first part of your study session, then switch to hematology.
You might find a study group at your school, through your library, or online. If you have friends who are also preparing for the board exams, invite them to start a study group.
If you’re grabbing a snack, choose something that will energize your brain and help you retain information. Great options include yogurt, whole grain cereal, popcorn, hummus with carrots or peppers, almonds, walnuts, or fresh fruit, like apples and bananas. [18] X Research source Don’t do anything that might distract you from returning to your studies. For example, don’t start watching an episode of your favorite TV show, as it’ll be hard to turn it off and go study.
You may be able to find existing flashcards on Quizlet. For example, you can find pre-made flashcards for topics like medical terminology, medications, cell biology, etc.
If more than one prior test is available, use one to study the format and types of questions. Treat this test as a set of practice questions. Then, use another test as a practice test. When you’re doing a practice test, treat it like the real thing. Take the test in a quiet location and time yourself according to the test rules.
Explaining your answers to someone else can help you better understand and retain the information. [22] X Research source It’s best to ask someone who knows the material to quiz you. However, anyone can quiz you, as long as you provide them with the correct responses to the questions so they can check your accuracy.
Make sure you’ve covered every topic you need to understand before your test day.
If you’re having trouble falling asleep, sit up in bed and do a relaxing activity. You might read a comforting novel, listen to calming music, color in an adult coloring book, or knit. Choose something that relaxes you.
If you’re setting an alarm on your phone, set several in case you sleep through one. You don’t want to sleep through your exams!
Make a bowl of oatmeal with milk and sliced almonds. Eat scrambled eggs with a side of sliced tomatoes and a piece of whole-grain toast. Mix half a banana and toasted oats into a container of Greek yogurt.
