Passing medical exams takes a lot of time and patience. Medicine is one of those study courses that requires careful planning, thoughtful preparation, and an overall strategic approach. You’ll need to think about how to study a specific subject, the many subtopics, and how to organize your time effectively and efficiently to make sure you can also balance between exams and having a bit of time left for you and your well-being. Seems almost impossible and sounds like a dream, but with a bit of planning ahead of time and some useful tips, you might be able to achieve just that. In the text below, we’ll discuss some useful tips for success in medical exams. Read on!
Create a Detailed Study Plan
We said you’ll need a strategic approach to master medical exams and have a bit of time on the side to chill and go out. Strategic means you’ll need to double-think how you study each of the chapters and all this starts with a good plan. First, divide the chapters into equal columns of 4, with each column bearing a specific part of the chapter. For example, if you’re currently studying the heart, you’ll divide the chapter into functions, diseases, parts, and prevention. Deconstructing the chapters into smaller units makes it easier to remember them and rehearse them later. This way, you’ll cover a whole chapter in half the time it would usually take you and you’ll have a better organized picture in your head. Once you’ve covered 4 chapters, it’s time for a small exam. Take your notes, form questions, or you can even google online tests and go at it. You can go for one big test or make a few smaller ones after each chapter to see whether there’s something you missed or might miss. Prioritize subjects based on their weight in the exam and your strengths and weaknesses. Regularly review and adjust your plan to ensure you’re on track. And remember, consistency is the key!
Utilize Active Learning Techniques
Believe it or not, but the way you’re studying outweighs the how. Utilizing learning techniques that help you remember a coherent study plan and following it through is the cornerstone of success in your exams. For example, summarizing information in your own words, teaching concepts to a peer, or using flashcards for quick recall. Techniques like spaced repetition and the Feynman technique can enhance retention and understanding of difficult concepts. Especially the Feynman technique, which is a student favorite and has been for quite some time now. The idea is simple, implementing these techniques helps you study faster and more efficiently, saving time and effort. The more time you have at your disposal, the better, as you’ll also find time to rehearse everything later while relaxing a bit after a hard session.
Seek Help When Needed
It’s never a shame to ask someone if there is anything you’re not really getting or having trouble understanding. Some tests drastically differ from others; for example, immigration medical exams are different from regular ones, and there are a few rules you’ll need to know beforehand and follow to score a success. But, thankfully, you can check out many online websites and check https://www.panelphysician.ca/blog/immigration-medical-exams-in-canada-faq or similar posts and blogs to find the answers. You can ask someone with experience, maybe a former student, maybe a professor or mentor and make sure you’re making the eight moves. Plus, asking for help makes you rethink what you already know and there is no shame in feeling or being lost.
Practice with Past Papers and Mock Exams
One of the best ways to figure out whether you’ve made any progress or not is to implement mock exams and past exam questions to see if you’ll manage this time and pass it with ease. Interestingly enough, we suggested this after every chapter or every four chapters, but these are smaller and more detailed with specific questions regarding the things you learned just a few days ago. These mock exams should mimic the ones you’ll have at Uni, and the idea is to cover a broad range of different topics to see how you’ll navigate the many questions and chapters in real-time. Put on your timer, take your exams, and start doing them. What we suggest is to leave at least a week before the actual exams open, to take a few mock exams, and then take at least 3 days off, and enjoy. You need a bit of time for yourself; it’s not all about studying, it’s about making a few breaks for the brain to regroup and relax.
Join Study Groups
The point of a study group is to have a couple of people around you with the same issues and lack of time as you, making you not only feel better about yourself but also giving you the motivation to keep going no matter what. The best part of a study group is that you can rehearse questions quickly with others. These blitz questions and speed tests are best for consolidating your memory and making sure you have enough time on your hands to get a cup of coffee afterward. Plus, the chitchat in between chapters and the laughter from time to time relax you and give you the needed motivation to keep going.
Take Care of Your Health
Hydrating properly, eating well, and doing a bit of physical exercise are essential. Remember, your health comes first. After all, the brain needs food, water, sugar, and carbs to keep going, as you’ll burn a lot of calories studying. Hitting the gym gives you that needed energy boost you’re looking for.
Stay Positive
The main goal and idea is to always keep a positive outlook and mindset no matter what. Embrace mistakes as learning opportunities and stay motivated by visualizing your goals. Celebrate small victories along the way to keep your spirits high.
It takes a bit of time, but with the right tips and tricks, you’ll get there with ease. Just remember, it’s all a journey, and the main protagonist is you. With the right effort and organization, you’ll make it in the end. Keep your head high and keep going no matter what.
