Settling in or how to study and pass an exam

With the second month of PA school underway and a handful of exams under my belt I'm settling into my study habits. Midterms are beginning this week although with one or two exams a week for the past month this doesn't feel like anything different. The panicky and under prepared feeling of the first few weeks has waned and what's left is a rhythm of preparation, confidence and execution. Allow me to elaborate;

There is an exam for X class in Y weeks. I begin a week or two before by lightly reading my notes over and over. Maybe not everyday but things I have not looked at in awhile are touched upon and brought forward during this period.

With 3-5 days before the exam this material has now been brought to my focus and I study more intently and depending on the class make an outline (i.e Physiology, Clinical Microbiology).

A day or two before I meet up with classmates for a study session at a local coffee shop. Having read the material we now have time to quiz each other back and forth usually until closing.

Exam day arrives and I do minimal studying, when I do look at my notes it is in glancing to keep a word bank of points to remember. Think of it like spring boards; when I see that word or phrase from my notes on an exam I can launch into whatever process I have learned without having to memorize every step.

The exam begins and I begin reading each question word for word, followed by eliminating immediate poor choices. I mark one or two I think could be correct and then circle the one I think is the best (this is usually the one that leaps at me first, go with your gut!). If I do not feel confident in answering a question immediately or I think it will take too much time I circle it and then move on so my mind is sharp (and confident) to tackle the ones that take less time.

I finish the exam and leave, avoiding all discussion about the exam. I don't care how hard or easy I thought it was, discussing with others opens the door for doubt and fear about a question. I know I will most likely get a few questions wrong but that is nothing to panic about.

And that's it, I've been doing this process (with some modifications here and there) and have gotten nothing less than an A- on each exam/quiz. For those reading I'm not that intelligent, I have taken enough classes and exams to know my study habits. And also for those reading these are my study habits, what my work for me may not work for you so developing a routine that fits your personality and learning style is crucial. With that in mind there are some general patterns that are most associated with success;

-Studying several days before the exam
-do not cram the night before
-Relax and just breathe


Take care everyone