How long is it gonna take..?

[napoleondynamite]

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Anyone else checking their PDB at least daily, even though it hasn't been three weeks quite yet and even though they also told us explicitly that we would get an email about the results?? Can't help it!

Anyway, to abate the nerves a little, I'm starting a poll. Vote early and vote often!

 

[Gfunk6]

Last year ABR was pretty efficient with getting test results back and that was with the whole "calculator" incident. I don't think this year will be any different.

 

[thesauce]

Circa the 2012 election

 

[CAbroiler]

Anyone else checking their PDB at least daily, even though it hasn't been three weeks quite yet and even though they also told us explicitly that we would get an email about the results?? Can't help it!

Anyway, to abate the nerves a little, I'm starting a poll. Vote early and vote often!

Definitely been checking even without the promised "prompting" email. Nice.

 

[napoleondynamite]

t-12 hours until Gfunk owes us all drinks (I'm pretty sure he voted for just under 3 weeks 😉)

 

[outoftheloop]

I am literally dying of anxiety.

p.s.- I have been a long-time lurker, but have decided to join the fun and commiserate about that awful exam.

 

[Gfunk6]

Well I meant three weeks after *my* exam so this buys me another 24 hours or so 😉

 

[Leapfrog80]

Yeah, I keep checking too. Thought today would be the day! Was looking forward to having a nice drink tonight *if* I passed. Looks like I'll have to keep waiting. It's a computerized exam... what could be taking so long?! they shoulda said it would take 4 weeks then I wouldn't be in suspense.

 

[napoleondynamite]

Alright GFunk - but your hours are numbered buddy! If not by tomorrow, then I want you to throw in a spin in your new pimp ride.

 

[nod]

7 more hours until it is officially longer than 3 weeks after the exam in my book 😡

 

[Sheldor]

Keep the faith guys, I'm sure all of you rocked it. I just went through the post step 1 waiting and so its a little humorous to come on here and see that I will be experiencing that same "fun" down the road.

Hope y'all find out soon!

 

[Gfunk6]

Since many of us are endlessly refreshing our ABR online results page . . . has anyone else noticed that the "books" section suddenly says "clinical" (or "physics/radbio" I suppose) and "not scored."

Does this mean we are any closer to getting our results??

 

[napoleondynamite]

I noticed that as well and thought for sure I must be mere seconds from seeing my results. Now it's like OMG are they actually going to make me sweat it out all freaking weekend?!

 

[CAbroiler]

argh, ruined a good weekend. now just waiting and more waiting...

 

[Gfunk6]

I got a letter from the ABR!!!

I opened it and . . . it was a receipt for my ABR dues. 🙁

 

[CAbroiler]

I got a letter from the ABR!!!

I opened it and . . . it was a receipt for my ABR dues. 🙁

Literally LOL'd. Great delivery gfunk! Anything to diffuse the tension

 

[outoftheloop]

By some miracle (mega curve likely), I passed!! 👍

Check your email!! Good luck!!!!

 

[Gfunk6]

About freaking time!

Also for you Physics/Radbio test-takers what's up with this statement?

A technical problem with the calculator used on the Physics and Biology exams at some Pearson VUE centers has precluded reporting of results on your PDB at this time.

Did they screw up the calculator function *AGAIN*?

 

[CAbroiler]

About freaking time!

Also for you Physics/Radbio test-takers what's up with statement?



Did they screw up the calculator function *AGAIN*?

agreed, why is the calculator fxn that hard????

and a big YES to the mega curve!!!!

 

[napoleondynamite]

GFunk - you are off the hook, drinks on me!! I passed biiioootches!!!!!!!!!!!!! No one in the history of radonc-kind has ever been happier about passing this test than this guy right here, right now. AHHH-YEAAAAHHHH!! 😀😀😀 Time to celebrate and get a job 😍

Oh, and no idea about the calculator statement - mine worked fine. Knowing how efficient the ABR has been, this was probably just a cut & paste form letter from last year and they forgot to delete that part

 

[napoleondynamite]

Oh, and FWIW, my program was 2/2 for radbio/physics. I'm sure we all equally tanked that beast - it will probably be comical to look at the stats when they come out..

 

[Leapfrog80]

I say ABR lets everyone pass if they can't even get the calculator function straightened out...

Important Notice: Second Exam Administration Offered to Candidates at No Charge
Due to a functional problem with Pearson VUE calculators, some candidates may have experienced difficulty while taking the physics and/or radiation biology portions of the Radiation Oncology initial qualification examination administered on July 7, 2011. To ensure that exam results are fair and accurate, the ABR is offering a second exam administration for anyone who did not pass one or both of these portions of the exam in July.
These candidates are being notified that they may take the exams (s) at the second administration, free of charge, at Pearson VUE testing centers on the morning of September 15, 2011. The scores they receive on September 15 will replace their previous scores from the July 7, 2011 exam administration. In addition, the second exam administration will not count as one of the three opportunities the ABR gives them to pass the exam. The ABR is also offering to send affected candidates a letter that can be distributed to current or future employers, explaining that this additional administration is due to factors out of their control and will not adversely impact their ABR examination record or certification process.
Important Notice: Reporting of Performance Data
A paper copy of candidate results, including performance data for exams for which a clear result was determined, will be mailed to them in approximately three weeks. The ABR will report complete performance data to all affected candidates and all program directors following the September 15, 2011 exam administration.

 

[Gfunk6]

Wow, that's crazy! Last year, the calculator function did not work on the radiobiology section alone and (IIRC) there was only one or two questions which really required it. ABR's psychometric people determined that missing those few questions would not be enough to fail you in and of itself.

I guess this year the calculator must've also failed in physics and/or there were more extensive calculations required.

That really sucks for the people who were affected, my sympathies.

 

[goodluck888]

Wow, that's crazy! Last year, the calculator function did not work on the radiobiology section alone and (IIRC) there was only one or two questions which really required it. ABR's psychometric people determined that missing those few questions would not be enough to fail you in and of itself.

I guess this year the calculator must've also failed in physics and/or there were more extensive calculations required.

That really sucks for the people who were affected, my sympathies.

I felt sorry for those who were affected by the calculators. Just curious on how did ABR separate those who truly did not pass vs being affected by calculator issue. Or did ABR just invite everyone who did not pass to re-take it and go from there?

 

[napoleondynamite]

I felt sorry for those who were affected by the calculators. Just curious on how did ABR separate those who truly did not pass vs being affected by calculator issue. Or did ABR just invite everyone who did not pass to re-take it and go from there?

I have it on good authority that everyone that failed the exam will be able to re-take it in mid-September. They could not sort out who had the calculator and who did not, so this was the only fair approach. Apparently it was the inverse exponential function that did not work for some (worked fine for me). But I heard that there were some centers where if you used that function, your entire exam froze. There were some who had to switch computer terminals midway through their test, etc. Certainly this would have been extremely disruptive and stressful during what was already an incredible test of your will to become a radiation oncologist. My sympathies to anyone in this boat - not cool. However, at least you get to retake the test in September, which is waaaaaaaay better than waiting 6 months or a year IMO (provided you have a supportive program who can arrange some study time).

 

[Leapfrog80]

That's horrendous. I feel badly for everyone who has to study all over again. Not that it's much consolaiton but at least it's in September instead of waiting another year (I've already forgotten most of what I studied!!)