how to study better for the boards?

[amestramgram]

Hi, I have seen loads of board questions that appear to be intentionally vague / sparse on the stem (for example, a neonate with a hypocalcemia and the question gives me a BMP - and asks me why is the baby hypocalcemic)? Why is the boards intentionally vague and how can I study for this better?
thanks

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[Soleil9]

pic et pic et colegram
Beurre buerre rat-tam-tam!

I couldn't resist. 🙂

I really wish I knew why the boards are like that. I will say the questions were like the inservice (which is discarded questions, I believe). And much less like Prep (which had really looong stems).

Maybe we should turn this thread into recommendations for how the underclassmen can prepare for boards? Or what we wish we would have done differently?

I took the exam this year. Glad its done, anxious for my results.... 🙂

 

[bhop]

Are the peds boards only given once per year?
Just wondering...

 

[Socrates25]

Are the peds boards only given once per year?
Just wondering...

Yes, it is October every year. Fortunately, it is now computer based so you dont have to travel.

 

[Socrates25]

Hi, I have seen loads of board questions that appear to be intentionally vague / sparse on the stem (for example, a neonate with a hypocalcemia and the question gives me a BMP - and asks me why is the baby hypocalcemic)? Why is the boards intentionally vague and how can I study for this better?
thanks

I dont think you need to study in a "special" way because the question stems dont provide much detail, I think you just need to study like you would otherwise, just try as hard as you can to memorize 1 board review guide.

 

[Medikit]

I haven't been able to find this answer on google. When do they publish the results if the peds boards? I heard 3 months but that sounds insane.

 

[Socrates25]

I haven't been able to find this answer on google. When do they publish the results if the peds boards? I heard 3 months but that sounds insane.

Usually the results come out in the 2nd-3rd week of December. However, that was previous years when they were using paper based scantron-style tests.

Theoretically a fully computerized testing system should get you quicker results. However I dont see that happening this year for 2 reasons:

1. This is the first year of 100% computerized test; therefore the ABP will probably be extra careful and do a bunch of double checks and quality control measures that they wouldnt do otherwise
2. This is the first year of the new grading scale (1-300 instead of 0-800). The new calibration might take longer for the ABP to finalize results.

 

[ojnotmilk]

The peds boards for initial certification will be released no later than dec 15 per the abp when I called today.