Need help improving Shelf scores

[glitterxo]

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I was wondering what I should do to improve my shelf scores. I've had Surgery (67 Raw),OBGYN (56 Raw), and Family Medicine (59) thus far. My OBGYN shelf was the most recent and I had worked really hard on it. I had gone through Case Files/Uworld/APGO questions, but to no avail it seems. Coming out of the shelf I was confident I did well, but apparently not.

One thing I have noticed is how slow I am reading thru the questions on exam day...I'm usually rushed to do the last 10-15 questions which is a significant chunk. So timing is something else I need to improve.

I have my pediatrics shelf coming up and wanted know what sort of tips/improvement strategies you guys suggest in order for me to rock this next shelf.

Thanks in advance

 

[Stellar Clouds]

With how many weeks left in the rotation do you really seriously start studying for the shelf?

 

[glitterxo]

i try to study a little everyday, but in the first 1/2-1/3 of rotation end up studying more patient mgmt sources and try to fit in shelf sources, but hardcore/serious shelf studying usually after that. On this current rotation I have 4 more weeks until shelf.

 

[Bbon]

Sounds like you used the right sources for OB at least. Part of it unfortunately does come down to how well you've honed your test taking skills over the years. Definitely do as many questions as possible, and do a second run if you can to really make it stick. I put a heavy premium on questions over text. A textbook will tell you 9 things you should do for the management of a chief complaint, but the test will give you all 9 of those choices and ask you what the most important one is.

The shelves don't shy too much away from buzzwords or classic presentations. But you've got to do enough questions that you can pick them up and predict the answer halfway through the stem. When you do, go with your gut and move on so you don't run out of time.

Finding time to study is obviously tough too. Personally, I bring a book to the gym and make a point to go every day starting from day 1 so I take care of my health and learning at the same time, but whatever works for you. Sorry if that's not much help. Hope this next one turns out better.

 

[tco]

Third year testing is BS. Rotation lengths vary between schools for each rotation (my Neuro was only 2 weeks, IM and Surg was 8...) Don't compare your numbers to people on here, compare to the mean and median of your classmates.

To answer your question, I can only say what I've done. I had the most success reading one key book (such as blueprints for OB) at least twice. Do questions twice with 2-3 weeks left in the rotation. Review your hand written notes from reading and questions the night before the exam for buzzword questions. Good luck!

 

[MossPoh]

I frequently see people freak out about resources and read 20 different books and then panic. Find ONE book that has gotten good reviews and know it cold. Do practice questions until you know the answers cold and then do some more. It is the boring answer, but it works.

If you know what you suck at, then do it till you don't suck at it anymore.

 

[JJMrK]

I frequently see people freak out about resources and read 20 different books and then panic. Find ONE book that has gotten good reviews and know it cold. Do practice questions until you know the answers cold and then do some more. It is the boring answer, but it works.

If you know what you suck at, then do it till you don't suck at it anymore.

I agree, one or two resources x 2. Do all the UW questions for whatever clerkship you're on, then do the ones you got incorrect again.