poor test taker.. HELP when to start studying for boards

[PedsDocNJ]

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Hi everyone. I am somewhat new to this forum but have been reading for a while.
I am an intern and only 3 months into my residency, however, I am already nervous about boards (i know i know...it's early)
Let me share my track record: i went to a carribean school, spent about 6 months studying for step 1, same for ck, and about 8 months for step 3 (took right before starting residency) all which I passed but not amazing scores. However, that was 6-8 months of several hours a day and maybe one month of very hardcore studying (12 hour days), but before that I never went a day without studying at least something for an hour a day or so- so you might say a year of some studying for each exam. 😕
I know that pediatric boards are known to be one of the tougher ones and I am wondering if there is something I should be doing now. I do have a few hours every day of down time that I'd like to read something. I bought baby nelsons but I'm not sure if I should get a book more geared towards boards. Should i be doing questions now?
My program is giving us $1200 towards books/study material each year. Many are using it on step 3 however I have already done step 3 and if I dont use the money I lose it.
Am I being over anxious? any advice or criticism welcome and appreciated...
thank you!😳😳

 

[Cuthbert]

My program is giving us $1200 towards books/study material each year. Many are using it on step 3 however I have already done step 3 and if I dont use the money I lose it.
Am I being over anxious? any advice or criticism welcome and appreciated...
thank you!😳😳

I would say that you are appropriately anxious. Boards are tough. The good news is that you are an intern and are starting to think about them now.

I used Laughing Your Way. It was great because it was not too dense. It gives you exactly what you need to know to pass. I would recommend starting on the book now. Divide it up month by month and cover it 3x prior to boards (maybe more).

The other thing to do is to start doing practice questions now. The more questions you do - and understand the answers - the better you will do on boards.

Remember! Prepping for boards is different than becoming a good physician! Don't forget to read up on your patients everyday and ask plenty of questions of your attendings. Some people develop good test taking skill but suck at being a good clinician.

 

[Stitch]

I would say that you are appropriately anxious. Boards are tough. The good news is that you are an intern and are starting to think about them now.

I used Laughing Your Way. It was great because it was not too dense. It gives you exactly what you need to know to pass. I would recommend starting on the book now. Divide it up month by month and cover it 3x prior to boards (maybe more).

The other thing to do is to start doing practice questions now. The more questions you do - and understand the answers - the better you will do on boards.

Remember! Prepping for boards is different than becoming a good physician! Don't forget to read up on your patients everyday and ask plenty of questions of your attendings. Some people develop good test taking skill but suck at being a good clinician.

👍

You should also get a subscription to Pediatrics in Review. This magazine is a great read and geared towards preparing your for Boards.

 

[SurfingDoctor]

👍

You should also get a subscription to Pediatrics in Review. This magazine is a great read and geared towards preparing your for Boards.

I second Pediatrics in Review. And do a lot of PREP questions, 3+ years worth.

 

[Stitch]

I second Pediatrics in Review. And do a lot of PREP questions, 3+ years worth.

Definitely. And don't worry when you miss a bunch. PREP questions are tough, especially as a 1st year. Don't expect to get them right, just read through all the answers and learn that way. It's easy to get discouraged.