Words to live by — and take a test by.
Becoming a physician tests you. Your intellect, patience, determination, resolve, and inner strength. Your humanity. This testing happens every day — in the classroom, in the clinic, in the hospital. Part of this process also occurs during actual multiple-choice tests.
More than three years ago, on May 23, 2013, I took the MCAT — the gate-keeper exam for entering medical school. A little over four months from now, on Feb. 10, 2017, I take the next exam in this sequence toward earning my M.D. — the USMLE Step 1 board exam. It’s an 8-hour test, with more than 250 questions probing “whether you understand and can apply important concepts of the sciences basic to the practice of medicine, with special emphasis on principles and mechanisms underlying health, disease, and modes of therapy,” according to the official United States Medical Licensing Examination website.
The stakes are high — I have to pass this exam to move forward. But focusing my thoughts and energy on how high those stakes are is a sure path to test anxiety. After classes end on Dec. 16, I have until my exam date to prepare (minus a trip to Chicago to see my family for Christmas). That’s plenty of time to review and solidify my understanding. It’s a matter of perspective, and directive. Which is why I think it’s time to repurpose the “rules” I developed for the MCAT. They apply here too.
6. Think NOW – not ahead, and not behind.
7. Read every word carefully: passages, questions, and answer choices.
10. Guess and move on after the allotted time.
11. Keep calm and carry on.
12. Think positive, not negative thoughts.
13. Channel confidence, not fear or doubt.
Woo Hoo! Excellent advice for anyone facing a challenging situation! You could also add another “Keep Calm…” quote. You made a bumper sticker for me which I still have on my car: “Keep Calm and Dream On”! You are truly moving forward into what has been a dream on your heart for several years! 🙂 Thanks for the good words! I’ll remember them if I get into a tough spot while I’m on-call tonight!
Hi Lorien – Isn’t February awfully early for Step 1? I figured May would be the earliest you might sit for it. Are you on an accelerated program?
Hi Clare — Weill Cornell Medical College condensed its curriculum a couple years ago, and so we all complete our preclinical education in 3 semesters rather than 4 semesters (which is the standard). That’s why I’m taking Step 1 in February, and then starting clerkships immediately after. Honestly, I’m glad for the change — I’m so ready to be out of the classroom and into the world of patient care!
Wow, that’s marvelous. I’ve followed you for years (can you say stalker?) and the closer you get to actual practice, the smilier I get. Good luck and happy studying!