STUDY TIPS TO PASS THE BOARD EXAM

Before I discuss the WAYS, You need to have THREE THINGS,,

1. Motivation
2. Discipline
3. Faith

To pass the board exam needs to sacrifice in order to get closer to your dream. So are you ready for your next big step? Try to follow some of my study habits and let's see if this works for you.

   1. Create schedules

      - One of the hardest things to do and to follow when reviewing. When creating schedules, be realistic. I suggest you only study two or three subjects for one day (like one subject in the morning, one in the afternoon, and another in the evening). Concentrate and stick to it. Do not be pressured. It would be better if you put the hardest subject on the time you're most alert.

   2. Adjust your body clock

     - During the review, I can't stand studying till late night (unless you are the other way around). Tendency is there's no more room for some info after a long day listening to the lecturers. Take note, your body needs a rest to recover and to help remember information effectively.That's why I make sure to sleep at least five hours to keep my body energize then get back to work AGAIN. Let's say, I go to sleep usually by 9:00PM then I set my alarm at 2:00AM. That makes early mornings the best time to study.  NO NOISE + YOU ALONE  = MORE CONCENTRATION

    

   3. Read reviewers and scan notes

     - Don't just rely on one review note. If possible, collect as many notes as you can and select those with best outlines that highlight important facts. Moreover, choose the review notes coming from distinguished/known lecturers in your field (I know you know one). As for books, ask someone (perhaps your professor or a friend who passed the board) what are the essential books to read. Advice: NEVER read the whole book (esp. a 4000 page book). Remember, you have only limited time to study all the subjects for the boards. For medtechs, read the article REVIEW MATERIALS FOR MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY BOARD EXAM .

     - Another is to have a copy of board exam recall questions. Your lecturers might give you a pool of questions that came out or has a tendency to come out during board exam. Pay attention to them and study them closely from time to time.

   4.  Improvise study notes
     - Most effective in studying. You can make your own outline if you want. The more you write what you have read, the more you can easily recall. An outline need not to be lengthy. Do not copy all that were  stated from the book. It will lose its purpose. Just write the important terms and the KEYWORDS to describe the term, Use  MNEMONICS OR CODING device to make outlines more interesting to look at.

FLASH CARDS (this is the biggest factor why I passed the board exam) are very helpful. It is very handy and ready to use all the time. I use my flash cards when I have spare time like riding a bus or waiting for something. Use your time wisely dude!
 
   5. Assess your knowledge 

        - There are two ways to assess... you can do it by yourself or you can do it with other people.

        YOURSELF: After studying, discuss like a teacher. Explain as if somebody is listening. Talk about all what you've learned from the subject and internalize. After that, search for review books that contain questions with rationalization. Answer them honestly and count your score. Take a look on your mistakes and find out where you went wrong. Take every opportunity to take all the exams and attend reinforcements given by your review center. 

        WITH PEOPLE: As they say, 'two heads are better than one' . It will be best if both of you should study ahead. We call it BRAINSTORMING rather. Studying with other people is another way to obtain new information. With other people, you can find answers to some of your difficulties and you can also learn their techniques in studying. Find your study buddy (a person you can exchange questions to). Just arrange a schedule and agree for a topic, Make it a habit for some time.

     6. Make a study environment

      - Creating a suitable environment is a must. Place your study table not facing a bed or something that can make you fall asleep. Observe a good LIGHTING. When you study, sit up straight and set a proper posture. Do not study while lying on your bed. Stay away from things that could destruct you like phones, laptops, talkative people and so on.

      - But Weird as I, I post visual aids on the wall, on the door, and even in the CR. Just like making flash cards, tabulate important facts (eg. basic formulas, definitions) on each subjects. Take time to read it when going in or out of your room

     7. Reward yourself
      - There are so many ways to reward yourself. After long hours of studying, take a break for 10 minutes. You may want to listen for your favorite music to stay awake. Any music will do but as for my case, there is one lively music that not only keeps me alive during the night but keeps me inspire. Do you know what it is? It's Vice Ganda's song BOOM KARAKARAKA... Yes, I'm maybe weird but if you listen to the lyrics, it made me motivated. It tells us that you gonna have to do it your way and you should learn at your own pace.

 'DAPAT INSPIRADO, Hindi desperado.'

       - Another thing, treat yourself with food, games, internet or hanging out with friends for a day. I think there's no harm for spending a day without thinking of heaps of chapters to read. But be careful, keep in your mind that the best reward comes after board exam and that is TO PASS IT. So do this when you're almost finish with all of your subjects.

      8. Again and again and again

      - I learned from our psychology class that to repeat every piece of information is to store a memory that could be retrieved every time you recall it (and that sort). After finishing the whole subject, read it AGAIN. Try this process..

                Step 1: Read the topic word by word (understand and internalize what has been said)

                Step 2: Read again (this time highlight the important facts)

                Step 3: Read again but concentrate into the part you've highlighted. Make an outline.

Well, these are my study tips. I know there are lots of things to do to keep our goal alive and that is TO PASS THE BOARD EXAM. Remember, these are just suggestions, so it's still in your hands how to make it MORE effective. So before I end this blog, whatever endevour you take on your way, start it with a PRAYER. No weapon could ever beat the power of a prayer. So, have faith everyday and believe in yourself. If others can why can't you? Happy studying.

WHAT TO DO BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER BOARD EXAM... click here