Another exam is done, and I felt much more prepared than the last one—thanks to three key changes.
- I invested in high-quality resources that actually worked for me, which made a huge difference in how I studied and retained information.
- This time around, I knew what to expect. The nerves of facing my very first exam were gone, and I could focus more on performing well instead of just surviving the experience.
- I also used my study time better. At first, I didn’t think I’d rely on AI tools, but they’ve been a huge help in planning each session. Instead of vague “study” blocks, I now use 50-minute sessions with clear goals. I’ve also started weaving subjects together, which keeps all my classes fresh and helps me see connections between them.
What I Did Differently During the Exam
I started with the histology lab questions. They gave me momentum before I tackled the main exam. Finishing them first also freed up time for harder questions. I answered them all in about 10 minutes.
I also set checkpoints for myself. The exam had 141 questions with a three-hour time limit, so I divided it into thirds. After reaching question 47, I paused for a few minutes to take a water break and quickly review any flagged questions in that section. This kept me on pace and helped manage my focus.
Finally, I made it a habit to write down my answer before looking at the choices. It seems simple, but I hadn’t been doing it before. Having my own answer first made it easier to eliminate wrong options and quickly spot the correct one.