THE ISSUE
Throughout the years, I have heard innumerable times from students and colleagues that they are unable to perform well on examinations, and more specifically, that this is because they are "bad" test takers. In a vein similar to considering themselves cursed with poor test-taking abilities, they often have developed self-doubt and anxiety that have escalated due to reinforcement of this idea in their minds.
DEBUNKING THE "BAD TEST TAKER" MYTH
However, the idea that one is branded as a "bad test taker" and that this is a life sentence is a misconception. In order to achieve success, reframing this negative belief and thought process to one of hope and the possibility for improvement is the first step toward positive change. With guidance and a structured approach to test-taking, students can definitely improve their performance on future examinations and also develop greater self-confidence by doing so!
EXAMINATIONS THAT NEVER SEEM TO END...
For students moving along the healthcare training continuum, examinations are pivotal to advancing forward in one's career journey. Such examinations may be embedded within school academic and clinical curricula or may be standardized examinations that are required for advancement. For example, for physicians, the examination list begins with high school SATs/ACTs, proceeds to MCATs for medical school admissions, continues with medical school-specific examinations (e.g. didactic, OSCEs) and board licensing examinations (e.g. USMLE, COMLEX), and culminates in certification (e.g. written, oral) and ongoing maintenance of certification examinations. Whew! It is tiring simply considering all the examinations that one faces in the process of training to become a physician. But it does not necessarily have to be so hard to jump these hurdles! It can be done with a plan for success.
STRATEGY FOR SUCCESS In order to make the "examination journey" as stress-free and successful as possible, having a systematic approach to test-taking is critical. Through years of advising students, I have always focused on a 4-step approach that I believe helps make the process smoother for students and ensures that there is a systematic and balanced approach to preparation.
My 4-step approach to test-taking is as follows:
1. Establishing a Foundational Knowledge Base
2. Engaging in Active Learning & Practice
3. Creating Organization by Adhering to a Personalized Study Plan
4. Prioritizing Self-Care
First, by using medical education as an example, the sheer amount of information that medical students must absorb can be (and definitely is) overwhelming. However, it is important to extricate the foundation of knowledge upon which details can be built, learn this base of material, and then utilize the foundation of knowledge as a building block for future learning. Understanding basic principles and memorizing key facts are both critical to developing a good foundation of medical knowledge.
Second, once a core foundation of knowledge has been built, it is important to hone one's critical thinking skills by appraising the didactic material through active learning processes. Answering practice questions, drawing mind maps or concept maps, creating mnemonics, creating tables, utilizing flashcards (e.g. self-made, purchased, online such as Anki or Zanki), studying in pairs or small groups, and self-quizzing utilizing objectives are examples of strategies that improve both comprehension and retention.
Third, it is important to establish a schedule that you will adhere to during the learning process. What often occurs is that students look to others for their study strategies and schedules rather than focusing on strategies and a schedule that works best personally. Utilizing the concept of SMART goals, a schedule that is specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound can be created. This schedule should include not only study goals but also time for meals, leisure, and self-care. Utilizing the Pomodoro technique is one example of a way in which to help break the study continuum into manageable "bites". Additionally, building a study structure that allows for spaced repetition is helpful with long-term retention.
Fourth, and perhaps most importantly, self-care is a nonnegotiable portion of planning for test-taking success. Sleep, nutrition, periodic breaks, and exercise are among the basic tenets of wellness and should be prioritized. Additionally, it is important to consider techniques to help prevent test-taking anxiety (e.g. breathing exercises, writing out concerns on paper prior to an exam), and reaching out for support from advisors, behavioral health and wellness counselors, and, if applicable, disability resources advisors. Remember that every moment is a part of your life. It is important that you are able to be well, and ideally enjoy each moment free from (or at least with minimal) anxiety and stress.
So, in answer to the question posed in the title, no, you are not a bad test taker! Similar to scoring well on a video game, test-taking can be mastered over time with patience and practice. Know that you can do it! Having a positive mindset and self-confidence are helpful in performing well. For a helpful reminder, write out positive affirmations and place them on your mirror or a wall to remind yourself that you are capable, amazing, and deserving of success!
To your future test-taking (and overall) success,
With humility and gratitude,
Wishing you the best, always,
Dr. Vora
Rupal S. Vora M.D. MPH FACP
Founder MedStudentCoach LLC, medstudentcoach.com
Associate Clinical Professor, Creighton University School of Medicine
(Assistant Dean of Student Achievement, ATSU SOMA 2014-2022)
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