Transcription
I used to blank out in exams, not just once, but multiple times. I would recognize the words, understand the topic, maybe, but no matter how hard I tried, I just couldn't pull the answer from my memory. It was frustrating, like the information was just locked away. It was just out of reach, and it wasn't because I didn't study. I spent hours reviewing notes, highlighting key points, and reading textbooks. When it just came down to apply that knowledge under pressure, my mind betrayed me.
And to be fully transparent, I wasn't a naturally gifted test taker. For, for example, I had to take the MCAT twice because I struggled significantly on my first attempt, landing just around the 50th percentile. After learning a bit about effective studying, I improved to around the 80th percentile on my second try, which was at least enough to get me into some of the medical schools that I wanted. But even then, I didn't feel like I had truly cracked the code on test-taking.
Well, over the last 5 years, I've dedicated myself to learning how to learn and how to actually perform academically at the highest level. And the results? Well, when I took the USMLE Step 2 exam, which is the main standardized exam for medical students, I scored nearly the 99th percentile. A score that I never, ever would have imagined possible before. And now, as an orthopedic surgery resident at the world-renowned Mayo Clinic, I actually feel confident rather than terrified when preparing for exams. And yes, we still take tests in residency. But I just wanted to share the strategies that got me here. If you've ever struggled with test-taking, this video is for you.
Most students spend hours studying but still struggle on test day. The reason? It comes down to passive learning. I fell into this trap too, rereading, highlighting, and summarizing my notes. But I learned that this was not enough. What changed everything for me was discovering two principles: active recall and spaced repetition. Instead of reviewing my notes passively, I started forcing myself to retrieve the information. I used Anki to create flashcards and spaced them out over time, reinforcing my memory in a way that actually stuck. And suddenly, I wasn't just recognizing concepts; I was actively recalling them, and that made all the difference.
Another big shift was adopting a question-first approach. Instead of passively reading material, I started with practice questions. This trained my brain to recognize how information is tested and made studying so much more efficient. I used Amboss and UWorld primarily, and I treated every question as a learning opportunity rather than just a question.
And finally, I simulated my test conditions. If you only study in a relaxed environment, then your brain may not be prepared for real exam stress. Studies show that practicing under conditions similar to the actual exam improves retention and performance. So, I took full-length, timed practice tests to train my endurance and build confidence under pressure. By mimicking real exam settings, I made sure that my first exposure to test-day stress wasn't actually on the day of the exam.
Now, one of the biggest mistakes that students make is how, how, or even if they review their practice questions. Unfortunately, most students don't get access to their real exams afterwards, so they miss out on a critical learning opportunity. But you can still review your practice questions in a way that's efficient and also transforms your performance. What worked for me was, for every incorrect answer, I would ask myself: One, did I just misread the question? If I did, I forced myself to slow down in future questions and deliberately read each word carefully. Two, was I just overthinking? And if so, I practiced trusting my instincts more. Doing this with practice questions where the stakes were low gave me the confidence to actually trust myself on the real test. Or, three, did I lack knowledge on the topic? If I missed multiple questions on the same topic, then I'd just briefly read about it or watch a short video to help solidify my overall understanding. And this process helped me pinpoint weaknesses and refine my approach, making each practice session an opportunity for growth.
If you're someone who is committed to your personal growth, and not just in test-taking, but in every aspect of life, this is exactly what I focus on in my newsletter, Weekly Growth. It's completely free. You can sign up using the link in the description below.
Now, even with great preparation, how you take the test itself is just as important. One of the biggest game-changers for me was how I approached questions, especially those long ones. And if you're in medical school, really, all you know is long questions. But I used to get bogged down in these long questions, Sims, reading every word and wasting precious time. But then I started reading the question and answer choices first. This allowed me to recognize what was actually important before diving into the minutia and the details. It seemed like it would slow me down at first, but it actually sped up my test-taking significantly. And when I was no longer racing the clock, my stress levels dropped dramatically.
And another key strategy is one that I like to call the two-pass system. During the first pass, you answer all of the easy and medium questions first. If I had to reread the question or wasn't confident, I just marked it and moved on. And the second pass is when you return to these harder ones with fresher eyes and more time. And I actually made a golden rule for myself: If I had to reread a question, I marked it and moved on. No exceptions. This prevented me from wasting time and kept my confidence high throughout the exam. And most importantly, it kept my momentum going. The last thing that you want is to get stuck on a question and feel behind on the exam, lose all of your confidence, and then face another tricky question. We have all been there. But by becoming comfortable moving on and coming back later, you'll actually keep that momentum and confidence flowing throughout the entire exam.
But what about when those moments of panic do come up? Because we've also all been there. Well, that's where a physiologic sigh can help significantly. Whenever you feel stress creeping in, take two deep inhales through your nose, followed by a long exhale. Research shows that this actually activates your parasympathetic nervous system, and all this does is it just rapidly lowers your stress and improves your focus. This is one of the fastest ways to calm down physiologically, and it can make a huge difference in really any high-pressure moments.
Mastering exams isn't just about intelligence; it's about strategy. Implement these tips, and I guarantee that you'll see improvement in both your scores and your confidence. If you enjoyed this video, then I absolutely know that you would love this one, where I bring you through what a productive day in my life looks like as an orthopedic surgery resident. Keep evolving, and I'll see you guys in the next one.
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