"I similarly found Qbank disappointing. Qbank is vague and random like the boards, but I didn't find the actual material contained within at all helpful. And yes, I did all 2000 questions in the database. My version of the boards was difficult if not MORE difficult than than Qbank."

"The only way you could've adequately prepared for the version of the boards I had was to go over ALL your notes from the first two years."

"There will be other people in the testing room taking other types of tests. Some of these tests apparently involve a lot of noisy typing. You have been warned..."

"And finally, the 'lockers' at the Glendale Prometric site are more like cubby holes with lockable doors. Pack lightly."

-- Alex Lin, '04
Publicity & Historical Chair, 2001-02

"Buy yourself a First Aid for the Boards now and take high-yield notes in it as you go through second year. Make it easy on yourself later and start memorizing drugs, mechanisms, and drug side effects."

"High-Yield Behavioral Science will get you the easy psych questions."

"BRS Pathology and Physiology are must reads."

-- Harrison Lin, '04
President, 2001-02

"I'm glad that I used First Aid for the Boards."

"I'm glad that I didn't spend money on a course, because the Boards is something you can study for on your own."

-- Andrew T. Kwa '03
Social & Fundraising Chair, 2000-01

"Q-Bank is fairly close to the actual degree of difficulty on the exam. Not only does it help you problem solve, but it can also help you examine your strengths and weaknesses. The $99 one month access is sufficient."

"High-Yield books are generally good. Avoid spending the $200+ on the Underground Clinical Vignettes series -- you're better off testing yourself on Q-Bank."

"Lippincott's Biochem has a lot of detail, but it's very well-written. Skip Lippincott's Pharm; it's poorly organized."

"Clinical Microbiology Made Ridiculously Simple is a MUST READ! You'll remember the crazy pictures on the exam, and on the wards."

"Tests vary, of course, but generally speaking, it seemed like the 2002 gross anatomy questions were fairly general. High-Yield Gross Anatomy does a pretty good job, but try other sources if you can find them."

"Pharm side-effects are very important not only for the exam, but also on the wards."

"First Aid lists the types of cancers treated by chemo drugs, but I never came across anyone who was tested on that. That said, it would probably be a good idea to know about the more specific chemo drugs (e.g. those for breast CA, those that work hormonally, etc.)"

"As for microbiology and antibiotics, you should generally know what a drug treats, the first line drug for a pathogen, drug mechanisms, and drug side-effects."

"There are several 'what is the most appropriate response' patient-physician relationship questions on the exam. These are FREE points; read about how to answer them in High-Yield Behavioral Science, but generally speaking, go for the most touchy-feely answer."

"With regards to pathology, it's very helpful to memorize the 'triads' and the 'syndromes'. By associating one lesion with another (e.g. ocular lesions and meningeal hemangiomas with port-wine stains on the face), the answers will jump out at you."

"When you and your friends are ready, it's helpful to dedicate one to two hours to have open-book "pimping sessions". By speaking and hearing what you've read and memorized, you'll deepen your understanding. But beware: don't just go over stuff you're already comfortable with; challenge yourself and ask friends for explanations if you're lost."

"Generally, everyone living in east LA takes the test in Glendale, and those on the west side take it in Culver City."

"Don't panic; you'll never feel "ready" to take the test. However, if you feel like you really need more time, you can move your test date back free of cost exactly five days, or 120 hours, before your scheduled test time. Anytime after that, you'll pay $90."

"If you have an early test time, start adjusting your sleep schedule at least one week prior. If you're just not a morning person, you can take the test as late as 12pm! But sign-up early..."

"If you studied under the influence of caffeine, be sure to load up on your favorite caffeinated treats before and during the long exam; deal with bathroom trips as needed. (Be sure to skip the tutorial and give yourself the full 60-minute breaktime.)"

-- Anonymous