🩺 Scrub In: The Motivated Med Life

It’s 4:30 p.m., and I just finished an 8-hour Kaplan practice test for Step 1. I’m exhausted, about to reward myself with a nap and some candy, but before I do, here are my scattered thoughts in no particular order:

I need to appreciate the fact that I can even sit down and will myself to take such a long practice test. That alone is worth acknowledging.

How I feel right now is probably how I’ll feel after the real Step 1: tired, grateful, and ready to bolt out of that testing facility into pajamas.

Mantra: I am a professional test taker. I’ve taken so many, and this one is no different. I will pass.

I only need to pass. Stressing every time I don’t know a detail isn’t helping me.

I know more than this test will ever ask me, so I might as well be confident.

Practice makes good, but perfect practice makes perfect (wherever that quote came from).

Having something fun to look forward to post-test is essential. Nothing timed, just a small, relaxing thing that reminds me life exists beyond exams.

Positive affirmations actually work. A few of mine today:

• I passed all my didactic courses; I can pass Step 1.
  
• I went from 35% to 56% in UWorld by the 4th rotation. If I can do that, I can get a passing score.
  
• I will be calm and focused.
  
• I have tools to refocus when I get distracted.
  
• My anxiety is manageable.
  
• Favorite: I love what I am doing, and I am doing my best.
  

Text someone after the test. A little shared strength goes a long way.

Does anyone else talk to themselves during tests? I do. Sometimes it pulls me back when I forget this is timed. Baby steps.

Time management is less scary now. Practice helped, and I’m not worried about running out of time on test day.

Many tricky questions were on familiar topics. I just tripped on small details. Regularly reviewing old material will help solidify what I already know.

Mnemonics like SAD PUCKER continue to save me.

Note to self: pack a cold sandwich. Warm food sounds nice, but testing centers don’t come with microwaves. Cold soup = sadness.

Also pack a small treat for after. It’s the little joys.

Layers! Fall weather plus blasting AC equals shivering. I’ll be bringing tea in a thermos too.

Okay. Enough thinking. Time to rest.

Have you taken any practice tests lately, or are you in study mode right now? Where does your mind go after a long test day?