The following Do's and Don'ts are offered by the American Board of Ophthalmology (ABO) as suggestions for improving candidates’ test preparation techniques:
| DO: | DON'T: |
| Review examination materials over a prolonged period of time, reviewing small portions each day. Thoroughly review one topic at a time. For example, you may want to focus on the topic of optics and visual physiology for several days before moving on to another topic area. Please see the 2010 ABO Certification Brochure for more information on examination topics for the Written Qualifying and Oral examinations. |
Wait to study until the day before your testing appointment. Last-minute efforts will only be retained in your short-term memory. Prolonged exposure promotes long-term retention. |
DO: | DON'T: |
| Summarize critical concepts on topics that you have studied and review them until you feel you know these points well. |
Attempt to study late into the night when you normally would be resting. This only will yield diminished results and increased fatigue. Schedule your review for a time of day when your body and mind are alert. |
DO: | DON'T: |
| Take short and regularly scheduled study breaks to allow your mind to rest and comprehend your study materials. |
Consume unhealthy food or drinks to stay awake. Excessive carbohydrates, caffeine, and sweets reduce your ability to focus. Eat nourishing snacks such as fruit, protein, and vegetables. |
DO: | DON'T: |
| Periodic oral quizzes with another person to evaluate your learning of each content area. This will indicate areas of strengths and weaknesses. |
Worry. Preoccupation with negative thoughts saps time and energy from concentrated study. If you feel anxious, take a few minutes to perform some type of aerobic physical activity to stimulate your mind and body and reenergize your efforts. |
DO: | DON'T: |
| Make sure that you fully understand your test materials and familiarize yourself with the examination format. For the Written Qualifying Examination (WQE), take the Tutorial and Practice Test. For the Oral Examination, view the Oral Exam Simulation Video.
|
Just try to memorize everything you have studied. Instead, try to apply your knowledge beyond the basic facts and concepts that you have learned. For example, contemplate how you would treat a specific retinal condition (such as a retinal detachment) or how to diagnose a patient’s condition based on your interpretation of a fundus photograph.
|
Test anxiety can be an obstacle to performing well on the test. To help reduce test-taking anxiety:
