Try the PassFRACP Timed Practice examination section
When it comes to preparing for exams, most students focus on mastering the subject matter. While this is crucial, an often overlooked yet highly effective strategy is practicing written examinations under timed conditions.
During your examination registration you are given one practice exam paper before the examination. The Examinations include a Clinical Applications paper consisting of 100 questions (including 92 A-type Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) and eight Extended Matching Questions (EMQs) and a Medical Sciences paper with 70 questions (including 66 A-type MCQs and four EMQs) each. Therefore is a total exam question time of 5 hours and 20 minutes – this equates to 30 seconds per question (170/320)
Let’s explore how our timed exam method can optimise your preparation and performance:
1. Improved Time Management Skills
One of the primary advantages of practicing under timed conditions is the development of time management skills. In the FRACP examination most doctors struggle not because they lack knowledge, but because they run out of time. By simulating the time constraints of the real exam, you can gauge how long it takes to answer questions, allocate your time more effectively, and identify areas where you tend to spend too much time. With repeated practice, you’ll learn to pace yourself and balance the time spent on each section.
2. Reduced Exam Anxiety
Timed exams often induce stress, even for well-prepared students. However, practicing under these conditions can significantly reduce test anxiety. By familiarising yourself with the pressure of time constraints, you become desensitised to the stress of the ticking clock. Over time, this leads to a sense of control, boosting your confidence when you sit for the actual exam.
3. Enhanced Focus and Concentration
Exams require intense concentration over a fixed period. Practicing under timed conditions helps train your brain to focus for extended periods without getting distracted. During the practice sessions, you’ll notice when your attention wanes and can develop strategies to refocus quickly. This heightened focus ensures you stay sharp and on-task during the real exam.
4. Realistic Assessment of Preparedness
Studying content in isolation doesn’t always provide an accurate picture of how well-prepared you are for the actual exam. When you practice under timed conditions, you simulate the exam environment, allowing you to assess your readiness more effectively. You can identify your strengths and weaknesses in answering questions under pressure, which informs your study strategy and helps you address gaps in knowledge.
5. Boosted Retention and Recall
Timed exams require you to recall information quickly and efficiently. By repeatedly practicing under these conditions, you strengthen your memory retention and speed up your ability to retrieve information.
Conclusion: Practicing written examinations under timed conditions is a powerful tool that goes beyond mere preparation. Incorporating this strategy into your study routine ensures that you’re not just prepared for the exam content, but also for the challenging conditions in which you’ll need to demonstrate your knowledge.
Signup today at PassFRACP here to access our collection of past timed examinations