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Vinitha sat Part 3 in November 2022 and missed out by 3 marks, scoring 59%.

She re-took the exam in February 2023 and scored 88% when the pass mark was 62%.

Increasing a score of 59% by 29 marks requires a 49.2% increase!  

Vinitha’s feat would be astonishing, whatever the time-scale, but hers was a mere 3 months!

She has been inspirational for many.

Her advice is invaluable for those taking the exam, whether for the first time or after disappointment.

Others have improved their scores considerably and have written about how they changed their preparation.

You can find this on Dropbox.

 

I attempted the exam for the first time in November and did not get through by a narrow percentage.

Luckily the RCOG had opened booking for Feb even for the November candidates and I booked the exam and started my preparation again with a few changes.

I cleared it with 88%.

I have not said anything different here than what others have but hope this helps any future candidate. 

These are a few points to remember:

1.       Understand the format of the exam and what they are testing. 

2.       It is not necessary to spend a lot of time reading the guidelines as the knowledge part has already been tested in part 2.

          You need to focus more on the applied part.

         Rather, spend time reading the patient information leaflets and NHS pages for every single topic. 

3.      I attended Dr. Tom's classes which I found useful especially as a non UK candidate.

         I was not an active participant.

         But it would really help to actively participate in the discussion as it would tremendously improve the confidence level. 

4.      Preparing blurbs is very very important! I cannot stress on this again.

         Initially when I started my preparation for the November exam, I used to play it by the ear and practice with study partners without any prior preparation on the topics randomly.

            But it is important to prepare blurbs as they make a big difference in the way the station goes on with the role player during the exam.

             Dr. Tom’s blog has a few examples of these on a few difficult topics which was very useful.

            Try to prepare blurbs for every single recall question using the patient information leaflets. and practice multiple times.

            If possible, make blurbs for different parts of the station.  

            But remember, during the exam, even if the question feels familiar, make sure to read the question properly and so that you can improvise your blurbs during the exam.

5.     Practice with study partners. I was lucky to find 2 study partners who were extremely helpful and we practised daily.

          But that is not all. I practised by myself as well to improve.

            I recorded myself for 10 minutes for many cases, listened to it and made the necessary changes.

           It might be difficult to do at first, but with practice it gets easier and it surely helps.

           I had also joined an Indian course.

6.    Make an introduction and agenda format and stick to it.

           I followed Dr. Tom’s way of introduction and agenda setting as I found it to be the best.

          Starting a station with a confident and proper introduction can change the way the station continues.

7.    You have only 10 minutes during the exam.

          Focus on what is asked and remember to ask the role player if they have any questions.

          They are very helpful and will guide you. 

8.    I could not attend any full circuit course but practiced with my study partners. But attending a full circuit will give an idea of how the exam will be.

9.    Before the exam try to relax and be confident.

          By the end of each station or during the next station’s reading time, it’s normal to remember a few points that you could have added but forget about what’s done and concentrate on the next station instead. 

10.  After the exam, don’t think about it. It’s done, so relax and hope for the best.

  Hope this helps and all the best.

  For everyone who has been unsuccessful, it’s ok to feel down but it is important to remember that the score in no way reflects on your knowledge.

  I understand how you feel as I’ve been there. But with a few changes in preparation, it is doable.

  Good luck.