I’ve got only one month left to study for the Boards.  Slightly terrifying, but I’m not nearly as nervous as I thought I would be.  I have been studying so long for this exam, and I feel ready to put it behind me.

It is so strange to think that a year ago I really didn’t know anything about the boards.  I didn’t even know what it was scored out of.  But preparing for the Boards has been such a huge focus of my life since then.

It reminds me of when I was back in high school, getting ready to take the ACT.  I was so nervous.  It was the biggest test of my life!  Then again in college, taking the MCAT…how on earth does one prepare for a FOUR hour exam!?  And now, I’m getting ready to take the first test in a series of exams, that will last eight hours.

I am not sure exactly why I am not that nervous this time.  It is a really important exam that will play a big part in deciding where I go for residency, and failing the Boards could really set me back, or even ruin my career as a physician.  Maybe I am so chill because when looking back at all the big exams I have taken in my life, I know that I always do okay.  I might not get the best score ever, but I always do well enough to achieve my goals.

However, I still have a lot to learn in the next month.  By now, I have done over 2000 practice board questions, so I have a pretty good grasp on which subjects and concepts I need to spend more time on, most notably pharmacology and embryology, and which subjects I have a pretty good grasp on, such as microbiology and osteopathic principles.

I feel good about how I have prepared so far.  I started studying around Thanksgiving, and I have managed to keep to my study plan.  I just hope that all of my hard work and preparation will serve me well come test day.