Improving In-Training Exam Scores: Tips #1 & 2 – Start Early & Work Smart!
Can You Really Improve ITE Scores?
In the PBR article called “Can I Improve Pediatrics In-Training Exam Scores For Myself? Or For My Program?” I released survey results from recent test-takers who took their pediatric boards in October. It was clear that the lack of “early board-focused preparation during residency” is a prevalent theme across pediatric residency programs across the country. While residents can hope that their program will do a good job of preparing them for the boards, residents can’t really expect this unless there’s a proven track record within the institution for success on the boards.
Keeping that in mind, I’m now writing a series of articles about how residents can take matters into their own hands to increase their residency in-training exam scores and potentially their chances of passing the boards as well.
Let’s start with 2 very important questions. Then, I'll give you 2 very simple recommendations that could set you on the right path starting NOW towards studying for the pediatric in-service exam and ultimately PASSING the pediatric boards!
DO IN-TRAINING EXAM SCORES REALLY CORRELATE WITH BOARD PASS RATES?
According to a study published in the Journal of Pediatrics, the answer is YES! The study revealed that Click Here And Continue Reading…
Can I Improve Pediatrics In-Training Exam Scores For Myself? Or For My Program?
Have you heard? The initial certification exam for the pediatric boards was LAST WEEK! I performed a survey afterwards because I wanted to know how well my Pediatrics Board Review (PBR) system prepared PBR members for the exam. I also wanted to know how to better prepare pediatricians and pediatric residents for the boards.
THE BEST PEDIATRICS BOARD REVIEW SYSTEM OUT THERE!
While I did get some great “feedback” on how I can make the PBR system even better, check out these stats:
- 100% of the respondents were happy to have found PBR.
- 0% said they wished they had used something else.
IMPROVING PREPARATION FOR THE PEDIATRIC BOARDS
Almost 50% of the respondents commented on how they wish they had the PBR available to them during their residency training. There was a ton of great discussion between the members of the PBR community and myself about how things could have been different, and should be different, when it comes to preparing for this brutal exam.
One of the most prevent themes was the lack of early Click Here And Continue Reading…
PBR 2012 Corrections and Clarifications
The 2012 PBR Corrections Are Here!
Thanks to everyone who contributed to this 25 page booklet of corrections and clarifications to the PBR core study guide and the Q and A book. It’s being released just in time for the exam. I’ve been so pleased with everyone's wonderful contributions that I’m making this available to everyone (not just the Bundle Pack members). All you have to do is hit the Facebook LIKE button below. After you LIKE it, you’ll see a link that gives you instant access to the 25-page PDF (Sorry! As of Sept. 2014, the LIKE software no longer works… so I'm now just giving it away! Just click on the image to download the guide. It would be GREAT if you could visit https://www.facebook.com/PedsBoardReview and give it a LIKE).
For those of you who do not have a Facebook account, or for those of you who would like to take part in the PBR forum, simply visit the PBR forum and go through the various sections to see corrections, clarifications and some phenomenal info from the PBR community.
American Board of Pediatrics Exam Scoring Changes
I've received a tremendous number of questions about what the American Board of Pediatrics 2012 scoring changes might mean for this year's exam.
Are YOU Familiar With the Changes?
Before we get into my thoughts, let's recap the old scoring system and quickly go over the new scoring system.
OLD AMERICAN BOARD OF PEDIATRICS SCORING SCALE
SCORE RANGE: 0 – 800
PASSING SCORE: 410
INCREMENTAL POINTS: 10
NEW AMERICAN BOARD OF PEDIATRICS SCORING SCALE
SCORE RANGE: 0 – 300
PASSING SCORE: 180
INCREMENTAL POINTS: 1
So what does this mean for you? Click Here And Continue Reading…For the Pediatric Board Exam, 2012 Might Be the Best Year Ever!
So the keyword is MIGHT, but I'm hopeful that it WILL be the best year to take the board exams in a very long time. The American Board of pediatrics has changed the way it grades and passes it's test-takers. From now on, it seems that as long as you correctly answer at least 70-75% of the exam questions, you will pass. This will be the first year but the American Board of pediatrics is trying this out. Many other specialty board exams have been using the system for very long time.
So what does this mean for you? Well, given that there is so much on the line this year for the American Board of Pediatrics (e.g., ABP scoring changes, grading changes, new computerized tests, etc.), I believe Click Here And Continue Reading…
The Pediatric Boards Pass Rate Could be 100% This Year!
I Know You Don't Believe It, But It's TRUE!
The pediatric boards pass rate had been horrendous for years. BUT, after a very long time, the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP) finally decided to make some long-needed changes in 2012. In the prior years, your grade was essentially determined based on a curve. The curve was meant to ensure that 20-25% of first-time test takers failed the pediatric boards resulting in a pediatric board pass rate of about 75 – 80%. So, your chances of success were determined by the mix of your peers. If your peers were smarter than you, that meant you were more likely to fail!
The ABP's New Way of Grading
Now, they have a new way of grading the initial certification exam. They finally decided to pass you the same way you were graded in elementary school. If you get more than a certain number of questions correct, you pass! That's it! Click Here And Continue Reading…