For the Pediatric Board Exam, 2012 Might Be the Best Year Ever!

Have you found out the passing rate for 2012? Sadly, it’s not 100% as I failed, 179/180 for passing and I’m losing it….

Hey Craig,

So sorry to hear that you failed, and by so little. I’m working with pediatricians that have failed over and over and over again and have come nowhere close to passing. I think that is one thing that you should look at has a so reminding, because with a little bit more work and a few tweaks to your systems, you should be able to pass next year without any problem.

As far as what to do next, here are some of my thoughts (in no particular order):

The PBR materials are not lacking in content, so I would not start using other materials unless you felt like this was just not a good fit. There are plenty of people who have actually failed previously using other materials and then passed using the PBR materials.

So if the PBR materials aren’t the issue, where does that leave you?

Ask yourself a few questions:
1. Did you spend enough time studying? I spent well over 300 hours studying when I took it the second time. Any idea how many hours you spent?
2. How many times did you get through the material you used? I emphasize that all PBR members should get through my material 4-5 times in order to make sure that you have enough exposure to it. Going through it only once or twice is just not enough for the initial certification exam.
3. Did you divide your attention by using multiple study materials? My strict recommend is that all PBR members use my materials and AAP PREP questions. That’s it. Nothing else, unless it’s for clarification.
4. Did you go through about 3 years of PREP questions to “practice the art of answering questions?”
5. Have you struggled with standardized exams in the past? If so, it may not be a matter of actually knowing the information, but more about figuring out HOW to approach questions. If that is the case, you definitely need to consider taking the Coach Peggy course. In fact, if I was in your position I would definitely take the course and take it as soon as I can. While I’m sure you’re not really interested in too many other people’s success stories, I did just receive the following emails from students who took the coaching course this summer:

“Thank you so much! And than u to Peggy-ill email her too! 3rd time taking the boards and I’m so relieved! I’m def glad I spent time with Ms Peggy for a weekend, I know it contributed to my success!!! Thank you thank you!!!”
– Dr. Trish

&

“I took the pediatric boards 3 times and PBR material had everything that I need to know and Peggy is this amazing person that helps build confidence and assure that everything will be fine as it turned to be… Thanks a lot for all the help. I finally passed on my boards (3rd is the charm)… I am really grateful for all the support from you and Peggy in those difficult years.”
– Dr. Isabella

I’m not showing these to you in order to be “salesy” or to make you feel bad, it’s just that I truly do believe in the course and I almost get frustrated when slots go unfilled because I feel like it’s terrible waste. Believe it or not, I even had my own cousin take the course (and she paid full price). She found out that she passed yesterday. Had she not taken the course, it’s possible she wouldn’t failed by just a few points.

Again, I’m trying to think of everything I can that might help. Feel free to ask questions so that we can dialogue. Again, really sorry you’re going through this. I’ve been there and I remember how it feels. Please remember, though, this is a test and it is NOT a reflection of you as a person or as a physician. Yes, it’s a hurdle… but I KNOW it’s one you can definitely overcome. Will be in touch by email too.
– ashish