Strategies to Achieve a Strong ABSITE Score During General Surgery Residency

Balancing daily life, self-care, and residency is difficult, but a structured plan can help you succeed both in your program and on the American Board of Surgery In-Training Examination (ABSITE). 

The key to success is establishing a clear routine and learning how to manage your time effectively. Exam prep can quickly fall behind, so it’s a good idea to develop a solid plan in the beginning to help stay on track.

Maybe it sounds overwhelming, but we’re here to help. Use the guide below to create a manageable schedule that balances life, residency, and ABSITE prep.

What’s a good ABSITE score?

The ABSITE has 250 multiple-choice questions. On the score report, two scores are reported: a percentage-correct and a standard score.

The American Board of Surgery (ABS) states, “Standard and percent correct scores are much more precise indicators of resident knowledge and program directors should rely on these rather than percentile scores.” The ABS discontinued the reporting of percentiles in January 2025. They also have a tool that displays the relationship between standard scores and the probability of passing the QE. 

Your report will include two numbers: a percentage-correct and a standard score. This can feel unfamiliar if you’re used to seeing simple letter grades or percentile rankings but it’s designed to give a clearer picture of how you’re performing relative to all residents nationally.

So, what counts as a “good” score?
Generally, a strong ABSITE score is one that shows consistent improvement year over year and demonstrates that you’re performing at or above the national average for your training level. Program directors often look for upward trends rather than a single number, since expectations vary by postgraduate year.

If you’re early in residency, use your results as a learning benchmark rather than a verdict. Your ABSITE is meant to identify strengths and gaps, not define your future as a surgeon. Scores that reflect steady growth are often viewed more positively than one-off highs.

ABSITE Prep Strategies That Fit Into Residency Life

Microlearning 

As a medical student, you’re probably familiar with study fatigue. But it doesn’t have to be that way with microlearning. Study in short, focused sessions of 20 minutes or less to prepare for the ABSITE. These quick study bursts are designed to fit within your busy day-to-day schedule. Whether you have a 15-minute break, a 20-minute commute, or a few minutes to spare, use that block of time for quick ABSITE review, like completing a few practice questions or watching a short video.

Weekly review stretches

With a busy schedule, it can be hard to find large blocks of time for studying the ABSITE. Instead of setting daily goals, establish a weekly study target. For instance, you can plan study sessions when you know you have a day off. Just be sure to map your study regimen to the ABSITE content outline, and use your preferred active study method, like a question bank, memory palace, or flashcards.

Timed practice tests

On your monthly night float rotation? When residency life gets a little slow, allot time for practice tests. The ABSITE is administered over two 2.5-hour blocks, so a practice exam will help you get familiar with the exam’s pacing and improve your test-taking strategies. 

Leveraging ABSITE Question Banks to Boost Scores

Utilizing question banks isn’t just taking a leap of faith. Research demonstrates that for surgical residents, regularly completing review questions correlates with significantly higher exam performance. From simulating the exam to identifying knowledge gaps, they help residents like you build their knowledge and confidence for the exam. Question banks are an active study method, which is more helpful for retaining information long term than passive methods like reading.

A robust question bank can help you get familiar with the exam’s content and format, improve your knowledge retention, identify areas of weakness, track your progress, and more. TrueLearn’s ABSITE Question Bank, for example, is mapped to the content outline and features more than 1,000 questions. 

TrueLearn is accessible on your Android or Apple device, so you can learn on the go and create your own digital flashcards. Its smart analytics allow you to track and improve your progress over time, so you can see how you measure up to others and gauge your probability of passing the ABSITE.

Need a guide on everything you need to know for ABSITE prep? Read this! 

Achieve Work-Life Balance in General Surgery Residency While Studying for the ABSITE

Rest is necessary for providing safe patient care and maintaining your physical and mental well-being. Please take care of yourself and remember that recovery and wellness are just as important as study hours. 

The American Medical Association encourages residents to watch for early signs of sleep deprivation and burnout to protect their well-being and performance. Try to avoid any last-minute cramming or studying on long days. While you may be trying to achieve your study goals, it will likely do more harm than good. 

Instead, focus on maintaining your study routine and building confidence in your knowledge base. Furthermore, creating a work-life balance is key to helping you prepare for the exam and achieve the ABSITE score you’ve worked so hard for. Address your mental and physical needs first, then the ABSITE prep can commence!