Study Tips Series: How I Study Smarter For The ABOG Exam

Preparing for the ABOG Qualifying Exam can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re balancing clinical responsibilities with board prep. This post shares study tips from Jessica Shim, an MD who passed her ABOG exam a few years ago.

And if you’re still getting familiar with the exam format and expectations, start with our ABOG Qualifying Exam guide for a full breakdown of what to expect and how to prepare.

Name: Jessica Shim, MD
Institution: Northwestern
Specialty: OB/GYN Year of
Residency: Graduated summer 2019!
Last Exam Taken: ABOG written boards (June 2019)

1. Describe your study style in one word? Efficient
2. Where do you study?
   I study mainly at home on my kitchen table, or on the go.
3. When do you study?
   I increase my studying prior to an exam for at least 3 months. I set aside time several nights a week to stay home and study over dinner (eg, 2 hours of test questions on M/W/F). I also like to study in between cases or during any downtime, with the TrueLearn mobile app. For example, in the half hour it took to turnover the OR, I would go through several TrueLearn questions.
4. What tools do you use to study?
   I exclusively used TrueLearn to prepare for my CREOGs and written boards. However, I made sure throughout the rest of the year, to regularly go through committee opinions and practice bulletins. I assigned myself one committee opinion and practice bulletin per week, relevant to the rotation I was on.
5. How do you decide what to study?
   For me, I like question banks because it allows me to go through many different topics. I liked to go through a block of random questions, and would attempt to go through a block once daily when I was closer to the exam date. In the hour it takes to read one textbook chapter on a specific topic, I could go through many more questions on various topics. It also challenges me to stay on top of my test-taking skills. TrueLearn in particular also has great explanations that go in-depth, and also references in case you would like to read up further on the specific question topic.
6. How do you balance your studying with your other priorities?
   I set a schedule ahead of time and I make sure I follow it! I found it easiest to schedule by creating the events on my phone calendar to remind myself. I also prioritize rewarding myself if I stick to the schedule. So, if I studied the several times that week I told myself I would, I would allow myself to go out over the weekend. Setting a reward system made me more motivated, and less nervous for when I was not studying.
7. What is a study method that you used to do but then realized it doesn’t work for you?
   I used to exclusively read textbooks to prepare for an exam. However, I realized it does not work for me because it does not actively engage me or challenge my knowledge. Honestly, reading a textbook after a long clinical day would make me fall asleep! By taking practice tests from a question bank, I am learning and also assessing whether I am on track to do well.
8. What is your #1 tip for efficient and effective studying?
   Anticipate and set a schedule you can commit to. Also, make use of the time you have – breaks throughout the day can easily be used to answer a couple test questions.