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How to become a better test taker when going from an undergrad program right into a doctorate program?

What helps one person succeed may not be the best way for you to succeed so its important to find your own ways. #Spring25

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Kaitlyn’s Answer

Becoming a better test taker takes practice and self-awareness. One thing that helps is figuring out how you learn best. Some people do better with flashcards, while others need to teach the material out loud or practice with case examples. It is also important to study a little at a time instead of cramming. Breaking the material into smaller pieces makes it easier to remember. In a doctorate program, the exams often focus on applying knowledge, not just memorizing. Try using practice questions, study groups, or mock tests so you get used to the format. Managing stress also makes a big difference. Simple things like sleep, exercise, and breathing techniques help you stay calm and think clearly. Most of all, give yourself patience. Moving from undergrad to a doctorate is a big jump, and it takes time to adjust. The more you practice your study habits, the more confident you will feel when you sit down for the exam.
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Megan’s Answer

Read questions twice , make sure you’re not missing anything. When it comes to grad school it’s often sometimes one little thing in a whole case that you might miss. Also pay attention to the time it’s taking you to complete exams. The NBCOT exam is 4 hours for 170 questions which gives you a little less than a minute and a half per question. As you go on through your doctorate program make sure you’re sticking to this idea. So a 50 question exam for example should not take you more than 70ish minutes.
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Carrie’s Answer

Jumping straight from a bachelor's degree to a doctorate program is a rare achievement. Most people first earn a master's degree before pursuing a doctorate. If the program you're considering offers a direct path from a master's to a doctorate, you're already on a great track! Megan mentioned the importance of reading questions twice, and I completely agree. We often overlook details in emails or test questions because we rush. Take a moment to breathe and read carefully. Reading out loud can help you catch every word and understand the question better. If you're working on application questions, it's a good idea to write your answers in a program like MS Word first. This way, you can easily check your punctuation, grammar, and sentence structure. I hope this advice is useful!
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Nicole’s Answer

I find that leveraging AI tools like Copilot or ChatGPT can be really helpful when preparing for tests. I recommend explaining your preferred study methods, areas where you're struggling, and sharing any relevant content or materials you’re able to provide. This allows the AI to suggest a personalized test prep strategy and offer useful test-taking tips.
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Sara’s Answer

I would recommend discussing with professors/proctors of profession exams any accommodations available. Some people do better taking tests in a more secluded environment (vs a classroom full of people/distractions); others prefer an oral exam vs written. Test taking accommodations may not be available, but you never know if you don’t ask! With more information and a better understanding of neurodivergence, there seems to be more flexibility now to accommodate students who don’t perform well in standardized testing environments.
Figuring out your learning style is also helpful. Most people do better studying for exams in silence; I found listening to “study music” (instrumental, calming, etc) helped me focus better in pharmacy school. My reading comprehension is much better when I am “actively” learning, so taking notes (even if I never look at them again) helped me retain the information better than just reading.
Hope this helps—best of luck!
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