Study Guide to MRCS

• It's never too early to start studying. Do not expect to do well if you procrastinate and cram a week or two before the examination.
• The intelligent use of basic principles and pathophysiology along with careful thought often proves more rewarding than just cramming.
• Use all your spare time to practice questions; there are many books available with practice questions to stimulate the mind.
• Revision courses can assist tremendously by reviewing key specialties and preparing you for the format of the test. Look for courses that offer small class sizes so you can interact with the lecturers without feeling intimidated.
• Online courses often allow you to take practice tests that simulate the testing conditions on the day of the sitting, as well as more structured subject-based revision. Look for courses that update the material regularly, and check who is writing the material.
• Practice mock-exams under time constraints and work out the best strategy that works for you: think fast, and commit yourself to an answer for each question. Only leave out those questions that are puzzling you. When you finish, go back and try these again.
• Read the question carefully. Many mistakes are due to misreading true for false, hyper for hypo and vice versa, etc. Remember: questions with the phrases "always" and "never" are usually false.
• Do not to spend too much time on one item. Answer every question—there is no negative marking.
• Often, responses that you were extremely confident about will appear less convincing the more you go over them. Remember that your first judgment is usually correct.
• Leave time at the end to make sure you have transferred your responses to the answer sheet correctly.

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