Tips and Strategies for COMAT and Shelf Exams in Medical School
Preparing for COMAT and shelf exams in medical school can feel overwhelming, but with the right approach, you can confidently tackle these exams. This blog post will cover essential strategies discussed in the podcast episode How to Study for COMAT and Shelf Exams, including practice questions, using Anki effectively, dedicated studying, understanding clinical learning question types, and general test-taking tips.
The Importance of Practice Questions
One of the most effective ways to prepare for COMAT and shelf exams is by consistently working through practice questions. These exams are designed to test your clinical reasoning and application of knowledge, making practice questions a critical tool. Here’s how to approach them:
Start early: Incorporate practice questions into your study routine as soon as you start your clinical rotations. This helps you stay familiar with the exam format and question style. You'll need to purchase a question bank (probably two, unless your school pays for one). I highly recommend TrueLearn, which is the primary question bank I used for Step 2 and Level 2. Check out this post for more on TrueLearn and access my special discount codes.
Have a plan: I've talked about my 10,000-question recommendation (and 8,000-question minimum) to prepare for USMLE Step 1 or COMLEX Level 1, and my recommendation for Step 2 and Level 2 is no different. You should aim to complete about half of these questions (5,000) over the academic year (5,000 questions) and then about 5,000 more during dedicated studying. Depending on how many blocks you have, this will probably be between 500 and 700 questions per block, which is enough to help prepare for each COMAT or shelf exam. This results in about 20-25 daily questions over a 4-week rotation, which is manageable even with busy days in the clinic or hospital. This should take less than a half hour to complete and then up to another hour to review the answers. I speak more about the 10,000-question strategy as it relates to Step 1 or Level 1 here.
Simulate exam conditions: Dedicate time to answering blocks of questions under timed conditions to build stamina and get accustomed to the pressure of test day.
Take time to review: Focus on understanding why you answered a question correctly or incorrectly. Use explanations to fill in knowledge gaps and reinforce key concepts.
Using Anki
Anki is an excellent tool for retaining large volumes of information. When preparing for COMAT and shelf exams, use Anki strategically:
I have always used premade decks and recommend using them because it is too time-consuming to make your own unless the process of making cards itself is a valuable way for you to learn and review concepts. I used Cheesy Dorian for Step 2 to help me with COMAT exams, but there are many others, usually found on Reddit, that may better match your learning style.
Commit to daily reviews. Regular reviews ensure you retain information over time, especially during busy rotations. Use the weekends to catch up.
Utilize downtime. Bring your computer with you on rotations so you can pull up Anki when you have a few minutes to spare. Practice questions are better when you have extended downtime to commit to a half or full set of timed questions.
Understanding Clinical Learning Question Types
The COMAT and shelf exams often feature unique question types that assess clinical reasoning. These include:
Multi-order questions require integrating information from patient history, physical exams, and lab findings.
Diagnosis and management: Many questions ask about the next best step in diagnosis or treatment, emphasizing clinical decision-making.
Disease patterns: Recognizing classic presentations of common conditions is crucial. Pay attention to hallmark signs and symptoms. Tests are now moving away from typical buzzwords, so memorizing those is not enough.
Test-Taking Tips
Adopting strong test-taking strategies can make a significant difference in your performance:
Look for key phrases that guide your answer.
Eliminate wrong answers. Narrow down your options by ruling out incorrect answers, even if you’re unsure of the correct one.
Practice time management: Allocate your time wisely during the exam, leaving no questions unanswered.
Develop techniques to manage test anxiety, such as deep breathing.
Final Thoughts
Studying for COMAT and shelf exams requires consistent effort, effective resource utilization, and strong test-taking skills. By incorporating practice questions, leveraging tools like Anki, and understanding the nuances of clinical learning, you’ll be well-equipped to succeed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How many practice questions should I aim to complete for these exams?
You should aim to complete about 10,000 questions in total—5,000 during the academic year and another 5,000 during dedicated studying. Break this into manageable daily goals, such as 20-25 questions per day.
2. Is it better to use premade Anki decks or create my own?
Premade decks are highly recommended for efficiency, as creating your own can be time-consuming. However, if making flashcards helps reinforce your learning, it’s worth considering. Popular premade decks like Cheesy Dorian for Step 2 are excellent resources.
3. How can I manage my time effectively during rotations to study?
Set realistic daily goals, such as studying for 1-2 hours each day. Use weekends for longer study sessions, and take advantage of downtime during rotations to review flashcards or practice questions.
4. What should I focus on when reviewing practice questions?
Focus on understanding why you got a question right or wrong. Pay close attention to the explanations, and use them to identify and fill in knowledge gaps.