In this post, we cover the importance of the ABFM In-Training Exam and what to do if you score low on your PGY3 ITE.
Please humor my analogy as I await the start of basketball season. I realize that we’re medical professionals, not NBA athletes, but if taking the ITE were anything like playing in the NBA…
How to Use QBanks and ITEs to Prepare for Your ABFM Board Exam
Following the NBA analogy, Question banks would be regular season games; use these to hone your knowledge, work on timing, and familiarize yourself with the exam. Though at this stage, you should feel quite comfortable taking standardized tests. No worries if you’re not; check out this blog post on test anxiety.
If qbanks make up the regular season, then the ITE is the playoffs. Take the ITE seriously and study beforehand, as it’s the best indicator of how you’ll perform on boards.
Reviewing the ITE score report is like rewatching the game tapes. Learn from past mistakes and let the report breakdown coach you into making the necessary adjustments to your study plan.
In the NBA, a lackluster season precludes a team from the playoffs and poor playoff performance eliminates a team from the championship run. The good news is that this analogy only goes so far. Everyone will have a chance to take the board exam, even if you answered every practice question incorrectly or had a disappointing score on the ITE.
What to Do If You Score Low on the ITE
If you find yourself scoring consistently below the 25th percentile on your PGY3 ITE, you may want to reach out to your program leadership for additional resources. You likely need a more in-depth review of the material.
Many programs have peer-mentoring programs or dedicated tutoring services. You can also reach out to our Advanced Boards Tutoring Team, who can develop a personalized learning schedule for your busy rotations. This may involve dedicated tutoring sessions, more in depth reading of other review books, and/or other question banks to practice content.
An updated test prep plan and study method may also yield notable ITE results. You should speak with your program and/or MST about additional ways to start studying for the boards. In the meantime, check out family medicine board review blog post.
Regardless of how you performed on the ITE, you should familiarize yourself with the educational objectives on the ITE score report prior to the board exam. Your PGY3 ITE lends an accurate indication of your board exam performance. If that score isn’t where you want it, act fast!
If you feel like you need more guidance or individualized tutoring/mentoring, please reach out to us. We have multiple advanced boards tutors available to help guide you through the process of learning in residency, planning your fellowship and career path, and succeeding on the family medicine boards.
Boards is the last exam you’ll have to pass in order to receive full licensure; it’s your championship. Get pumped! You’ve made it so far in your career and have definitely earned a wave of celebration.
