I took the exam today and passed. I want to give advice that was not extended to me. First of all: it is NOT an easy exam. It's going to ask you every nitty gritty thing you can think of like regarding cellular structures, proteins, lipids, chemistry, etc. It's not just "what treats this disease" or "what's this instrument for". Definitely show this exam respect. Don't be overly cocky because I've been told that it's those people who fail it. Study, utilize study programs. Yes, quality programs cost money, but would you rather pay the $100 for the program or the $300 for a retake? Also, make your own practice tests when you come across something you really struggle with. Make flash cards or make yourself a little memory game like we play as kids. Make it fun. Use whiteboards with colored markers. Study small amounts over a period of time; don't cram. Have a veterinarian question/ quiz you if they're not too busy. Mine quizzed me on our way out to a house call and we discussed some things that ended up being on the test. My advice- clear your plate as much as possible. Take a couple days off work, get a babysitter/ petsitter for a couple days. Leave the significant other behind. It won't kill you for a couple days to have no responsibilities. All that matters is this exam. Budget/ plan it out well in advance. If you're having to travel (60+ miles), go the night before and stay with someone or at a hotel. I was stopped three times in construction the day before my exam and was thanking God that I chose to go the day before. I would have been throwing a right royal fit if I got stuck in traffic on exam day. Get plenty of rest- do NOT stay up all night studying. You cannot learn anything when you're tired. Do not rush the morning of the exam. Make sure you have your ID on you the morning of the exam. The last thing you need to be doing the morning of is rushing, fussing and cussing. This is where good time management comes in. Trust me- it helps. Also, before the exam, use the restroom and make sure you're properly fed. The last thing you want during the exam is a belly ache. You will be provided with a scrap piece of paper, a pencil and the calculator is built into the exam program. After the exam, you will know if you passed or failed. Don't be embarrassed to cry a little when you pass.
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