The Scary Reality of Medical Exams for Students: Overcoming Fear and Tackling Stress
Yes, it is God's honest truth. As the exam approaches, most of us start to worry due to the fear that often accompanies it. The vast syllabus means that many of us focus on only the most important topics, often derived from senior students' recommendations, yet still end up facing supplementary exams.
Even top-performing students are uncertain about their performance before the exam, due to unexpected questions and the 50% passing criteria. After clearing NEET, we often believe that hard work is no longer necessary, leading to a false sense of security. However, the reality is quite different.
The best way to avoid such pressure is to study a bit regularly, which prevents the accumulation of burdens. This article explores common reasons for fear and offers strategies to manage exam stress effectively.
Reasons for Getting Scared
Getting scared during medical exams is a fact, and "get scared" is indeed a small word to describe the intense anxiety and stress that comes with it. Medical studies themselves are already stressful, and with exams, the stress intensifies, often taking away our sleep, happiness, peace, and many more positive aspects of life.
Mismanaged Study Habits
Forgetting to Read the Whole Year: Many medical students focus on enjoying their lives to reduce stress, but in doing so, they often forget to review the entire syllabus. Exam Day Anxiety: Seeing the syllabus during exam time can trigger anxiety attacks, and this was no different for me. New Topics: The night before exams, every topic seems new and daunting, leading to the belief that studying once might be enough to pass.The Toxic Medical College Environment
Medical colleges can be a highly stressful environment, especially during exam times. The toxic atmosphere is prevalent every single day. Here are some reasons why:
Huge Syllabus to Cover: The syllabus seems entirely new to most students, regardless of whether they studied the whole year or not. No Revision: Over 80% of students do not study the whole year, and the syllabus appears entirely new to them. Fear Among Students: The first question that always comes to mind is why we are not studying. This fear is deeply rooted in our minds and can affect our performance.Overcoming Exam Fear
Even with all the stress, life as a medical student can still be enjoyable. Here are some strategies to manage exam fear and stress effectively:
Regular Studying: Breaking the syllabus into manageable chunks and studying regularly can help prevent overwhelming anxiety. Understanding the Syllabus: Familiarize yourself with the entire syllabus to reduce the feeling of being overwhelmed. Support Groups: Joining study groups or finding study partners can provide emotional support and motivation. Time Management: Effective time management can reduce stress by allowing more time for review and preparation. Relaxation Techniques: Techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and exercise can help manage stress before and during exams.Final Thoughts
The MBBS exam holds a special place in the lives of medical students. Clearing the first professional exams is a significant achievement, and not clearing them is a learning experience. The toxic environment of medical colleges can be challenging, but the enjoyment of each day cannot be underemphasized.
Remember, regular studying, understanding the syllabus, and using relaxation techniques can help manage exam stress effectively. These strategies can turn your fear into confidence and help you achieve success in your medical education journey.
Thank you for reading about the scary reality of medical exams and how to overcome them.
― ViSh