It has been a privilege for me to get know people from around the world trough my blog. Recently, one of my reader informed me that she just passed her AMC-MCQ. I asked her if I can ask her some questions and share her experience with us, and she said "yes". So I sent her email and she has been generously answered all my questions.
I hope it will be useful for those who still preparing for the exam.
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Dear P.R (I am using initials for privacy reason)
Below are some questions that I have regarding your experience.
Firstly, can you tell me a little about yourself and your medical background?
I am an IMG from the Philippines. I got my degree in 2014 and finished a year medical internship the following year. In 2016, I decided to move to New Zealand.
How long did you need to prepare for the exam and can you tell me a little about your study plan?
Honestly, I didnt have a study plan. I began preparing for it two months prior my scheduled exam. I made it a point that I am reading at least 1 topic or answering at least 50 questions per day during my 2-month preparation.
What were the difficulties you faced during the preparation, and how did you overcome them?
I think since I am preparing on my own (self study) the greatest challenge was procastination. There were days that I was very lazy and everytime I'd read I almost fell asleep.
Because of this, I made sure that I was pumped up with coffee and in a place that has a good ambience for studying. I also played music to keep me awake.
What were materials you used, that you found useful?
What I found very useful was the AMC blue book. I used it to familiarise myself on how the questions are asked. AMC questions are very different from what I'm used to. I also answered recall questions. For the topics that I did not understand, I referred back to Murtagh's.
If you do not mind me asking, how many times did you sit the AMC MCQ, and what led you to success?
I was not successful on my first attempt. It shattered my confidence and said to myself that maybe I am not good enough for this.
I am not sure on how I regained my confidence back. One day I said to myself that I need to be doing something for me to be able to move forward. So I scheduled my next exam and that was it - no turning back. With God's grace, I passed.
Is there anything that you regret doing in term of your preparation?
I think if I prepared more seriously and had a study schedule that I strictly followed, the outcome would have been better.
Finally, what is your suggestion,or tips for those who are preparing for the exam?
-First would be to book for the exam. If you have booked your exam, you will prepare more seriously.
-Second, dont be afraid to ask questions about the things you are unsure of. There are a lot of online groups who are willing to help to answer your queries. Like Imelda, I used to asked her a lot of questions about AMC and about practising medicine in New Zealand. She provides very useful information and I really appreciate her for doing this.
-Third, familiarise yourself with the form of questions in AMC-MCQ. Read the blue book and answer recall questions. When in doubt, always consult John Murtagh's.
-Lastly, pray. As I am Catholic, I prayed to God that He would prepare my mind and body for this exam. I prayed and asked Him to be with me throughout this journey.
Congratulation again on passing the AMC MCQ, and thank you so much for dedicating your time answering questions about your preparation and exam experience to help others that will go on the same path. Good luck on your NZREX, I look forward to hearing more good news from you.
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I hope it will be useful for those who still preparing for the exam.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear P.R (I am using initials for privacy reason)
Below are some questions that I have regarding your experience.
Firstly, can you tell me a little about yourself and your medical background?
I am an IMG from the Philippines. I got my degree in 2014 and finished a year medical internship the following year. In 2016, I decided to move to New Zealand.
How long did you need to prepare for the exam and can you tell me a little about your study plan?
Honestly, I didnt have a study plan. I began preparing for it two months prior my scheduled exam. I made it a point that I am reading at least 1 topic or answering at least 50 questions per day during my 2-month preparation.
What were the difficulties you faced during the preparation, and how did you overcome them?
I think since I am preparing on my own (self study) the greatest challenge was procastination. There were days that I was very lazy and everytime I'd read I almost fell asleep.
Because of this, I made sure that I was pumped up with coffee and in a place that has a good ambience for studying. I also played music to keep me awake.
What were materials you used, that you found useful?
What I found very useful was the AMC blue book. I used it to familiarise myself on how the questions are asked. AMC questions are very different from what I'm used to. I also answered recall questions. For the topics that I did not understand, I referred back to Murtagh's.
If you do not mind me asking, how many times did you sit the AMC MCQ, and what led you to success?
I was not successful on my first attempt. It shattered my confidence and said to myself that maybe I am not good enough for this.
I am not sure on how I regained my confidence back. One day I said to myself that I need to be doing something for me to be able to move forward. So I scheduled my next exam and that was it - no turning back. With God's grace, I passed.
Is there anything that you regret doing in term of your preparation?
I think if I prepared more seriously and had a study schedule that I strictly followed, the outcome would have been better.
Finally, what is your suggestion,or tips for those who are preparing for the exam?
-First would be to book for the exam. If you have booked your exam, you will prepare more seriously.
-Second, dont be afraid to ask questions about the things you are unsure of. There are a lot of online groups who are willing to help to answer your queries. Like Imelda, I used to asked her a lot of questions about AMC and about practising medicine in New Zealand. She provides very useful information and I really appreciate her for doing this.
-Third, familiarise yourself with the form of questions in AMC-MCQ. Read the blue book and answer recall questions. When in doubt, always consult John Murtagh's.
-Lastly, pray. As I am Catholic, I prayed to God that He would prepare my mind and body for this exam. I prayed and asked Him to be with me throughout this journey.
Congratulation again on passing the AMC MCQ, and thank you so much for dedicating your time answering questions about your preparation and exam experience to help others that will go on the same path. Good luck on your NZREX, I look forward to hearing more good news from you.
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