Studying for your medical boards can be an overwhelming task, but with the right strategies, you can enhance your focus and productivity. One popular study strategy is the Pomodoro Method, which breaks study time into a mix of focus and break time. Here’s how you can apply the Pomodoro Method to your board preparation, and how BoardVitals can be the perfect addition to your routine.
Setting a Study Goal
Before diving into your study session, it’s crucial to define what you want to achieve. Are you aiming to master a specific topic, or do you want to complete a certain number of practice questions? Setting a clear goal will give your study session direction and purpose.
How to Follow the Pomodoro Technique
Set a Timer for 25 Minutes: Once you have your goal in mind, set a timer for 25 minutes. During this time, focus exclusively on your study tasks, turning off your phone or any other potential distractions. This could involve reviewing notes, reading textbooks, or working through BoardVitals practice questions.
Take a 5-Minute Break: After your 25-minute study session, take a short 5-minute break. Use this time to rest and recharge. Stretch, grab a snack, scroll on social media; this time is for you! The goal is to give your brain a quick break before you get back to studying.
Repeat: Continue this cycle of focused study and short breaks. After completing four cycles, reward yourself with a longer break of 15-30 minutes. This extended break ensures you return to your studies refreshed and ready to tackle more material.
Integrating BoardVitals into Your Pomodoro Sessions
Whether you’re preparing for the PANCE, NCLEX, or Step 1, BoardVitals question banks can be incorporated into Pomodoro sessions for prepping for any exam. Here’s how you can incorporate them into your Pomodoro sessions:
Focus on Specific Topics: Dedicate each 25-minute session to a specific subject area. BoardVitals makes this easy by allowing you to filter questions by topic, enabling you to focus on areas where you need the most improvement. Set up a Custom Quiz in Timed Mode and choose a 25-minute study period to maximize your learning.
Track Your Progress: After each Pomodoro session, review your performance to identify patterns in your mistakes and adjust your study goals for the next session. BoardVitals AI-powered risk assessment technology highlights your biggest problem areas, helping you focus your efforts where they are needed most. offers advanced analytics that let you compare your performance over time, so you can see how you’ve improved.
Simulate Exam Conditions: Occasionally, use a full Pomodoro cycle (four 25-minute sessions) to simulate exam conditions. Complete a set of questions without breaks to build your stamina and get accustomed to the pressure of the actual exam.
When it comes to the Pomodoro Method, consistency is key. The more regularly you practice this method, the more natural it becomes, and the more you’ll see the benefits in your studies.
