How I got an A on the EXCELSIOR Anatomy Physiology Exam in 2 weeks study!

[Tamkin]

This is one of the best feelings I have ever felt in life. I not only passed the notorious A&P exam. I got an A! I almost cried when I found out my score... since I registered for this exam and left only 2 weeks study time when also I work full time at a research company. I was extremely overwhelmed at the amount of information that I needed to cram in just 14 days. (10 of which I was working from 8am - 5pm in a highly challenging and high stress working environment, coming home drained) The amount of stress I felt was worse than any stress I had experienced in college so far. I had also taken a 2 year break from college so I was not used to having a study load.

Here's what I did:

1. Rented the Martini book from Amazon.com rentals

2. paid $20 for the MyStudyGuide101 helper

3. Printed only the study guide pages (less than 200 pages) and put in a binder.

4. Wrote a schedule of what I needed to study and when I could dedicate time

5. Went on youtube.com to ANATOMYGMC channel and watched a video class on each section, and took notes/made flashcards/drew pictures. This was crucial.

6. AFTER watching each video - I went though the same info in MSG101 and highlighted/made more flash cards/re-worked the info into my head.

7. Once all the chapters were covered, (11 days) I went to the official Pearson Site for review--- http://wps.aw.com/bc_martini_fap_8_oa/93/23991/6141951.cw/-/t/index.html

8. I looked over all the tutorials (2 min each) and labeling exercises, and more importantly I took the chapter practice tests. These tests have similar questions to the exam.

9. Any questions I got wrong, I corrected in my mind by making a flashcard.

10. Day before exam - spend all day reviewing flashcards and notes/pictures I drew

I was exhausted and miserable for those 2 weeks. I almost ruined my relationships and was cranky, and even studied to the point of making myself sick. (not recommended)

Here was my schedule generally:

Week 1

M-F: 4 hours each night 6pm-10pm (2 chapter videos, and 1 hour SG101 per chapter vid)

Sat/Sun (8 to 9 hours of study, 3 or 4 chapter videos, and 1 hour of SG101 for each)

Week 2

M-F: 4 hours each night 6pm-10pm (2 chapter videos, and 1 hour SG101 per chapter vid)

Sat/Sun (8 to 9 hours of study, Pearson website, practice tests, flashcards)

DO NOT FORGET TO EAT and hydrate. I had no time to cook or clean so I ordered thin crust veggie pizzas (not too bad for you) and drank meal replacements. Some days I forgot to eat... and started feeling very sick. I was miserable, and am lucky to have supportive friends and family that reminded me that I could do this.

I would recommend arranging the full 15 weeks to study, but for those who don't have the luxury of time - it's possible to pass this test. Hope this helped.

Tammy

[Bumpybumpy]

So I took it and got the "A". I watched the AnatomyGMC YouTube videos at 2x speed as the OP suggested. The instructor uses the same Martini book. I bought the MyStudyGuide 101 pdf, but only used it for the multiple choice quizzes that had the 4 answer choices, not the quizzes with 5 answer choices, since the real test has only 4 choices. So to answer my own question as to what % you need to get an A, here's my score report % give or take to keep my anonymity. From what I researched, if you get around 55% on the practice tests, you should pass. You can get the content area details from the free guide at Excelsior. Good luck!

I-66%

II-100%

III-80%

IV-70+%

V-70+%

VI-70+%

VII-66%

VIII-85+%

[Bumpybumpy]

Hi someone PM'ed me about the Practice Exam, but the site won't let me respond to PMs since I don't have enough posts yet.

From what I researched, yes the 55% I was referring to was for A&P Practice Exam only. I even emailed MyStudyGroup101 and she said that she heard from customers the same number. You might ask her about the Psych test. I read the Excelsior Technical Guide to compare the difficulty and breakdown of the A&P and the Lifespan Dev Psych test and it looks like a higher % got Cs than A's on the psych test, but that could mean more people were aiming for the pass grade. The breakdown of topics on A&P is way different than the psych test. The psych test is pretty much even across the board while A&P definitely has a "meaty" group of topics. Pretty much you can skip learning 4 of the 8 topics in A&P even though I didn't.

I would calculate your topic % correct from each topic on your Practice Exams to see if you are deficient in any one.

I only studied for a month, but my practice test only improved from a 56% before studying to a 60% 7 hours before I took the test. I got a 77% on the real thing after calculating the breakdowns of topics. I hope that helps. Good luck!

[KellyL0]

Hi Bumpybumpy,

I am finishing up my Micro course, but am going to challenge A&P then start the Nursing Exams. Did you take the practice exam from Excelsior? If so, how did your score on that compare to your score on the actual exam? Any other advice you can offer would be greatly appreciated! I have taken A&P already, but it was at a technical school a few years back and unfortunately, credit does not transfer

[Bumpybumpy]

Hi Bumpybumpy,

I am finishing up my Micro course, but am going to challenge A&P then start the Nursing Exams. Did you take the practice exam from Excelsior? If so, how did your score on that compare to your score on the actual exam? Any other advice you can offer would be greatly appreciated! I have taken A&P already, but it was at a technical school a few years back and unfortunately, credit does not transfer

Like my last post says, I got a 56% and 60% on the 2 practice tests. I got a 77% on the real thing and received an "A". Follow what the OP or I did and you should be good. Good luck to you.

[Arcadia73]

That is amazing! Is there a similar youtube video geared toward MicroBio??

[Salsacat]

Hi, this post has given me hope!! I have to take the A and P test tomorrow and need a B. I got a 72 and a 77 on the practice exams and have been hysterical - thinking that a B is an 85 so that's what I should be getting. But, it sounds as though this test is not graded on a strict percent correct/wrong basis. I have studies like crazy and will conitnue until I take the test tomorrow - but it sounds like with a 77 on the last practice test I should come out with at least a B on the real thing???

[anuangela]

I got a question. Where did you get the MyStudyGuide101 helper from?

Thanks.

[jaffro]

Hello,

Would this be the same test used in California, also which issue of the Martini book did you use/ how much. There are new versions now, which one should i get.

Thanks,

Jaffro

[MissyGirl_2010]

Very helpful!! Thank you. I'm getting ready to register for this exam and needed a little guidance :)

[Seity]

Followed the suggestions, will be taking the exam on Monday. In addition to the Anatomygmc i also used professor fink.

[Musa321]

Thanks a lot initial poster,

I followed most of your directions: watch the videos and then chapter outline then exams. i got a B. you inspired me KUDOS. people follow her simple advice and remember take care of your family!!!

[Dee3800]

Thanks, your information was very practical and helpful