Passed The Psb!! Upmc Shadyside

BonneEtoile · Sep 16, 2008

Congratulations! I'm taking the test in 2 weeks on the 27th and I'm so nervous. I got the book by Barron's and the one by Arco but I still feel really unprepared. I know everyone talks about how difficult the science portion is. Did you have very many chemistry and physics questions or was it more biology. Any advice you could give me would be greatly appreciated. And congratulations again, that's great that you passed!

megank5183 · Sep 17, 2008

Thanks!! When I was studying I bought literally every exam prep book I could buy, and I found that the ARCO book was waaayy harder than the test. I would study mostly bio and anatomy. Some of it is rather difficult, but it is mostly basic stuff. The chemistry is super easy, way more basic than I thought it would be. There aren't any physics questions (thank God) but there are some questions about electricity (no idea why). I honestly guessed on a lot of those questions, but I think that as long as you have a basic understanding, I think it is pretty easy to pass. The math and verbal parts are super easy. Reading comp is kind of involved, but just read the passage thoroughly. I don't know what your schedule is like, but I took out a college Bio book from the library and read in cover to cover. If you have the time, I highly recommend it. You'll be really prepared. Good luck!! I'm sure you'll do fine:)

BonneEtoile · Sep 17, 2008

Thanks for the words of encouragement. I have my college bio book so I guess I'll review that. I'm glad you said that the Arco book seemed alot harder than the actual test. I was hoping that was the case since some of the questions in that book were ridiculous! What's the deal with the electricity questions, I saw another post that said there were questions like that on the test. What kind of questions were they? Thanks again for your help. Are you trying for the spring 2009 admission or fall 2009?

megank5183 · Sep 17, 2008

I'm applying for the spring 2009 class.....yeah, i was definitely freaking out when i was taking the ARCO practice tests. those questions were more appropriate for someone taking the MCAT. One of the electricity questions had to do with something about the measure of resistance, which is the ohm. Also, I wouldn't get to concerned with meiosis or mitosis. just know the basics. i spent a lot of time reviewing all the stages, which was a waste of time. do a basic review of all the body systems, and what their functions are. also, look into vitamins and their function. it would also be useful to look up and understand acids vs bases.

There aren't any questions about biomes or evolution, even though most of the practice books question you on that stuff. I was REALLY nervous, so I know what you're going through. Just one test has so much importance!! You'll do great! The worse part is waiting for the results. I don't know about you, but right after a test I always think I failed. Are you applying to Shadyside?

BonneEtoile · Sep 17, 2008

Yeah, I'm also applying to shadyside for the spring 2009 quarter that starts in March. It is a really important test and I'm coming all the way from washington state so it's extra important that I don't fail. I don't want to have to fly out again to retest. I am really excited though, it's such a great program. I'm already on a waitlist here in washington for a nursing program but it's only for LPN and I wouldn't start until fall 2009. Shadyside is definitely better so I'm really hoping I get in. Thanks for all your help and good luck with the application process. The hard part is over for you, i'm jealous!

DaBurgh1978 · Oct 1, 2008

Hello All!

I'm looking to start Shadyside nursing school in spring 09. But I need to pass this PSB and I'm scheduled to take it Oct 17th. I do have the ARCO book and I'm freaking out I feel like I'm completely clueless. I appreciate all your threads and hopefully we can all be in class together. I'm going to need all the help I can get. =)

BonneEtoile · Oct 1, 2008

I just took the PSB exam on Saturday and I too had studied from the ARCO book. Let me tell you, that book is way way more complicated than the actual test. Make sure you go over basic biological science. As for the math section you shouldn't have a problem, it's pretty basic. All the verbal questions consisted of 5 words and then you had to choose the one that didn't belong. My suggestion would be to get an SAT verbal book and study those words. The reading comprehension was pretty intense I thought because you only got 30 minutes to do the section. The paragraphs were really wordy and confusing. And make sure you read the question carefully because some of them really try to trick you. Good luck, i'm sure you'll do fine! Let me know if you have any other questions.

DaBurgh1978 · Oct 1, 2008

Thanks for the advice! I'm super nervous! I got the ARCO book and when I started studying I was like OMG I'll never pass. I just wasn't sure if it was the book or if it was just me. =) I have two weeks to really bust butt....I'm sure I'll have many more questions.....

Coming all the way from Washington State. That is pretty far! I wish you a lot of luck and hopefully we can be in class together....

QTQN2NV · Oct 1, 2008

I have been freaking out for the past two months studying for the PSB. I took it on 8/29/08 for admittance to UPMC Shadyside. Well I just got my results back.....99 percentile for verbal, 99 for math, 99 for reading comp, and 98 for natural sciences!!!!:loveya:I'm shocked!!! I started hardly knowing anything about natural sciences!!! I've been out of school for a while. I'm really ecstatic. If anyone has any questions about the test, I'd be happy to answer them. Also, with my test results, are my chances pretty high for getting into Shadyside? Thanks!

HELLO :yeah: CONGRATS! Im new to this site but i have exactly 23 days to study for the PSB test & i have no clue on what books or materials would be helpfull my school only takes 40students every 6 months and i HAVE TO get in this next time around since you have such high scores could you help me with the proper path please, i have 1 choice 99% on all subjects thanks

DaBurgh1978 · Oct 2, 2008

I have been freaking out for the past two months studying for the PSB. I took it on 8/29/08 for admittance to UPMC Shadyside. Well I just got my results back.....99 percentile for verbal, 99 for math, 99 for reading comp, and 98 for natural sciences!!!!:loveya:I'm shocked!!! I started hardly knowing anything about natural sciences!!! I've been out of school for a while. I'm really ecstatic. If anyone has any questions about the test, I'd be happy to answer them. Also, with my test results, are my chances pretty high for getting into Shadyside? Thanks!

So what book did you use and how did you study? All your help would be greatly appreciated I've been out of school for a while too and I'm reading this ARCO book and I feel real dumb.

megank5183 · Oct 7, 2008

Hi!

I used a general biology college text book. I read it from cover to cover, but I definitely over did it. I would skim chapter outlines and look at your test prep outlines in depth, which are very helpful. As I posted earlier, I personally think that the ARCO book is a waste of time and actually shouldn't be used because it undermines your confidence. It really is not an accurate reflection of the test. The kaplan and barron book are much better and are more of a reflection of the actual test. I thought that the vocab and math portions were pretty easy. The reading comp is a bit involved, but if you are a quick reader you should be ok. The worse is def the science, but it is totally doable. good luck!! if you have any questions, feel free to ask!