MRCOG Part 1 Exam

MRCOG Part 1: How I scored 90% with 3 Months of Revision

AuthorDr. Sophie BrackeJuly 15, 2022
MRCOGObstetricsGynaecologyExam PrepStudy Tips

Create a Structured Revision Plan

When preparing for MRCOG Part 1 with limited time, having a structured and focused revision plan is essential to ensure you cover all the necessary material without feeling overwhelmed. A well-organised approach allows you to build knowledge progressively while refining your exam skills. Below is a plan that balances foundational learning, advanced topics and practice in a 3 month period:

Month 1: Building the Foundations

Begin your revision by focusing on the basic sciences that underpin the MRCOG syllabus. Dedicate this time to mastering anatomy, physiology, embryology, and biochemistry. These subjects form the bedrock of the exam and provide essential context for more advanced clinical topics. Aim for deep understanding rather than superficial memorisation. Incorporate Single Best Answer (SBA) questions early on to solidify and consolidate your knowledge of these difficult concepts.

Month 2: Advancing to Clinical Topics

In the second month, shift your attention to more clinical topics, such as endocrinology, genetics, pharmacology, and pathology. This phase bridges the foundational sciences with their clinical relevance, a critical aspect of MRCOG Part 1. Alongside studying these topics, continue to include SBA questions into your daily routine. This not only helps you become familiar with the question style but also reinforces your knowledge through active practice.

Month 3: Focus on High-Yield Topics and Practice

As the exam approaches, concentrate on revising high-yield topics that frequently appear in the exam. Simultaneously, dedicate significant time to practicing under exam conditions. Attempt full-length, timed mock exams to build endurance and refine your ability to manage time effectively. Regular self-assessment during this phase will highlight areas that require further attention.

Whilst this three-month timeline can work effectively, keep in mind that adjusting it to suit your circumstances—such as extending it to six months, especially if juggling a busy rotation—can make preparation more manageable.

Leverage the Right Resources

Choosing the right study materials is a cornerstone of effective MRCOG Part 1 preparation. While many books and question banks are available, attempting to use too many can be overwhelming and inefficient. Instead, focus on high-quality, widely recommended resources that have been consistently proven to deliver results.

For comprehensive preparation, MRCOG Part One: Your Essential Revision Guide by Alison Fiander and Baskaran Thilaganathan and Revision Notes for the MRCOG Part 1 by Arisudhan Anantharachagan, Ippokratis Sarris, and Austin Ugwumadu are highly regarded by candidates. These books provide in-depth coverage of key topics, from anatomy and physiology to embryology and pharmacology, presented in a clear and accessible format. Their structured layout ensures clarity, making complex concepts easier to grasp.

Using a high-quality question bank is essential for effective MRCOG Part 1 preparation. An excellent question bank should provide an extensive selection of well-designed Single Best Answer (SBA) questions, accompanied by clear and comprehensive explanations. A great resource is Uterio, which prioritises detailed, easy-to-understand explanations to help you not only identify the correct answers but also develop a deeper understanding of the underlying principles. Consistent practice with a platform like Uterio can greatly enhance your grasp of key concepts, improve your ability to handle complex questions, and boost your confidence as you approach the exam.

Adapt to Your Learning Style

Understanding your unique learning style is essential for efficient, consistent and enjoyable preparation. Visual learners, for instance, may benefit from colourful diagrams, flowcharts, and visual mnemonics to simplify complex topics. Equally, videos that illustrate physiological processes or anatomy can also be a powerful tool for visual learners. For example, Ninja Nerd is an excellent resource for understanding complex embryology concepts in a visual, clear way,

Auditory learners, on the other hand, may find recorded lectures, podcasts, or discussions more engaging. Listening to material repeatedly can help consolidate information and make it easier to recall during the exam. For kinesthetic learners, who learn best by doing, drawing anatomical structures or embryological processes can enhance comprehension and retention. Tailoring your revision methods to suit your learning style will ensure that the time you spend studying is both effective and enjoyable, and that memorisation of key topics is optimised.

Prioritise Practice Questions

Practicing SBA questions should be a central part of your preparation. Begin solving questions early and regularly to reinforce learning and build familiarity with the question style, as well as to change passive revision to active revision. Reviewing incorrect answers is essential—identify the reasons behind mistakes and revisit related topics to strengthen your understanding. Consider tracking your performance over time to identify trends and monitor your progress.

As the exam draws closer, practicing full-length timed papers becomes invaluable. Simulating the actual exam environment builds stamina, sharpens focus, and improves your time management skills. With 90 seconds allocated per question in the exam, aim to answer slightly faster during practice, leaving time for review at the end. Taking 3-4 timed mock exams in the final month is a practical way to refine your approach. After each, carefully analyse your performance to pinpoint weaknesses—whether they stem from knowledge gaps, misinterpretation, or time pressure—and adapt your study accordingly.

Equally important is choosing a question bank that incorporates exam recalls. Since at least 30% of the questions in each MRCOG Part 1 sitting are recycled from previous exams, a platform that prioritises these recalls gives you a distinct advantage. Familiarising yourself with recurring question patterns and key themes can significantly boost your confidence and accuracy, ensuring you're well-prepared to excel on exam day.

Manage Your Time Wisely

Time management is critical throughout your preparation. Focus on topics that offer the highest returns in terms of marks, which are generally anatomy, endocrinology physiology, and pharmacology. Avoid spending excessive time on overly complex, niche areas, which may only get you one mark. If a topic feels overwhelming, set it aside temporarily and revisit it later. Following a structured plan and avoiding distractions will help you stay on track and cover all necessary material within the available time. Nonetheless, the key is to remaining flexible—adjust your schedule as needed to accommodate unexpected challenges while staying committed to your overall goals.

If necessary, break your study sessions into manageable blocks, such as 25-30 minutes of focused work followed by short breaks. This approach, known as the Pomodoro Technique, can enhance productivity and reduce the risk of burnout. Maintaining a balance between studying and rest ensures that your learning remains efficient and sustainable over the 3-month period.

Maintain Consistency and Motivation

Consistency is key to success. Set specific, manageable daily and weekly goals to maintain steady progress. Breaking your preparation into smaller milestones makes the process feel less daunting and keeps you motivated. Joining a study group can provide additional support and help reinforce understanding through peer discussions.

Equally important is self-care; scheduling regular breaks will help prevent burnout and ensure sustained focus during the intense revision period. Engage in activities that relax you, such as exercise, meditation, or spending time with friends and family, to recharge and maintain mental clarity. A balanced lifestyle contributes significantly to your ability to retain information and stay motivated.

Day of the Exam

The day of the MRCOG Part 1 exam can feel daunting, but staying calm and organised is key to performing at your best. Start your day with a balanced breakfast to fuel your body and mind, and make sure you’re well-hydrated as most of the test centers do not allow you to bring water in with you, due to the exam being computer-based.

During the exam, pace yourself carefully, aiming to spend no more than 70-90 seconds per question. If a question feels too difficult, mark it for review and move on to avoid losing valuable time. Trust your preparation, read each question carefully, and avoid second-guessing your answers unless you’re certain of a mistake. After the exam, avoid ruminating over your performance—celebrate the effort you’ve put in and take time to relax and recharge!

Final Thoughts

Achieving a high score in MRCOG Part 1 within three months is challenging but entirely possible with dedication, effective planning, and the right resources. By focusing on high-yield topics, practicing extensively, and maintaining consistency, you can maximise your chances of success and confidently take on this important milestone in your career.

For some, however, a six-month preparation period may be more practical, particularly when juggling demanding work schedules or personal commitments. This extended timeline provides the flexibility to study at a steadier pace, explore complex topics in greater depth, and reduce the stress of an intensive revision schedule.

However long your preparation period may be—whether three months, six months or more —having the right resources can make all the difference. Consider using Uterio, an MRCOG Part 1 question bank designed to help you succeed. With its wide array of expertly crafted SBA questions and detailed explanations, Uterio provides the tools you need to build knowledge, boost confidence, and excel in your exam. Start your journey with Uterio today and take one step closer to achieving MRCOG success.

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