All exams can be challenging, but professional exams, such as a bar exam, LSAT, MCAT, or CPA, can indeed be anxiety-inducing.
To ensure you’re not only well-prepared but also calm and confident when taking the exam, it’s essential to 1) start studying on time, and 2) find a way to study efficiently. The first one is on you, but if you need help with the second condition, you’re in the right place.
In this blog post, we talk all about the best resources and strategies that can help you understand complex topics more quickly, study more effectively, and ultimately help you pass that tricky exam.
Why the Right Resources Matter
Before we get into the specific tools and resources, let’s quickly talk about why they matter in the first place. In short, it’s all about making your studying sessions more productive, which is only possible with the right study aids.
For one, the right study materials break down complex topics into smaller, more understandable segments while providing clear explanations and often illustrative examples. They also save time and effort by compiling all necessary information in one place, sparing you from piecing together material from multiple sources.
Finally, the right study aids also help build exam familiarity. For instance, exams like the USMLE or LSAT have specific formats and question types, and high-quality practice tools simulate this format and the environment, helping you get used to the structure, timing, and pressure of the real exam.
Medical Exams: UWorld
UWorld is a must-have study resource for medical students. It offers a vast question bank covering everything from USMLE to the MCAT, and the questions themselves are challenging. While instinctively, you may think of this as a negative thing, it’s actually good: after all, these questions should help prepare you for the real exam. Also, they come with thorough explanations to help you grasp complex medical concepts.
As a bonus, UWorld’s interface mimics the actual exam format, which will go a long way in making you feel more comfortable on test day. Use it regularly to enhance your critical thinking skills and ensure you’re well-prepared for your medical exams, and you’ll be confident when the time comes.
Bar Exam: Quimbee MBE Questions
If you’re gearing up for the Multistate Bar Exam (MBE), you might want to check out Quimbee and their comprehensive set of practice questions for a bar exam. They’re free, written by MBE prep experts, and they simulate what you will encounter on the MBE.
These questions are broken down by subject, so there are criminal procedure, constitutional law, evidence, criminal law, contracts, and more questions, plus a mixed-subject MBE practice test. Quimbee also has an MBE prep course with every type of MBE study material out there, which might be worth looking into if you want to cover all your bases.
CPA Exam: Becker CPA Review
Preparing for the CPA exam? Becker CPA Review has been a trusted resource for years, so definitely check it out.
It offers comprehensive study materials, including textbooks, video lectures, and a robust question bank. The interactive tools and simulations available in their Becker’sprogram can help you apply accounting principles in real-world scenarios, which is crucial for the CPA exam. Plus, their adaptive learning technology will ensure you’re focusing on areas where you need the most improvement.
GRE: ETS Official Guide
When it comes to the GRE, the ETS Official Guide is your best bet. This guide is produced by the makers of the GRE, so you can trust that the practice questions closely reflect what you’ll encounter on test day.
The book includes full-length practice tests, detailed answer explanations, and helpful tips for each section of the exam. It’s possible the best resource out there for gaining a clear(er) understanding of the test format and the types of questions you’ll face.
LSAT: Khan Academy
Preparing for the LSAT? Check out Khan Academy as it offers free, high-quality LSAT prep materials, which are created in collaboration with the makers of the LSAT. You’ll find personalized study plans, practice questions, and full-length exams to help you ace the test.
Khan Academy’s LSAT prep is particularly useful for those who prefer a structured, guided approach to studying. They also have interactive lessons and progress tracking which can help you grasp complex subjects more quickly while measuring your improvement over time.
