Past one year, with every cycle of results I always hoped one day I will write too” Yay! I passed”. Now today when the day has come I have no words. I am repeat offender with 4 unsuccessful attempts. The best thing I did to myself this time was I decided to join NPTE-The final frontier. Every student is different, but the structure that was provided was just what I wanted. This attempt when I was answering questions, I remembered two things only. My husband said on the day of exam, “Read the questions carefully and don’t rush” and second one Dr. Bhupinder Singh's words “Do not change the answers”. Sometimes it’s just little things that can make a difference in your life.There are lot to testimonials to help you with the content but for me this time the approach was totally different.
- First and foremost do not leave any topic which you may not like. Even if you hate that topic, make your weakness as your strongest point. Gait, muscles and nerves was never my strongest but this time I just didn’t want it to beat me up. If you leave that weak topic trust me the entire exam will beat you around that same topic.
- During my past attempts I always booked 8 am exam. I would work on my sleep schedule throughout but 2-3 nights before exam I would totally mess up with it due to anxiety. Which we may not realize but it totally affects your efficiency during the exam. So if you are that kind of person PLEASE book afternoon shift.
- I realized with practice exams that I was in habit of rushing to skim through questions as I didn’t want to run out of time. I always finished my practice exams 20-25 mins earlier than expected and I when I would go through my mistakes it would appear to me very silly ones. So take a deep breath and take it easy, please do not rush.
- Time table is very important and sticking to it is another achievement in itself. I cannot work without a timetable. That way you all are very lucky that we have the best time table available in the class. Even the page numbers and books are mentioned in it. All we have to do is read.
- If you are person like me who graduated 9 years ago and hasn’t worked in past 4-5 years or any number of years, please do yourself a favor go out and work as a volunteer in a PT clinic or a hospital. I understand most of us are foreign trained PT’s and have work limitations in this country but where there is a will, there is a way.
- We all have different stories, backgrounds, resources, frustrations, needs in the end all what matters is how calm you are in your approach. So take a deep breath again and tell yourself, “I can do it”.
- Last but not the least, Never ever give up. Doesn’t matter what number of attempts it is for you, don’t give up. I always said to myself if I am not passing that means I am still lacking knowledge. How can I be good PT if I do not have enough knowledge? So take every attempt as an attempt to improve yourself.Hope this helps!
Dr. Singh, you are a wonderful teacher. You are everything one could look for in a good mentor. You groomed us to be sound professionals and your classes were interesting and memorable experience. I will always be grateful to you for your support and kindness.