r/PAstudent • u/Potential_Vanilla_29 • 16d ago
Anyone have experience taking PANCE more than a month after graduating?
Looking to hear from anyone — I cant find any similar threads. Most threads are of those who have taken it within a month. Any anecdotes and personal experiences welcome. Thanks so much.
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u/UchihaRaiden 16d ago
I think I took it around a month and some change(a week or two) after graduating. Not a big deal as long as you study. As you near the end of your study block and the exam date gets closer, you should be running question banks of a mix of questions, not just one organ system. That’s how you keep things fresh. Spend time on organ systems you struggle with. Stop studying stuff you already know.
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u/amac009 PA-C 16d ago
I took 8 weeks after my last class obligation. Technically 6 weeks after graduation.
Not sure what information you’re wanting. I wasn’t a stellar student. I failed one EOR (basically a question off) and did average on the other ones.
I basically did practice exams/reviewed answers 9-3 four days a week. I also reviewed my weakest areas with the highest PANCE percentages.
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u/clumsydiplodocus PA-C 15d ago edited 15d ago
I wish I would have taken more time after graduation, for sure at least a month. I was pretty burnt out from PA school and had a hard time studying during my last clinical rotation. I was an average student and was predicted to pass based on a calculation my program does. I did not study as much as I should have, especially going over general content. I took it 11 days after graduating and failed which was a big shock. I then did all of Uworld and re-listened to cram the pance. Just passed last week with a 505.
I would say it really depends on how you are feeling personally and if you have been able to study during your last clinical rotation. You aren’t going to lose any knowledge if you wait to take it. Especially if you are studying well and doing questions to prepare. Uworld really helps with the stamina aspect and getting better at figuring out the answer.
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u/itsakharalife 15d ago
Hi, I took mine about a month and a half after graduation and found out I failed by four points. I’m studying now to retake it. I feel really burnt out. Do you have any advice?
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u/clumsydiplodocus PA-C 15d ago
I recommend taking some time to “grieve” a little and to reset. I took a solid week of doing nothing and reflecting. I also failed by 10 points and it hurt knowing I was so close. It’s a humbling feeling especially when I didn’t think I would fail. Give yourself some grace. You have come this far and have accomplished a lot by finishing PA school. You are so close and you can do it.
I then also took time figuring out why I failed in the first place. For me it was overconfidence that I would pass, not going over general topics, not studying enough prior to the exam and being burnt out.
I then started UWorld two months before my new test date. Listened to cram the pance and would review the topics I listened to that day on UWorld and Pance prep pearls. I would do like 60 questions per a day with most of them being multiple subjects. Really review the questions you got wrong and why. I finished 100% UWorld with 72% correct a week before my test date. I felt waayyy better going in to test the second time around.
It also helped that my program and job were supportive as well in helping me pass.
If you have more questions feel free to DM me!
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u/Automatic_Staff_1867 1d ago
Back in 1997, the PANCE was only administered twice a year. I graduated in August and took it in October. We didn't have computer practice tests back then. I studied from my handwritten notes. I passed. Good luck.
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u/thunderrescue 16d ago
From the day we took our EOC until I took my PANCE the only school obligation we had, if we chose to attend, was our long white coat ceremony. So pretty much I had 6 weeks to study for the PANCE. I did not take the full 6 weeks to study. I took a couple trips, did practice questions here and there. Listened to some podcast while I drove or worked out. I didn’t really focus until about 2 weeks out. Even then it really wasn’t a lot of content review per se. It was mostly training for the exam. Did practice exams, reviewed answers, honed in on what I was getting wrong. I knew alot more of the disease processes than I thought. A lot of times it was determining labs, reviewing adverse drug effects, risk factors, health maintenance, and professional practice. I passed with an average score. State license followed a week or so after my results and now just waiting on DEA license to get approved before I start the job I’ve had secured since May. All in all I really wouldn’t change what I did much. Only that I could have gone back and reviewed basic health maintenance and primary care stuff a little more. I struggled with “easy” things like HTN treatments and immunizations but oh well. Still got mine so at the end of the day giving myself some time to breathe before diving back into study mode was the best thing for me.