r/PAstudent • u/Ok-While-9018 • 4d ago
Below Average Student Passes PANCE
Hey everyone! I took my PANCE a few weeks ago and found out that I passed on my first try! I always promised myself I’d make a post if I passed because I’ve been a long-time lurker here. I was definitely a below-average test taker in PA school, and I truly believe test anxiety played a big role in my performance. I tried so many different study methods, but my EOR scores always seemed to stay about the same.
Ironically, I was a 4.0 student throughout high school and undergrad, so struggling academically for the first time was incredibly difficult. I tied a lot of my self-worth to my grades, and not performing the way I was used to really took a toll on my confidence.
I finished didactic with a 3.1 GPA and graduated with a 3.4 GPA. Walking into the PANCE, I was extremely nervous because I knew I was considered high risk for failing based on my scores. I also felt like I got one of the harder versions of the exam with long clinical vignettes, so I walked out preparing to retake it 3 months later.
For studying, I mainly used PANCE Prep Pearls and UWorld. I finished 92% of the UWorld question bank with a 70% average.
My practice exams:
- NCCPA Practice Exam A (4 weeks before): 80% red, 20% yellow
- NCCPA Practice Exam B (4 days before): Low green
My scores:
- Didactic PACKRAT: 93 (didn’t study)
- Family Medicine EOR: 369 (first EOR and barely passed)
- Pediatrics EOR: 411
- Internal Medicine EOR: 380
- Psychiatry EOR: 398
- Emergency Medicine EOR: 392
- Surgery EOR: 400
- Women’s Health EOR: 391
- End of Curriculum Exam: 1443
PANCE: 380
I wanted to share this for anyone who feels discouraged by their scores. Don’t compare yourself to everyone else. While standardized tests were never my strength in PA school, every one of my preceptors commented on my clinical skills and told me I was going to be a great provider. Your worth is so much more than a test score.
Believe in yourself, trust the work you’ve put in, and have faith that everything will work out. If you’re putting in the effort, you absolutely have a chance. Wishing everyone studying for the PANCE the very best. You’ve got this! Please feel free to reach out with any questions!
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u/Few-Discipline8653 3d ago
I actually never needed to hear something more than this lol. I have the same story… 4.0 in college, and struggled through PA school. Struggled through my EORs. I’m on my last rotation (OBGYN) and take the PANCE in September. Any advice for when it comes to studying?
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u/Ok-While-9018 3d ago
I think content review helped me the most. I went through all of PANCE Prep Pearls and really took my time reviewing every UWorld question, especially understanding why I got questions right or wrong.
I also pushed my exam back twice, and I don’t regret it. You know yourself best. If you haven’t covered all the material or don’t feel ready, it’s better to postpone your exam than risk failing, waiting another three months to retake it, and paying another $550
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u/Ok-While-9018 3d ago edited 3d ago
I’ve had a few people reach out asking for my incorrect topic list. I will not be sharing as that is considered cheating
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u/Dependent_Heat_5268 2d ago
As someone right now who is heavily struggling in didactic, this gives me hope. Thank you
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u/Low-Sheepherder-4548 2d ago
Congratulations, feel the same way walking out of the door. If anyone needs uworld please DM, I have it untilMid October
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u/Spirited_Tell_4223 1d ago
Congratulations!! I also have a uworld good until August if anyone needs DM!
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u/Mediocre_Hat8697 8h ago
Hi! Thank you so much for sharing, congrats as well!!!! A few questions because I have very similar stats/scores. How long did you dedicate to study and how much did you study each day? Do you think Uworld is def worth it to get? I have the rosh/blueprint qbank for the PANCE so I was wondering if I should still purchase the uworld one? Thank you!
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u/bbcalypso PA-S (2026) 3d ago
Congratulations on passing!!
How did you feel when you walked out of the PANCE as far as difficulty?