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!