Prep for NBDE Part 1 and 2

Overview of preparing for MCQ based examinations

By the grace of God, I have had the wonderful opportunity to participate in many multiple choice based tests (MCQ) at different stages of life. Thus I strongly feel the basic principles remain the same whether its the NBDE or DAT or MCAT for that matter. Today, lets focus on the NBDE:

-Know your subjects as best as you can (means working hard through dental school)
-Past questions (This is the most important advice I feel anyone can give you)
-Practice as much as possible (Remember, with so much material, its easy to forget stuff, to keep doing those questions over and over again)

NBDE Part I

Time Frame
-3-4 weeks full time studying
-4-6 weeks with school

Materials

In order of importance, from most important to least important:

-Released NBDE Papers (MOST IMPORTANT)
-First Aid to NBDE Part1
-Your text books
-Kaplan notes/videos

Basically doing the old exams and the first aid is good enough, and use your text books as study materials. Kaplan is optional...


NBDA Part II

Time frame
-2.5-3 weeks full time
-3-4 weeks if studying with school (I know people have done it in shorter durations but this is the average estimate)

Materials
-Old ASDA Q's (released papers)-MOST IMPORTANT
-Mosby's review
-First Aid
-Kaplan Notes (Not really necessary)
-If you did DDS from the US, try to revise stuff from your school notes
-Even if you are an international candidate, following the above rules should help you Pass the test comfortably

Again, please do post comments if you find this information helpful..also, if you have any questions feel free to post them too.
Thanks!