Hi there!

Taking the board exam is really nerve wracking and the pressure is real (specially if your batch needs to get a 100% passing rate). I hope these tips may guide and help you get started throughout your journey on becoming a licensed professional.

1. Make a plan.
Don't just get your books and start studying. Make a plan. Schedule everything so that you have something to remind you of how much time you have before the exam. STRICTLY FOLLOW THIS PLAN! As much as possible, don't deviate from your planned schedule specially if you have limited time to study.

2. Organize everything.
Before studying, organize your books, notes, school supplies you need (ballpens, pencils, highlighters, index cards, sticky notes, etc). Make sure everything you need is there, so you don't need to go to a store/mall to buy school supplies and get distracted.

3. Choose a study spot.
Choose a place where you are most comfortable to study. In my case, it was my room. I never studied outside, like in cafes,  since it will cost me money to buy high calorie foods (haha) and I won't be able to focus. It depends on you. The important thing is study where you are comfortable with.

4. Talk to your family for any needed support.
Your family is your best motivator and support group. Talk to your parents about your goals and struggles while reviewing. It will make you feel good. Share any difficulty you will encounter throughout your review journey so that they can extend any helping hand you need to get going.

5. Have a study group.
A study group is a great way to answer questions/ make clarification. It's good to study within a group but always remember to have a goal whenever setting for any group study so that it will be productive. Remember, time is precious when you're studying for board exam!

6. If you have questions, don't hesitate to ask for help.
Don't end your day with more questions than learnings. Always ask for help (whether from your professor, classmate or just make a simple Google search). Remember, before the day ends, you should have a clear understanding of what you've studied.

7. Practice answering sample exams.
Sample exams will help you anticipate what type of questions will be on the board exam. It will also give you an estimated time you needed to finishe answering a 200- point exam. Try getting used of answering sample exams and look for explanation to unfamiliar questions. Don't just answer and check.

8. Eat healthy and stay fit.
Eat healthy by having a balanced, moderate and varied diet. Don't starve yourself or eat too much high calorie foods. Remember, you only have limited time to study; don't let yourself gain weight and look miserable after the exam. Have a good exercise regimen too. Since studying entails a lot of sitting, do some stretch/walk/jog. It will help you have a good mindset and a fit body.

9. Have a sanity break.
Don't study the whole day/week! Have a rest. Relax your brain; go somewhere during the weekends, watch movie, sing a song, or play a game. Too much studying builds stress and pressure and results to short term memory.

10. Pray. Pray. Pray.
Always pray. It will give you confidence and strength as you are preparing for the big day. You don't need to make novena or memorize long prayer lines; just acknowledge and thank God for guiding you throughout your journey.

June 2016. 

I already made a plan before graduating; that right after graduation I would review for board exam, take the exam on August 2016, land a good job, work for two years, then go back to studying (maybe take master's degree or medicine), then settle down. The plan was not that specific, but still, I have something to look forward to. After graduation, I was full of hopes and dreams, ready to implement the plan.

And my plan did not happen.

July 2016.

I took review classes right after my graduation. It was a month and half review, covering three major areas of nutrition - Foods and Food Service, Public Health, and Nutritional Biochemistry and Clinical Dietetics. I honestly felt I was not doing good - I couldn't focus nor absorb the information I received during the review sessions. I was so tired, burned out, and not motivated to the point that I had doubts whether to take the exam or not. It was not really a good start.

Then all of a sudden, PRC released a memo stating that the Board Licensure Examination for Nutritionist-Dietitians (BLEND) was cancelled due to not meeting the quorum of the board examiners. It's actually a good news since I would have longer preparation time for the exam and maybe get myself more motivated.

August to November 2016.

To make my preparation time more productive, I tried looking for a part time job, like tutoring. At first; I was enjoying the work, teaching kids; I got to play and laugh with them. However, as months passed, I also forgot to continue reviewing for my board exam. I was so stressed from work, pressured to get a more high paying job, got sick and eventually became depressed. I started questioning everything, why my plans always got delayed, why I'm having difficulty finding a job, a lot of whys and what ifs.

December 2016.

Finally, PRC released the names of the new board examiners as well as the date for boards exams (March 15 and 16, 2017). At the same time, I got accepted from a job that I applied to at Bioessence. At that moment I found myself standing at crossroads; will I accept the job and do self review or decline the job offer and focus on reviewing?

Since my priority is to pass the board exams, I immediately declined their offer and started a serious review journey.

January 2016.

I was on the middle of my review in Foods and Food Service Systems during this month. I started reading the books given by the review center I attended to, made notes using index cards, and summarized everything I read after the study session. Through this strategy, I was able to recall things easily and connect ideas whenever I came across a situation/problem. I also started to have a good exercise regimen; I went to jog three times a week and tried reducing what I eat. I also make it sure to have a sanity break every week so that I won't be too drained from studying.

February 2017.

We received a call from Province that my Lola and Lolo's health needs medical attention. My mom went to province for a month and I was the one managing the house. It was hard for me, I had to prepare everything in the morning, clean the house, study for two hours, prepare lunch, study again, prepare dinner, study again. I wasn't able to focus nor follow my exercise routine, I lose weight, and I was so stressed. I started doubting myself again, I felt I'm not ready to take the exam.

March 2017.

2 weeks before the board exam, I was still studying Biochemistry. I felt all the pressure and I was so nervous every day! One week before the exam, the faculty met us to motivate the batch in the incoming board exam. Turned out that's the only thing I'm waiting to be more motivated and get on my feet again.

One day before the exam we checked the exam site. We even look for places we can eat after the exam. I didn't study on that day. I just relaxed myself and slept early.

Exam day. Everyone was outside waiting for the gates to open. Before starting, I prayed. I prayed to God to guide me and helped me remember what I studied. I know from the very start I will pass this exam, because I studied hard. No pain no gain. At least after this exam my agony will end.

After the exam the batch had a lunch at KFC. We shared our board exam moments and posed for a picture. I also stopped by at St. Peter's Church and thank God for a successful board exam.

Three long waiting days, and I saw my name at the list of passers. I can't really explain how I felt, I just cried and cried and cried. To those who will take their board exam, whatever turn over you will encounter along the way, know that God is only preparing you for the future - and that's how you will take the board exam. Be confident, always trust yourself that you will make it cause you will. I know you can ace that exam! ❤

By the way, here are some photos from my Oath Taking Ceremony: