Last-Minute AMC MCQ Revision: What to Review in Your Final Week

You've been preparing for months. Now, with just one week to go, here's how to optimise your final revision for the best possible outcome.

The Final Week Philosophy

What to DO:

• Review high-yield topics you've already studied
• Reinforce memory of key facts and algorithms
• Practice time management with mock exams
• Rest and prepare mentally

What NOT to do:

• Start new topics from scratch
• Cram excessively (diminishing returns)
• Exhaust yourself before exam day
• Panic about what you don't know

Day-by-Day Final Week Plan

Day 7 (One Week Out)

Morning: Full-length mock exam (150 questions, 3.5 hours) Afternoon: Review all incorrect answers Evening: Light review, early bed

Day 6

Focus: Medicine high-yield review

• Cardiovascular algorithms (heart failure, AF, ACS)
• Diabetes management flowchart
• Respiratory stepwise therapy

Day 5

Focus: Surgery and Emergency

• Acute abdomen differentials
• Trauma primary/secondary survey
• Surgical emergencies recognition

Day 4

Focus: O&G and Paediatrics

• Antenatal care schedule
• Labour stages and complications
• Childhood milestones
• Paediatric emergencies

Day 3

Focus: Psychiatry and Public Health

• Mental health emergency (suicide risk)
• Common psychiatric presentations
• Screening programs
• Ethics principles

Day 2

Focus: Quick-fire revision

• Flip through summary notes
• Review "mistakes journal"
• Light practice (50 questions max)
• Prepare exam logistics

Day 1 (Night Before)

Minimal study

• Brief review of personal weak areas
• Check ID, venue location, timing
• Prepare clothes, food
• Early to bed (8+ hours sleep)

High-Yield Last-Minute Topics

Must-Know Medications

Condition	First-Line Treatment
Heart Failure	ACEi + Beta-blocker + Diuretic
Atrial Fibrillation (rate control)	Beta-blocker or Rate-limiting CCB
Type 2 Diabetes (first-line)	Metformin
Hypertension (uncomplicated)	ACEi/ARB or CCB or Thiazide
Asthma (Step 1-2)	SABA prn, then ICS
COPD (stable)	LAMA or LABA, then combination
Depression (first-line)	SSRI
Anxiety (GAD)	SSRI/SNRI + CBT

Critical Values to Remember

Parameter	Normal/Target
HbA1c target (most diabetics)	<7% (53 mmol/mol)
BP target (uncomplicated)	<140/90
BP target (diabetic)	<130/80
LDL target (high CVD risk)	<1.8 mmol/L
INR target (AF on warfarin)	2-3
K+ normal range	3.5-5.0 mmol/L
Na+ normal range	135-145 mmol/L
eGFR CKD Stage 3	30-59

Key Clinical Scores

CHA2DS2-VASc (AF Anticoagulation)

• C: CHF (1)
• H: Hypertension (1)
• A2: Age 75+ (2)
• D: Diabetes (1)
• S2: Stroke/TIA (2)
• V: Vascular disease (1)
• A: Age 65-74 (1)
• Sc: Sex female (1)

CURB-65 (Pneumonia Severity)

• Confusion
• Urea >7
• Respiratory rate 30+
• BP systolic <90 or diastolic <60
• Age 65+ (0-1: home, 2: consider admission, 3+: admit, 4-5: ICU)

Australian-Specific Points

Cancer Screening Programs:

• Breast: 50-74, mammogram every 2 years
• Cervical: 25-74, HPV test every 5 years
• Bowel: 50-74, FOBT every 2 years

Immunisation Reminders:

• Influenza: annual for 65+, pregnancy, chronic disease
• Pneumococcal: 65+ (13v then 23v)
• Shingles: 70-79 years

Notifiable Diseases (Common):

• Measles, meningococcal, TB, hepatitis, HIV/AIDS
• Food poisoning outbreaks
• STIs (some states)

Memory Techniques for Last Week

Mnemonics Worth Reviewing

Create or review your own mnemonics for:

• Causes of common conditions
• Management algorithms
• Drug side effects

Spaced Repetition

• If using Anki or similar, focus on cards due
• Don't add new cards this week
• Review weak areas more frequently

Visual Learning

• Sketch flow diagrams
• Draw anatomy if relevant
• Visualise clinical scenarios

Exam Day Preparation

Physical Preparation

• Sleep at least 7-8 hours the night before
• Eat a balanced breakfast
• Avoid excessive caffeine (jitters)
• Dress comfortably

What to Bring

• Two forms of ID (passport + driver license ideal)
• Confirmation email/booking details
• Water bottle and snacks (check venue policy)
• A watch (phones stored during exam)

Mental Preparation

• Positive visualisation
• Accept that you won't know everything
• Trust your preparation
• Plan something enjoyable for after

Exam Day Strategy

Morning of Exam

• Light review only (30 min max)
• Arrive 30 minutes early
• Use bathroom before starting
• Take deep breaths before clicking "Start"

During the Exam

• Read each question fully
• Eliminate obviously wrong answers
• Don't second-guess excessively
• Watch the clock (but don't obsess)
• Use all available time

If You Hit a Wall

• Take 30 seconds eyes-closed
• Have a sip of water if available
• Remember: one question won't make or break you
• Move on and maintain momentum

Managing Pre-Exam Anxiety

Normal vs Problematic Anxiety

Some nervousness is normal and helpful. Seek support if:

• You can't sleep for multiple nights
• Physical symptoms (nausea, chest pain)
• Panic attacks
• Unable to function normally

Relaxation Techniques

• Deep breathing (4-7-8 technique)
• Progressive muscle relaxation
• Brief meditation
• Light exercise

Perspective

• This is one exam; you can retake if needed
• Thousands of IMGs pass every year
• You've prepared; trust your knowledge
• Life continues regardless of result

What to Do Immediately After

Post-Exam

• Resist discussing questions with others
• Treat yourself to something enjoyable
• Begin Clinical exam research if you haven't
• Results come in approximately 3 weeks

While Waiting for Results

• Take a break from AMC study
• Catch up on other life areas
• Start Clinical preparation gradually
• Be patient with yourself

You're Ready

If you've put in the work over the past months, this final week is about consolidation, not learning everything new. Trust your preparation and approach the exam with confidence.

Practice Final Questions Before Exam Day

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Wishing you success in your AMC MCQ exam!