Do you find yourself feeling overwhelmed by the length or format of NAVLE questions? Is text anxiety keeping you from getting results that reflect your actual knowledge? Not sure where to start? We've put together six quick strategies that can really help when it matters most! If you are a Vet Student, or thinking of becoming one, and would like additional test prep information, be sure to download our free 15 Tips and Tricks for the NAVLE PDF.Let's get started:
NAVLE exam questions typically involve background information or pictures that may or may not be relevant to the ultimate question being asked. With practice you can become skilled at identifying pertinent information, and disregarding information that is irrelevant. Once you have identified what is actually being asked, you can focus on your veterinary knowledge and critical thinking skills to achieve the correct answer.
We can’t all be experts on every species, but you can often find the right answer even when the species is something other than a feline or canine. Ignore the species, or plug in a different species, and read the question again. Does the answer change? This will help you to determine if the species is relevant.
When exploring possible answers, make sure the terminology in the answer makes sense with the terminology in the question. Some answers can be eliminated swiftly by simply identifying discrepancies in terminology.
Plug in the potential answers to work the problem backwards as a means of checking your work or confirming you chose the correct response
Stuck between two answers and out of ways to determine which is right? Don’t waste time agonizing… let your wristwatch help you make the decision so you can move on! Here's the trick... look at the second hand on your watch... if it is between 12 and 6 choose the higher answer on the list; if it is between 6 and 12 choose the lower answer. Afterall, you've narrowed it to a 50/50 chance and you have spent enough time on this one question!
Does the question seem to be written in a foreign language including content that is completely unfamiliar and leaving you feeling clueless? Don’t sweat it! It is normal to encounter these questions as part of the exam. Chose “C” (statistically the most common answer) and move on. Remember, the NAVLE is a timed exam, so use your time wisely!
An adult cockatiel presents for shifting leg lameness and an inability to bend the toes. An aspirate from a swollen toe shows spindle-shaped crystals. What is your diagnosis?
You: “Oh No! I don’t remember anything about lameness in birds!”
Me: “RELAX… take a deep breath and work it through.”
Great Work! Now wasn’t that easy?!
Some of the Top 15 Tips include: