Pass/Fail Vivas and The Sub Papers
Ello Dear M1s,
Firstly, welcome to Med Fac :)
This bit of write-up is to hopefully get you a bit more acquainted with what
would happen SHOULD you *touch wood* happen to have to take a Viva, Sub-Paper or
Sub-Viva.
Believe me, before entering Med Fac, there was never a thing such as Sub-Paper
or Viva in my dictionary. I had been lucky prior to medical school and re-papers
never occured in my path. So it was quite a huge shock and setback to learn that
the paper I had done did not even qualify me for a pass. Learning that I had to
redo TWO papers instead of one came as an even bigger shock.
But of course, if something like that does come any of your way *touch wood*, I
guess the only 'sensible' thing to do is to give yourself a few days to get over
it, settle down, and start studying. Of course, it is much easier said than
done, but it has been done in the past, was done by me, and should any of you
have to do it, I am sure you will be able to handle it as well.
-Sequence of Events-
Pros, Vivas, SubPaper, Sub Vivas. That's the order of the examinations one would
have to sit for, if he/she didn't pass the Pros. There are generally a few
scenarios.
1) If the student has a borderline grade in the Pros, the student will be asked
to go for a Viva. For simplicity, let's just call the student Z.
(a) If Z passes the Vivas, he will get the minimum pass grade(i.e. a C), and Z
is free to enjoy the remaining holidays and will be promoted to Year 2.
(b) If Z fails the Vivas, he will have to sit for the Sub-Paper. This paper will
be held in end June.
2) If it is a clearcut failure, Z will not go for the Vivas, and have to take
the Sub-Paper directly.
At the level of the Sub-Papers,
1) If Z passes the Sub-Paper, he will get any grade that ranges from C to A.
However, there will be an indication that the grade is from a re-paper. Z will
of course be promoted.
2) If Z gets another borderline grade in the Sub-Papers, Z will be asked to go
for a Sub-Viva.
(a) If Z passes the Sub-Vivas, Z will get the minimum pass grade, with the
indication that it is a re-paper, and Z is promoted.
(b) If Z fails the Sub-Vivas, Z will be asked to see the Dean on a one-to-one
meeting.
3) If Z fails the Sub-Paper, he will be asked to see the Dean on a one-to-one
meeting.
If Z fails, it will then be left up the Dean's Office to decide what would be
the best course of action to take next, i.e. whether Z to repeats a year for the
track he failed.
-The Vivas-
Vivas (both for the pros and sub paper) are oral examinations, and there are two
types - distinction vivas or pass/fail vivas. The distinction vivas are for
those who have done very well and the pass/fail ones are for those who are
borderline cases.
The distinction vivas are a chance for those who have done very well to get a
distinction, and the pass/fail vivas are a second chance at redemption for the
borderline cases.
-Some Advice-
1. The Vivas
For the pass/fail Vivas, concentrate on the questions which you did not answer
well in the Pros. It is ESSENTIAL to know these questions very well. And of
course, if you have time, you should read up on the other topics that you might
not be so well-versed in as it there is no 100% guarantee that the board of Viva
examiners will test only the questions that you have not answered well.
Some important things to remember for all Vivas,
1) If you know your stuff, be CONFIDENT. I was overcomed by nervousness and I
came across as being uncertain of my stuff. To the examiners, this will appear
as if you are guessing, and they may mark you down.
2) Do not attempt to smoke. Remember that these examiners are well-versed in
their subject areas, and will be able to pick out students who attempt to do
that. Worse if your 'smoked' answer is wrong.
3) Be polite and keep your cool. The examiners are there to help you to pass. If
they attempt to prompt you, follow their lead. You have to answer their prompts
in order for them to help you. But of course, if you've totally no idea as to
what they are asking about, honesty might be the best bet. (LAST RESORT)
4) Depending on the department and the year, the Viva list may come out just the
day before the Vivas itself or a few days before. So if you do not feel too
confident after having attempted the Pros, it might be a good idea to just
continue reading for that few more days after your paper, before the list comes
out. After all, it is just that few more days of studying which might determine
whether you have to spend the rest of the holidays studying, not forgetting the
ceaseless anxiety and worrying that comes with the additional exams.
2. The Sub-Papers
As for the Sub-Papers, you will have 1 1/2 months to 2 months to prepare for
them. Regardless of the number of subjects that you have to retake, it is
imperative to come up with a timetable/timeline right from the start. This will
help keep you focused. Planning a timetable will also give you a realistic
picture of how much time he has for each subject he has to retake. Do factor in
time for play and rest. But of course, be aware of the dire consequences should
you not pass the Sub Paper. As such, while there should be adequate amount of
rest, it is probably necessary to push yourself harder for the last lap. Delude
yourself if you have to, but think about it, it is 1 1/2 months in exchange for
1 year. So...
In my case, I felt that I had to go through the basics again as I did not touch
the books from the day the Pros ended to the day I started studying again, which
was about 1 month. So I would suggest factoring some time in to revise the
basics and concepts.
I made additional notes along the way. One friend suggested summarizing the
essentials from each topic into just one single page. This will help you to
focus and pick out the important points. Jot down any questions, no matter how
insignificant you might think your question is, along the way.
Do note that lecture notes are very important, especially for Biochem. The
lecturer would have already done some summarizing as he would have concentrated
on the more important aspects. Borrow your friends' notes if you feel that you
may not have copied down everything essential.
The second round involves going through the topics you feel inadequate in. If
you have not cleared up the questions by now, please do sort them out. you will
definitely feel more confident and assured after you have done so.
The third round should include trying out past years' questions. Preferably, you
should time yourself. Allocate the same amount of time as in the real exams.
After that, you should go through the questions again and pick out topics you
are not as strong in. Clarify (all if possible) doubts.
If you have doubts you cannot clear by yourself, please do approach your
friends, seniors and of course the Profs. They are most willing to help.
However, the Profs expect the students to be proactive and seek a meeting with
them, or email them. So do!
Of course, what is set out above seems to require many rounds of studying again
and by then, many would already be very sick of it. (I was!)
But it really isn't the case. This time round, study smart. Concentrate on the
more important topics, and of course topics that you are weaker in. I remember
Prof Lee Chee Wee once said, when you are trying to find your way out of a very
dense forest, concentrate on the path that will get you out. Don't dwell too
much on fine accessory details that might get you lost. At the end, you have to
be able to have a clear picture of the forest. So, do not be intent on trying to
memorize everything. It is not possible.
It might also be helpful if you find a friend who is in the same predicament to
study together. If you are more of the kind who studies better alone, then it
might help if you coordinate with the friend, and set deadlines to complete
certain things, and to also fix days to try questions together. It always helps
when you can talk and explain an answer to someone.
Talk to your friends/seniors if you need help or just need to unwind a bit. Your
seniors are most willing to help. And once you clear the sub papers, please do
remember that regardless of how smart you are, consistency and diligence is what
that will see you through the rest of the medical career.
Above all, stick at you plans. It is not easy, but keep at it. To be able to put
on that white coat in a few years time is not easy, but the rewards of being
able to help people will definitely make everything worth it.
All the best.
Eileen Poon, M1 02/03