2025-04-23 | Category: Mrcog 2
🚫 Top 10 Mistakes to
Avoid When Preparing for the MRCOG Exam
The MRCOG exam is one of the most prestigious and
challenging postgraduate qualifications in obstetrics and gynaecology. With
thousands of candidates taking the exam globally, success requires not just
hard work—but smart strategy. Unfortunately, many aspirants make
avoidable mistakes that compromise their preparation and confidence.
Below are the top 10 common mistakes candidates make
while preparing for MRCOG Part 1, 2, or 3, along with practical
strategies to avoid them.
❌ 1. Ignoring the Official
Syllabus
The Mistake: Many candidates dive into study
materials without referencing the official RCOG syllabus, leading to over- or
under-preparation.
Solution:
- Start
with the RCOG curriculum and map your preparation accordingly.
- For
Part 2 and 3, align with the 14 core modules (e.g., maternal
medicine, fetal health, oncology).
🔗 https://www.rcog.org.uk/media/j1slwmul/mrcog-syllabus-curriculum-2019.pdf
❌ 2. Not Using Updated Green-Top
Guidelines (GTGs)
The Mistake: Referring to outdated guideline versions
can lead to incorrect answers, especially in SBA/EMQ questions.
Solution:
- Always
access the latest version directly from the RCOG website.
- Set
a monthly reminder to check for updates.
- Use
resources like GTG summaries, flashcards, and StratOG modules that
reference current guidelines.
🔗 https://www.rcog.org.uk/guidance/browse-all-guidance/green-top-guidelines/
❌ 3. Memorizing Without
Understanding
The Mistake: Rote learning fails in exams that test clinical
reasoning, not just factual recall.
Solution:
- Focus
on “why”, not just “what”.
- Practice
applying knowledge to scenarios and mock OSCEs.
- Summarise
concepts in your own words.
🧠 Clinical context is
key in both Part 2 and Part 3.
❌ 4. Skipping Practice Questions
The Mistake: Many candidates focus on reading but
don’t practice SBAs or EMQs under exam conditions.
Solution:
- Integrate
daily or weekly question banks into your schedule.
- Treat
mock questions as learning tools, not just assessments.
❌ 5. Not Reviewing Mistakes
The Mistake: Simply completing question banks without
reviewing errors leads to repeated misunderstandings.
Solution:
- Keep
a “Mistake Log” with explanations and corrected reasoning.
- Review
this log weekly.
- Reattempt
wrong questions after a few days to reinforce learning.
❌ 6. Studying in Isolation
The Mistake: Studying alone can be demotivating and
limits opportunities for discussion or feedback.
Solution:
- Join
Telegram or WhatsApp peer groups.
- Form
a small study group for weekly GTG discussions or OSCE practice.
- Attend
live mock circuits or webinars.
👥 Learning is more
effective when shared.
❌ 7. Underestimating the Time
Commitment
The Mistake: Thinking “I’ll study when I have time”
leads to rushed preparation.
Solution:
- Start
early—ideally 6–12 months before the exam, depending on the part.
- Create
a realistic weekly study plan.
- Balance
reading, question practice, and rest.
📅 Consistency >
Cramming.
❌ 8. Ignoring Mental Health and
Burnout
The Mistake: Overcommitting without breaks leads to
anxiety, poor sleep, and eventual exhaustion.
Solution:
- Schedule
rest days.
- Practice
mindfulness, journaling, or short walks.
- Speak
to a mentor or counselor if feeling overwhelmed.
🧘♀️ You can’t pour
from an empty cup.
❌ 9. Not Planning Exam Logistics
The Mistake: Candidates sometimes forget to register
on time or don’t plan travel/accommodation for OSCE exams.
Solution:
- Mark
key RCOG deadlines in your calendar.
- Arrange
leave early for exam days.
- For
Part 3, rehearse logistics for UK or overseas exam centres.
📌 https://www.rcog.org.uk/careers-and-training/exams/mrcog-our-specialty-training-exam/mrcog-part-1/mrcog-part-1-key-dates-and-fees/
❌ 10. Using Unreliable or
Outdated Sources
The Mistake: Trusting low-quality notes, old MCQ
books, or unverified social media content.
Solution:
- Stick
to official RCOG resources, StratOG, and well-reviewed prep
platforms.
- Use
updated GTG/TOG summaries from reliable prep courses.
- Ask
senior candidates or mentors before using any new material.
✅ How to Avoid These Mistakes
Altogether
- Start
early with a structured plan
- Review
mistakes regularly
- Use
high-yield, reliable resources
- Engage
in peer learning or mentoring
- Balance
exam prep with rest, reflection, and resilience
📝 Final Thought
Success in MRCOG isn’t about working harder—it’s about
working smarter. Avoiding these 10 common pitfalls can save you time,
energy, and anxiety, and keep your preparation focused, confident, and
clinically sharp.
📥 Need structured
guidance, daily GTG summaries, and peer support?
👉
Join MRCOG PASS EXAMINATIONS and access:
- Timetabled
revision plans
- High-quality
SBAs, EMQs, and OSCE mock stations
- Mentor
support and focused Telegram study groups
🎯 Let’s make your
MRCOG journey a successful one—from Day 1 to Exam Day.
