TRI-4, Wk11, Day 248 - Sunday

National Boards, Day 2

The first day of National Boards testing was a rather impressive display by the NBCE.

About 1200 people across the nation were taking Part I and 223 of them were at Logan. The test were held in the Purser Center at Logan College. All the main entrance doors to the center were locked and candidates for testing had to enter a side door to the auditorium. For final registration we had to show two forms of identification then we got a badge with our originally submitted passport type photo to wear around our neck. Zip-lock bags were available for anyone that happened to be wearing a watch, or had a cell phone and even a certain car keys were not allowed. To enter the lobby of the Purser Center we had to pass through two metal detectors which were manned by a couple police officers from Chesterfield, MO. Once inside, our seats were all assigned. At each end of the Purser Center were large digital clocks, the kind you might see at the end of a 5k race. Ear plugs were provided for anyone that wanted them.

Prior to our first test, we spent 15 minutes going over rules and regulations regarding the test. One thing I found very interesting was not only would your test be invalidated if you were suspected of cheating but, a test could also be thrown out if statistical analysis of the test indicated any improprieties. I ended up finishing each test with about 10 minutes to spare but there were a lot of people who finished sooner, most notably people in Tri-5 or above tended to finish very quickly.

During our first test, I was on #57 of 100 when a Tri-5 next to me raised her hand to have her test picked up. The first test was General Anatomy which covered all of anatomy and embryology. The second test was over Spinal Anatomy which also included a bit of embryology. The second test must have been a bit harder because I made it to #80 before the girl next to me was finished.

It's about 4:45 a.m. right now and I'll probably head out around 6 a.m. I got to bed a little later than anticipated last night (pushing 9 p.m.) but I still woke up around 3 a.m.

I know there's a group of people heading over to the Lumiere (?sp) tonight which is a very nice local Casino and, last week, the notion of heading out for a few beers to help unwind and celebrate a bit after testing seemed rather appealing but, as the end of these boards looms near, I find myself thinking of other task ahead such as the three test we have in Week 11.

I know I can do really well in Pathology and would like to get another A but I just need the time to sufficiently study. We also have a test in Nutrition which could also be an A if only I get enough study time in.

I think the most pressing thing on my plate right now would be the state laws I have to obtain for two different states for our Philosophy class. If it comes down to it I may have to make a trip to Springfield Illinois and maybe the Capital of Missouri to pick those laws up in person if they can't be mailed to me in time.

Today's pictures are of the Purser Center. It's really an impressive looking building. Back when my brother graduated, his ceremony was held over by West Port Plaza since the Purser Center hadn't been built yet. It's nice to see the college continually improved. I've heard talk of three more improvements for Logan. There's supposed to be a 2nd floor added to our Health Clinic, some expansion of the Fitness area which would include a new building and some talk about another building added in the vicinity of the Purser Center. Of course, I'm hardly an official liaison for Logan but, I'm still confident improvements will be made. The inside picture of the Purser Center is pretty much the view I had while taking the test.

Well, I better get moving. My thoughts coming home regarding the testing was thinking more in line of opportunity. These things we're being tested over we should know as future chiropractors and these test give us the feedback needed to know if we need to brush up on anything. Unofficial NBCE grades will be available on April 30th.