(Self-Evaluation Exam)

SEE (Self-Evaluation Exam) – Anesthesia School Study Notes

Overview

• SEE = Self-Evaluation Examination

• Purpose: assess study progress in CRNA school and preparation for the board exam.

• Not all schools require it.

  • My school: 2 SEEs before graduation (after didactic portion + before graduation).

• Score range: 300–600

  • 600 = highest

  • 450 = common passing requirement (some schools require none or lower).

Exam Structure – 4 Major Topics

1. Basic Science – Anatomy, physiology, pharmacology.

2. Principles of Anesthesia – Regional anesthesia, general principles.

3. Special Populations & Surgical Procedures

   • Pediatrics, geriatrics, OB.

   • Surgical procedure modules.

4. Instrumentation & Technology – Anesthesia machine, components, function.

My Timeline & Approach

• Required to take SEE before 4th semester ends (Dec 20, 2024).

• Initially planned for Dec 18 but decided to test earlier (3 months ahead).

• Reason: avoid pressure, test while fresh, and allow time for classes.

Study Resources

Apex

• Primary tool (provided free by school).

• Modules 1–12 covered systematically.

• Used flashcards first:

  • Wrote answers on paper before checking.

  • Reviewed full lesson if weak.

  • Focus: think like the exam expects.

• Apex strengths: clear concepts, adaptive mindset, rationale reviews, videos, math practice sheets.

• Used Apex mock exams in both study mode and timed mode.

  • 400 questions / 4 hours → manageable time.

  • Review rationales for every question, correct or not.

  • Took ~2 days to fully review each mock.

Prodigy

• Tried but didn’t like → more rote recall, less concept-based.

• Might consider combining Apex + Prodigy in future.

Other Materials

• Class PowerPoints.

• Textbooks (for reinforcement + ultrasound images in regional anesthesia).

• YouTube + Google images for visual learning (e.g., anesthesia machines).

Study Methods

• Build on solid course foundation (Apex = review + concept shaping).

• Adaptive strategy:

  • Aim to be “average” in all topics (avoid deep weaknesses).

  • Exam keeps testing weakest areas until performance stabilizes.

• Flashcard system:

  • Self-test → write answer → check → review if weak.

• Mock exams:

  • Start with study mode → read all rationales.

  • Transition to timed mode (1 min/question pacing).

  • School advised: pay special attention to Mock 5 (critical content).

• Weak areas: Instrumentation/technology (repeated review).

Final Prep (Week Before Exam)

• Apex videos (relaxed review, good for visual learners).

• Apex math sheet + practice problems.

• Revisit weaknesses and visual references (e.g., ultrasound images).

Lessons Learned / Advice

• Start early – don’t wait until deadline.

• Use Apex as cornerstone, but supplement with:

  • Books (for clarity).

  • Prodigy (for basic reinforcement, if time allows).

  • YouTube/visuals for difficult concepts.

• Study actively: picture clinical application, not just memorization.

• Manage stress: ignore myths that exam is “impossible.” It’s highly doable if consistent.

• Identify and attack weaknesses early (e.g., equipment).

• Learn rationales deeply—don’t just memorize answers.

Key Takeaways

• The CSE is not a barrier exam → it’s a checkpoint to help you succeed.

• Apex = most useful platform (concept shaping + adaptive prep).

• Consistency and clinical thinking are more important than cramming.

• My score: decent, passing, and satisfactory.