​Timing – The Clinical Problem Solving Paper is the more time restricted of the two papers, and unfortunately finishing the Professional Dilemmas paper early does not permit any additional time for the latter paper. It is essential to manage your time effectively given that you have only 45 seconds/question (including reading time). Failing to finish the paper will significantly affect your score and chances of obtaining your preferred GP deanery. As such, implementing strict timed conditions throughout your MSRA preparation will ensure that you are accustomed to the time pressures of this examination.
O&G and Paediatrics – These two specialities consistently ‘over-represent’ in the MSRA examination, with year-on-year candidates reporting that 20-30% of their questions related to either O&G or Paediatrics. Contraception, vaccinations and milestones are particular favourites.
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Finals Refresher – Most of the clinical content addressed in the MSRA is to a similar standard as that encountered during medical school finals. Instead of learning content afresh, re-review your cherished finals notes, and you’ll be surprised how much quicker you will re-learn the core content.
110% – The Multi-Speciality Recruitment Assessment (MSRA) is no longer merely a stepping stone to reach the GP Stage 3 Section Centre. A score in the top 10% of all applicants taking the MSRA will provide an automatic offer to any deanery of your choice, as a result of the new ‘Direct Pathway to Offers’. For those not obtaining direct entry, a strong MSRA score is essential in obtaining a place in one of the competitive GPST deaneries, with applicants ranked and offered places based on a combination of MSRA and GP Stage 3 Selection score. As such, all applicants should give 110% to this increasingly important examination.
If in doubt, guess – Neither question paper has any negative marking, and hence there is no penalty for incorrect answers.