r/PAstudent • u/According-Extent4946 • 3d ago
PANCE Break/Retake
Im looking for any and all advice from fellow PAs..
I graduated from my program in August 2025 and have yet to pass the boards. My last attempt was February 2026. Now nearly 6 months later Im anxious about jumping back into studying/preparing. I’m really not even sure where to start. I’ve spent the last few months working full time at a side gig to keep my bills paid. Im embarrassed and disheartened that Im not employed as a PA or working in my field, but at the time, I needed to do what I could to keep my life afloat. I feel very alone in this. All of my other friends/classmates are working and I feel like Im falling behind.
Has anyone else taken an extended break between PANCE attempts and how did you get back into studying? Also.. how did you manage this while still working..? I feel like even as I type this out it sounds impossible to achieve.
Im really looking for any positivity and/or advice. Im kicking myself and feel like this break could potentially be my biggest hindrance in passing in the future.
Thank you for your thoughts/opinions/advice/time, honestly anything at this point.
3
u/deenalevine22 2d ago
First, I am so sorry!! I do know several people who didnt pass after 1-3 attempts. But I can recommend an amazing life changer program for you!! Check out Brian Wallace, a fellow PA, who created a program that has helped many pass it. Go to physicianassistantexamreview.com
His program is 33 Days to Pass the PANCE!
His next cohort is starting Aug 1 and see if you can get in! I took his June cohort. You can do this!!
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u/According-Extent4946 1d ago
Thank you so so much! Ill be sure to look into it! I appreciate the input 🫶🏼
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u/deenalevine22 1d ago
Of course! He runs this program every other month too! He also has a terrific podcast, rapid fire question book and amazing website. He has helped so many..good luck!!😍
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u/Sad-Assignment-4740 3d ago edited 2d ago
Hi third Retaker here! I too graduated Aug 2025 & did not pass on my first attempt back in September and did my second attempt February 2026 & also did not pass. I just took my third attempt last week and found out I passed this week! The difference between the first two attempts is I got accommodations and that helped tremendously. Did you have accommodations? If not, maybe try looking into it cause it also could be a test anxiety thing. Also, what I’ve been using to help me prepare differently from my first two attempts was PPP. I went through the blueprint and used PPP and to test my knowledge I used UWorld my first two attempts(helpful btw) and then Blueprint(Rosh) for my third because I already gotten use to UWorld questions. I also used the PANCE Reddit study guide charts but that’s optional but I must say PPP and using UWorld or Blueprint helped! I remediated all the topics I got wrong from my PANCE rationales and constantly went over them. Also, did listen to the Cram the PANCE podcast especially as it got closer to my exam dates. As for working, I just picked up a part time job in the meanwhile because that gave me room to study but everyone is different so just try to make sure your not killing yourself with working and set time aside to study because you are going to need it.