# A Review of Factors Influencing the National Board of Medical Examiners Clinical Subject Examination (NBME) Neurology Subject Scores

## TL;DR

This review identifies factors affecting medical students' scores on the NBME Neurology exam during their clerkship.

## Contribution

The study systematically reviews factors influencing NBME Neurology scores and suggests strategies to improve student performance.

## Key findings

- Scheduling and preclinical preparation significantly impact NBME Neurology exam scores.
- Educational methods vary in effectiveness for improving student performance on the exam.
- Understanding these factors helps enhance residency preparedness and educational outcomes.

## Abstract

The National Board of Medical Examiners Clinical Subject Examination (NBME) Neurology subject exam scores of third- and fourth-year medical students are a critical objective component of their application for a neurology residency. Multiple factors, including scheduling, preclinical preparation, and educational methods, may influence a student's performance on the Neurology NBME Clinical Science Exam (Shelf exam) during their clerkship. This review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to identify factors that impact medical students' performance on the NBME Neurology subject exam during their clerkship. This review synthesizes existing research to identify evidence-based strategies that optimize student performance on the Neurology Shelf exams. Understanding the factors influencing NBME scores is essential for medical students and clerkship directors to enhance educational outcomes and residency preparedness. The findings of this systematic review highlight the importance of scheduling, preclinical factors, and variations in educational methods in determining students' performance on the Neurology Shelf exam.