My preparation began over a month ago, but I had 2 weeks where I couldn't find time to study at all. I went through selected chapters of the ASCRS Textbook, skipping stuff I knew well already. I read selected Core Subjects off the ASCRS website, and went through the image library on the ASCRS website. I then went through CARSEP 6, 7, and 8. I went through CARSEP 8 a second time the week prior to the exam......
I got my score back today, and I am very pleased...scored slightly better than I did on the ABS QE. The passing raw score was 76%, and the average score among all takers was 81.7%, so perhaps not much room for error. I'm not sure it would be okay with the ABCRS to share the breakdown, but the categories mirror those found in CARSEP. My greatest area of weakness was in the "miscellaneous" category, where I got 1/4 right....not sure how to improve on that.
For those taking the exam in the future, my overall impression was that the questions were very fair and straightforward, so I certainly wouldn't over-analyze small details and talk yourself out of a correct answer. I recommend using a study schedule similar to mine (quoted above), where you start greater than a month out, as other work-related activities will likely dominate your calendar. I will list resources in descending order of utility:
1. CARSEP 8- absolute best resource. I would read it twice.
2. ASCRS textbook- I re-read some topics I felt weak in, but I certainly didn't try to re-read the whole thing. I would avoid using other textbooks for the exam.
3. CARSEP 7- Not as good, but still useful for the basic science stuff
4. Core Subjects (ASCRS website)- Often too shallow, but Dr. Wise's submission on inherited colon cancer helped me on several test questions.
5. Path pictures- Most found using google, but some came from the ASCRS website. You'll certainly have to know the basics.
6. (Distant 6th place): CARSEP 6- Too outdated and opinionated to be useful. I think it actually hurt more than it helped.
When the time comes for the exam, feel free to PM me with any questions.