Study Smarter Method

The Study Smarter Method for the RD Exam

Traditional study techniques like reading, highlighting, taking and re-taking notes, are some of the most inefficient study techniques for complex tests like the RD exam.

The Study Smarter Method by Veritense was created out of need: with an increasingly difficult exam, RD2Be's experienced dropping pass rates.

The Study Smarter Method helps you combine active learning strategies with a structured study routine that helps you build your critical thinking skills - which are KEY for a test like the RD exam.

Abandon the 8 hour study sessions, flashcard drilling, and never-ending readings.

Stop doubting if you're studying the right thing.

On this page you'll learn about the Study Smarter Method (including how it is different from what you've done before).

scroll for details, FAQ, and testimonials

Sometimes it's best to hear from real customers rather than the creator. Keep scrolling on this page to find out more about the strategy, but also to see if I've answered any of your questions and hear what past students have to say about the material.

what is the study smarter method?

With the Study Smarter Method by Veritense, you'll learn how to:

Let go of your old study habits
Make the most of your study time
Develop and hone your critical thinking skills
Improve your time management
Improve your information organization skills
Apply active learning techniques to make your study sessions both effective and efficient

watch the video to learn more

surpassing traditional study methods

Traditional study methods include

reading
highlighting
taking notes
re-taking notes
taking practice tests

Unfortunately, research has shown that these are among the most inefficient ways to study.

The Study Smarter Method builds your critical thinking skills and trains your brain to see concepts as interconnected webs, allowing you to tackle questions that stumped you before.

There is often a stark divide between practice questions and questions actually on the test.

Single-concept questions test your knowledge at a shallow level to see if you've memorized facts.

Complex test questions, on the other hand, require you to take knowledge from multiple areas and understand how they fit together in order to answer the question.

Have you ever felt certain you answered a question correctly, only to realize you were answering a different question in your head? By building your critical thinking skills, the Study Smarter Method also helps you identify what the question is really asking.

the story behind the Study Smarter Method

I developed the Study Smarter Method after spending countless hours tutoring students studying for the Registered Dietitian (RD) exam.

Most students approached studying for the RD exam by reading through study outlines for hours on end, highlighting, taking notes, and listening to pre-recorded audio tapes.

When exam day came, they didn't feel prepared. From complex case study questions that required combining their knowledge at a higher level to terms they had never seen before, the typical studying approach wasn't cutting it.

The science behind my Study Smarter Method is based upon how we learn, both in what we do to study and how our brain processes information.

Designed to help, the Study Smarter Method can adapt to what you need - whether it's a more flexible study schedule or an intense focus on a certain topic. You'll learn about time management and information organization, too.

The Study Smarter Method is a method, not a prescription or a study guide. It's not rigid - it works for you.

the science behind the Study Smarter Method

The Study Smarter Method is built upon the core principles of how you learn. Metacognition is when you think about how you think, or learn about how you learn. It's a process of self-reflection that improves your self-awareness and is a key part of getting started with the Study Smarter Method.

neurons in your brain adapt and grow in response to learning

Neurons are made up of a cell body, dendrites, axons, and myelin.

Dendrites interact with the synapses at another neuron's axon, and actively challenging your brain leads to neuron growth. Neuron growth means dendrites are closer to axons and can transmit information easier.

When you work your brain even more, myelin sheaths will encase your neuron axons, making information move that much faster.

there are 3 phases of learning: exposure, processing, and feedback.

Exposure is when you see or hear information for the first time. You can improve your learning efficiency by exposing yourself to new information in an effective way.

Processing is when you connect new information with what you already know.

Feedback is when you assess how well you've learned information.

your brain processes information differently when you read, draw, connect, talk, and listen.

Active learning techniques take advantage of how your brain responds to learning by exposing it to information multiple times and in different ways, building up neuronal connections and resulting in successful information storage.

Making your brain work in different ways means you learn the information in a more complete way, and can tackle any question that comes your way on test day.

frequently asked questions

You’ve got questions. I’ve got answers.

what is the Study Smarter Method?

The Study Smarter Method by Veritense combines active learning techniques with a structured study routine. This method is focused on BOTH content and critical thinking, letting you optimize your study sessions. Not only do I tell you what you need to know, but also why you need to learn it. You learn more information, and learn it more completely, in less time.

how is the Study Smarter Method different?

Traditional study methods (i.e. reading, highlighting, taking notes, re-taking notes) are some of the most inefficient ways to study. The Study Smarter Method by Veritense builds your critical thinking skills and trains your brain to see concepts as interconnected webs - allowing you to tackle questions that stumped you before.

Have you ever felt certain that you answered a question correctly, only to realize that you were answering a different question in your head? By building your critical thinking skills, my method helps you identify what the question is actually asking while taking your knowledge from multiple areas and understanding how they fit together in order to answer the question.

why does the Study Smarter Method work?

The Study Smarter Method by Veritense has you learn and apply the information you need to know for the exam in the way you will be tested on it. It combines practice questions with active learning methods and a consistent study schedule. Your brain processes information differently when you read, draw, connect, talk, and listen. Making your brain work in these different ways means that you will learn information in a more complete way, which translates to knowing how to answer questions on exam day.

It is a method meant to adapt to what works for you. In addition to the content you need to know, you'll learn about time management, information organization, and self-confidence.

how long will I need to study?

If you have studied for the RD exam before (that is, used another resource to go through all the content) I recommend at least 2-3 months.

If you are studying for the RD exam for the first time, I recommend around 6 months total.

Of course not everyone has 6 months to study. The Study Smarter Method can be adapted for shorter time periods if you are meeting an employer deadline.

why aren't the study guides organized by domain?

The CDR outline for the RD exam is organized first by domains and then by topics. The information in the SSM study guides are organized these topics, with some study guides covering an entire domain, while other domains are covered by multiple study guides.

Organizing the study guides by topic allowed me to present information to you in the best way as you learn, making your study experience more efficient and effective than going domain-by-domain.

Check out the Outline-to-Study Guide Crosswalk to see where information in the CDR Outline can be found in the SSM study guides.

are practice questions included?

Yes! Practice questions (PQs) are key to the Study Smarter Method.

The e-book is sold with 205 practice questions, and the 10 study guides include 283 open-ended study guide questions and 195 practice questions specific to each topic.

That's 400 practice questions total!

I have the SSM resources but need more support

I'm happy to provide you with more help, whether you're feeling overwhelmed with the information, not sure how to get started, or just need some affirmation of your understanding. Reach out to info@veritense.com to get in touch.

is my purchase refundable?

Due to the nature of digital downloads, I am not able to offer refunds for my purchases.

If you're unsure about purchasing, I encourage you to:

Look at the Preview images for each study guide to see what is included
Read the Testimonials from previous customers (in the section below)
Download the Freebie Packets and MNT resource for a sneak-peek at the SSM style
Reach out to me at hello.veritense@gmail.com with your concerns

what programs use the Study Smarter Method?

The Study Smarter Method is the power engine behind All Access Dietetics' Pass the Exam Prep (PTEP), included in the Pass Class program.

PTEP includes the SSM e-book, practice questions, and all 10 study guides. It has been trusted and used by over 15 dietetic internship programs to prep their interns for the exam.

I don't see my question here.

Reach out at info@veritense.com with your question.

what others are saying...

The Study Smarter Method products contain detailed explanations plus more visuals. I highly recommend these study guides because I gained more critical thinking skills to pass the RD exam.

RK

I give the Study Smarter Method 10 stars! It is so much better than other materials. After being out of school for a decade, this helped me pass - unliked 3 other study guides and programs I tried.

SM

I feel like the information I learned from the Study Smarter Method helped me finally connect the dots that I didn't just need to know the right answer. I felt way more confident on my second attempt using the Study Smarter Method study strategies.

AL

The Study Smarter Method has been a lifesaver in terms of knowing what to study, how long to study, and the order of material in which to study. This material truly breaks everything down into bite-sized pieces and hlps me focus. I would highly recommend to anyone struggling with studying!

Sierra

The Study Smarter Method starts with mapping out a plan and coming up with strategies to change with studying habits. These small changes and scheduling out my study time made a HUGE difference.

Danielle

I had used 4 different study materials before finding the Study Smarter Method. The big difference is that this method teaches you how to study SMARTER. [It's] one of the best investments I made. I would recommend it to anyone needing assistance to pass!

Keisha

I used a lot of study materials and this was my favorite. I have serious test anxiety, and this material made the difference for me as it taught me how to confidently interact with any question.

Molly

The Study Smarter Method helped me learn about learning, and made my study sessions more focused, even after a tough day at work.

Shawna

The Study Smarter Method helped me to determine my weaknesses and then focus on attacking those areas. This new method instilled confidence and taught me a new way of studying.

Jill

The Study Smarter Method helps you think in a critical way and learn how to analyze each question. It [also] helps you pace your studying and keeps you from feeling overwhelmed.

Conner

I studied less and learned more in the 4 months of studying with the Study Smarter Method than any other preparation for the exam. I would recommend it to absolutely everyone - it was an investment I would never hesitate to make again in the future.

Katie

I feel like the Study Smarter Method made [studying] feel attainable, and reduced my anxiety. This method definitely helps provide a different perspective, and I think that really helped me be successful.

Kylie

about the creator

Hi! I'm Bailey DeBarmore. The Study Smarter Method by Veritense is rooted in my experiences tutoring students having trouble passing the RD exam.

I'm so happy that I'm able to reach more students than ever before with my study and organization methods.

PhD, Epidemiology, UNC Chapel Hill '22
MHS, Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins '16
Dietetic Internship, University of Virginia '14
BS, Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University '13

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