I’m an official MLT! Yayyy! I’m taking the ASCP in 6 weeks. Hopefully that’s enough time to study!

So, while studying for ny ASCP exam I am having trouble in micro because we dont really do anything in my lab besides gram staining blood culture bottles for initial reports. I'm struggling to understand what the different bacteria yeasts molds and fungi look like when grown. Anyone have any tips or links to finding good visualizations?

I’m graduating May 22 and plan to take the MLT ASCP at the end of June. I have the yellow and purple LSU book and MediaLab. I also have the BOC book with all the practice questions, but I find it overwhelming to look at. Anyway. In doing MediaLab I have noticed some virology questions and one or two mycology. We never did that in MLT. We only did Hematology, UA, Chemistry, Immunology, Blood Bank and Micro. Where am I supposed to learn the other stuff? Also, is there a list of formulas I need to memorize anywhere?

Greetings Gang 🧐 This post will be straight facts based on the statistics published by the ASCP BOC itself. Some of you think you’re struggling because you’re “not smart enough.” No. The exam is just HARD. Here are the official ASCP Board of Certification stats for MLS and MLT pass rates (from ASCP data): 🔬 MLS (Medical Laboratory Scientist, ASCP) • First-time pass rate: ~69% • Repeat test taker pass rate: ~45–50% range 👉🏽 That means about 3 out of 10 people fail their first attempt. 👉🏽 And repeat attempts are even harder statistically. 🧪 MLT (Medical Laboratory Technician, ASCP) • First-time pass rate: ~74–75% • Repeat test taker pass rate: ~50–55% range 👉🏽 About 1 out of 4 fail on the first try. 👉🏽 Retakes are significantly tougher. What this means: ✅ You are NOT alone if you're struggling. ✅ This exam is DESIGNED to be difficult. ✅ Passing requires strategy + preparation. ✅ Failing once does NOT mean you can’t pass. This exam is filtering for minimal competency to safely work in a clinical lab; it’s supposed to challenge you. What successful students do differently: ✔ They study patterns, not just facts ✔ They practice question strategy ✔ They review weak areas intentionally ✔ They don’t quit after one attempt If you’re studying right now, keep going. If you failed, regroup. If you passed, you freaking EARNED it. This exam is not easy, but you CAN beat it. 🩸 If you're looking for a study strategy and a game plan to pass this exam, join the Inner Circle of Microscope Views where we have weekly study sessions to break down ASCP questions from the question to each of the answer choices. 📚🔬 Join HERE See you there, xoxo Marilyn

One of the cool things about clinical microbiology class is how nonchalantly the lab assistant will throw a dish of E. coli or K. pneumoniae on your table and be like “may the odds be ever in your favor.”