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Old 05-25-2012, 07:51 PM   #1
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Default Need advice... Exam in 2 weeks


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So I take my exam in a little over 2 weeks.

I finished Kaplan Qbank 2 months ago (Untimed, Tutor, 84%) and UWorld 1 month ago (Timed, Random, Tutor, 87%). I also went over FA 2x in the past 3 months having only started studying at end of Feb. I used Goljan audo/notes, Kaplan HY videos, BRS series.

Here are the exams I took so far:

NBME #5 (3/17): 500/221 -> school adminstered
UWorld SA #1 (4/28): 251
NBME #12 (5/21): 650/257 -> See attached image for my strengths/weaknesses

I also took offline version of NBMEs #1-4, scoring between 88% - 92%. My goal is 265+. Is this doable? I am frustrated that I can get tough questions right but always seem to miss some simple conceptual questions. How do I overcome this? Have I peaked in my performance?

I plan to do UWorld 2nd pass in one week, then UWorld SA #2, NBME #11, 12, 13. Is this too much or should I just focus on going over FA 1x more? I did not use DIT but heard many good things about it, but at this time is DIT good for me?
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Old 05-27-2012, 12:58 AM   #2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by thinkenergy View Post
So I take my exam in a little over 2 weeks.

I finished Kaplan Qbank 2 months ago (Untimed, Tutor, 84%) and UWorld 1 month ago (Timed, Random, Tutor, 87%). I also went over FA 2x in the past 3 months having only started studying at end of Feb. I used Goljan audo/notes, Kaplan HY videos, BRS series.

Here are the exams I took so far:

NBME #5 (3/17): 500/221 -> school adminstered
UWorld SA #1 (4/28): 251
NBME #12 (5/21): 650/257 -> See attached image for my strengths/weaknesses

I also took offline version of NBMEs #1-4, scoring between 88% - 92%. My goal is 265+. Is this doable? I am frustrated that I can get tough questions right but always seem to miss some simple conceptual questions. How do I overcome this? Have I peaked in my performance?

I plan to do UWorld 2nd pass in one week, then UWorld SA #2, NBME #11, 12, 13. Is this too much or should I just focus on going over FA 1x more? I did not use DIT but heard many good things about it, but at this time is DIT good for me?
Lol nobody probably responded to your post because it seems like you wanted to announce ur scores to boost ur ego rather than for help...

I guess you could've lied about your scores and lower them by 10 points to be a little more modest...

Anyways, my advice...just go thru incorrect in Uworld, FA 1 more time, and UWorld SA#2...then RELAX!...don't waste $150 for 3 more ego boosters...
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Old 05-27-2012, 05:13 AM   #3
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I think it's good that you've posted your numbers. Hotchik got on my case about doing that as well. I wouldn't worry about her deterrence too much.

On the other hand, 265+ is doable, and you seem to have the right idea. This is the post I've used for my own study planning: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=597742.

Notice that he did the NBMEs, even in the final days, and finished off with the free-150. In the final week, I'd spend ~12 hrs/day on FA and ~2/day on questions. Definitely doable (). Good luck,
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Old 05-27-2012, 07:11 AM   #4
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I would make it a priority to take the last 3 NBMEs and research every single mistake you make on them. It's more important than the UWSA because graphics and question stems from those exams can repeat on your STEP 1 exam. The free 150 questions are okay, but they don't quite feel like a real NBME and it doesn't give you a three digit score.

You prepared well, but 265+ is going to be mostly luck. At that level one or two questions can shift your score up or down substantially. You can't control the questions you get.

As for the guy who spent 14 hours a day even at the end, my hat is off to him. I would be too burnt out at the end of 6 weeks of dedicated study. Personally I'm 2.5 weeks out and I'm doing 8 hours a day and then relaxing. I don't get how people can be efficient for that length of time. Maybe amphetamines? Asperger's?

Last edited by ijn; 05-27-2012 at 07:21 AM.
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Old 05-27-2012, 11:31 AM   #5
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I don't get how people can be efficient for that length of time. Maybe amphetamines? Asperger's?
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