Lessons I learned from the Path Shelf

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FutureDoc4

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I would say, that I learned one important lesson from the pathology shelf, (obviously written by the NBME), that I thought I would share with you, that will relate to Step I (because Step I is so path heavy).

Goljan RR>>>>>BRS Path

Sorry. I had a multitude of questions that came directly out of Goljan that are nowhere to be found in BRS.

If I learned anything from this, (which I hope was the point of the exam). To prepare for Step I, don't even bother with BRS.

(I'm sure others will disagree, but it was just my experience).
 
If you already own the 2nd edition, no need to get the 3rd, i own both too, the 3rd has more pics and seems to follow the audios a lot better though. 3rd ed is denser because of the pics and also the text is more spread out, also they took out the end questions.
 
If you already own the 2nd edition, no need to get the 3rd, i own both too, the 3rd has more pics and seems to follow the audios a lot better though. 3rd ed is denser because of the pics and also the text is more spread out, also they took out the end questions.

I concur. No need to run out and buy the newest one if you already have the old one. But if you haven't bought Rr path or you have some money to burn, go with the newest one. I would though.
 
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I haven't seen the old RR, but I bet it is pretty close. But, IMO when it comes down to Board studying, cost shouldn't be an issue.

I did BRS path all through out the school year. I'm about 2/3 finished with RR. I feel like I just dumped the band geek for the prom queen.
 
Despite doing pretty well on UWorld....I feel like I just got owned hardcore by the Pathology Shelf the other day and the Behavioral Science Shelf today... geeeezzzz, I guess this is what it feels like to get violated by two tests back to back (ugh, I hope the boards feel better than this).
 
Path was tough, I agree. I thought behavioral science was far harder than it was supposed to be but still not that bad. I mean, there were things on there that I would've missed no matter how much I studied (brain lesions? LOLWUT), so it's all good.

By the way, I have a handy BS review document with nice, brief explanations by our course director. The answers are already marked, but it's still helpful when he sets off the "***THIS WILL BE TESTED!!!!!!***" alarms. Let me know if you want me to send it to you (too big to upload here).
 
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Does anyone have an idea of what the curve for the path shelf looks like and what percentage of correct answers would be needed to pass? I'm taking it next week and I have to pass it to pass the course (stupid rule, and as many on here I have very little time to prepare for it), and from hearing you guys I'm getting very nervous...
 
Passing is set at 70%. I assume the raw scores will be converted to percentages. I wonder then what the average % correct is on this exam. From what you guys are describing it sounds like a World type situation with a mean score (isn't it 500?) obtained with 55-65% correct...
 
I'm not sure but from what I gather as to the difficulty of this exam I think it's safe to assume there has to be some behind the scenes magic going on.
 
I'm not sure but from what I gather as to the difficulty of this exam I think it's safe to assume there has to be some behind the scenes magic going on.

Don't let them freak you out. I took it today, and it was not that hard at all. There were a couple "what was that?" questions, but overall, it was very fair and hit major points.

Also, although I didn't really study at all for this exam specifically, many people I know used the BRS Path book, and a couple questions were basically verbatim from it. I really don't think that book is nearly as bad as people are making it out to be, especially considering it's actually doable in a short timeframe, whereas RR is not.
 
By the way, I have a handy BS review document with nice, brief explanations by our course director. The answers are already marked, but it's still helpful when he sets off the "***THIS WILL BE TESTED!!!!!!***" alarms. Let me know if you want me to send it to you (too big to upload here).
I think I've sent these questions out to everyone who requested them so far, but if I missed you, send me an angry PM or something.
 
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