2005 Written NBDE Part I

[LegendDMD]

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I was told by my peers who took the written Part I on July 11, 2005 (I opted for the computer) that the dental decks were not enough in preparation for the exam. In other threads people as well as upper classmen all agreed that the decks with combination of old exams were enough. But apparently the exam this year seemed harder. Just want to know your thoughts specifically related to this years board exam.

 

[Dens-en-Dente]

Every year people always think their test that they took is harder. Of course it is since you don't have the answer sheet there right after you take the exam like the released exams. Also there are several factors, like time which is a huge thing taking a full exam in 8 hours. Also, I don't know about you, but I don't sit down and take a full exam. I take them section by section then review my answers. From what I hear is that the computer exam goes faster (of course since you don't have to fill in those dreaded bubble sheets), just click your answer that saves you lotsa time.

Good luck, when are you taking your exam? Mine is in about two weeks.

DED

 

[ItsGavinC]

I took the exam last year, but my thoughts are that old exams and Decks are absolutely enough to prepare for the exam.

Before passing judgement on whether or not the exam was impossibly difficult, I'd wait to see what scores people get. Scores for the written won't be out for 4 more weeks, but I'm guessing they won't be any different than in years past. Some people will fail, most will score between 80 and 90, and some students will score above 90.

Can a student simply pull out the Decks 2 weeks before the exam and score a 95? Doubtful, but I believe they can do that and score an 85 quite easily. Can a student who struggled through all their didactic work pull out the Decks and in the same timeframe score an 85? Possibly, but I'm fairly sure they could pass by using the Decks for two weeks.

So when you talk about "preparation for the exam," we might be comparing apples and oranges. Part I is truly an easy exam, and it's probably that way on purpose. If you have a light on upstairs you'll easily pass, but you'll have to put in some work (in your didactic courses AND in your test study) in order to do really well on the exam.

That's my thoughts.

 

[LegendDMD]

Every year people always think their test that they took is harder. Of course it is since you don't have the answer sheet there right after you take the exam like the released exams. Also there are several factors, like time which is a huge thing taking a full exam in 8 hours. Also, I don't know about you, but I don't sit down and take a full exam. I take them section by section then review my answers. From what I hear is that the computer exam goes faster (of course since you don't have to fill in those dreaded bubble sheets), just click your answer that saves you lotsa time.

Good luck, when are you taking your exam? Mine is in about two weeks.

DED

I started study semi-hardcore for past week which entailed 1-2 hours on weekdays(clinic) and 5-6 hours on weekends. I planned on takin them mid Aug. Studying is going rather slow but I am determined to take them by mid aug and still have a 2 week vacation to hit up Vegas

How is the studying process going for you

 

[liya]

Hi,
jsut wanted to ask you, was your score close to what you got at home on these practice exams(higher or lower). I am scoring borderline and just wanted to know what i should expect. I just started doing old exams, would you say the score will eventually go up as i further do the exams? Thanks

I took the exam last year, but my thoughts are that old exams and Decks are absolutely enough to prepare for the exam.

Before passing judgement on whether or not the exam was impossibly difficult, I'd wait to see what scores people get. Scores for the written won't be out for 4 more weeks, but I'm guessing they won't be any different than in years past. Some people will fail, most will score between 80 and 90, and some students will score above 90.

Can a student simply pull out the Decks 2 weeks before the exam and score a 95? Doubtful, but I believe they can do that and score an 85 quite easily. Can a student who struggled through all their didactic work pull out the Decks and in the same timeframe score an 85? Possibly, but I'm fairly sure they could pass by using the Decks for two weeks.

So when you talk about "preparation for the exam," we might be comparing apples and oranges. Part I is truly an easy exam, and it's probably that way on purpose. If you have a light on upstairs you'll easily pass, but you'll have to put in some work (in your didactic courses AND in your test study) in order to do really well on the exam.

That's my thoughts.

 

[drdds2007]

I took the exam on computer a few days ago and felt that the Dental Decks were more than adequate. I have about 20-30 REPEAT questions from earlier exams and was happy to see them. I also had a very hard microbiology section as well as Biochem.

I would recommend to students studying for this that you should also focus on the basics as well as the detailed information. Study the viruses in detail about being naked, circular, enveloped, etc as well as primary mode of transmission and detectable methods in the lab.

Overall I am very happy with the exam. I now await the results.

Hi,
jsut wanted to ask you, was your score close to what you got at home on these practice exams(higher or lower). I am scoring borderline and just wanted to know what i should expect. I just started doing old exams, would you say the score will eventually go up as i further do the exams? Thanks

 

[Da ObtURator]

drdds... how was the DAO section... the written one this year seems to have been very harshly worded and was extremely challenging. How was it on the computer exam?

 

[flat4]

drdds... how was the DAO section... the written one this year seems to have been very harshly worded and was extremely challenging. How was it on the computer exam?

I just took it today and definitely had to reread a few questions more than once, especially with it being the last section of the day. Overall, I thought the test was pretty fair although there were definitely a few curveball questions to try and separate the men from the boys. Not too different than any of the recent exams in my opinion. Good number of repeats whether they were identicle or worded slightly different. They seem to test a lot of the same concepts mixed with the left field type questions. I think the Decks + backexams came in pretty handy but in no way do they cover everything. I think this test is pretty easy to pass but at the same time, it is equally as tough to score 90+.

 

[runfast520]

did you use any of the "unreleased tests"? if so were they anymore help than released.