3 weeks enough time?

[vtucci]

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For those of you who have taken Step I already, do you think 3 weeks is enough time to score >220? We have a week of shelfs (path, pharm, micro etc) before the 3 week period and I am thinking that would play into my studying.

 

[lord_jeebus]

For those of you who have taken Step I already, do you think 3 weeks is enough time to score >220? We have a week of shelfs (path, pharm, micro etc) before the 3 week period and I am thinking that would play into my studying.

No sweat

With those subjects leading into the boards, I agree that minimizing post-finals prep time is a good thing. If you feel you need more than 21 days to cover what you want to cover, find ways to integrate some of that into the last months of regular classes. If you're aiming for 220+, however, that's probably not necessary.

 

[vtucci]

I would love to hit 265 but am a realist and just want a score that will help come time for residency.

 

[sophiejane]

For those of you who have taken Step I already, do you think 3 weeks is enough time to score >220? We have a week of shelfs (path, pharm, micro etc) before the 3 week period and I am thinking that would play into my studying.

I would caution against taking advice from total strangers on the internet who know nothing about you, your study habits, how you learn, etc. on what is arguably the most important exam you will take before applying to residency.

True, you can study too long and it starts to be counterproductive. But if you are someone who takes frequent breaks, and a "day" of studying actually only has about 4-5 hours of productiive learning time, I would think 3 weeks is cutting it close, unless you have really mastered all the topics and just need to reinforce with reading and doing questions.

I know quite a few people who changed their test date to give themselves more time. You can always stand to learn more, or do more questions, and if you have the time, there's no reason not to use it.
Aim as high as possible, because you may decide you want to do something that requires a very competitive score. Plus, figure on some wiggle room with your projected score. If you only study long enough to make a 220...well....it's kind of like putting in only the amount of gas you think you'll need for a long trip when you aren't 100% sure of the mileage, and there are no gas stations along the way. 😉

Best of luck.

 

[lord_jeebus]

I know quite a few people who changed their test date to give themselves more time. You can always stand to learn more, or do more questions, and if you have the time, there's no reason not to use it.

I agree with most of what you said -- my opinion is indeed based on a very limited amount of info about the OP, and it is better to shoot high.

However, the path, pharm, and micro shelf exams are comprehensive tests written by the NBME and I'm assuming that she will be in peak condition for these subjects when she takes those tests. Combined they probably make up more than half of Step 1 and distancing herself too far from that peak period could do more harm than good. It is a huge edge in preparedness that most people don't have going into their boards prep.

 

[joe6102]

I would caution against taking advice from total strangers on the internet who know nothing about you, your study habits, how you learn, etc. on what is arguably the most important exam you will take before applying to residency.

Yet you offer your own advice. That preface was completely unnecessary.

 

[automan]

Yet you offer your own advice. That preface was completely unnecessary.

Your a *******

 

[Pepsy]

Your a *******

Lol.. how simple things can make one laugh..

hmm.. advice is to not listen to advice. kinda like, never say never.

3 weeks is enough time to score >220?

why dont you test yourself to see where you stand and go from there.

 

[vtucci]

That was my plan when we get a little closer and have covered all the organ systems. I was just thinking about it because I sent in my NBME form and assume I will have to pick a test date soon.