a question of stamina and endurance

[JaniceDickinson]

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To dudes, dudettes, and rockstars:

First of all, thanks to those who have dignified my lame questions with thoughtful responses. I got another one for ya:

Since I'll be taking next year off (Tyra is like, totally trying to get me back as a judge for ANTM), I can basically take my step 1 whenever I want to. School ends May 1st and my eligibility period goes through August. Since I have my eye set on one of the most competitive matches, I feel like it's essential that I smoke this mofo.

As a minimum, I feel like I need 8 weeks to prepare*, but I am willing to extend that by a few weeks. I also plan to put in ~10-14 hrs/day. For those of you who studied 8+ weeks, how was your stamina towards the end? Any burn-out prodromes? Did anyone go crazy studying so intensely for so long?

Anyone think it's a bad idea that I would possibly be studying for 11 weeks?

[*Edited to read: I am not a ******, I paid attention in class, and I have a solid long-term memory...8 weeks just sounds like a nice round number.]

Thanks ya'll,
JD

 

[cherrypie]

To dudes, dudettes, and rockstars:

First of all, thanks to those who have dignified my lame questions with thoughtful responses. I got another one for ya:

Since I'll be taking next year off (Tyra is like, totally trying to get me back as a judge for ANTM), I can basically take my step 1 whenever I want to. School ends May 1st and my eligibility period goes through August. Since I have my eye set on one of the most competitive matches, I feel like it's essential that I smoke this mofo.

As a minimum, I feel like I need 8 weeks to prepare*, but I am willing to extend that by a few weeks. I also plan to put in ~10-14 hrs/day. For those of you who studied 8+ weeks, how was your stamina towards the end? Any burn-out prodromes? Did anyone go crazy studying so intensely for so long?


The only disadvantages to studying for so long is that 1) you may burn out (not good) and 2) believe or not you WILL forget things.

As far as spending 8 weeks of 10-14 hours a day, honestly, that is torture and really not necessary. Now, on the other hand, if you have a particular weak area. Then, yes by all means start looking at that stuff until you get comfortable with it. When it gets closer to the date of your exam (3weeks) start looking at the stuff you feel good about. Also, listen to goljan during this extra time. However, many people seem to think ( I use to be one of them) that the key to doing well is reading and rereading every review book that has been mentioned on this forum. You will not do as well as you want by reading through tons of books. Some of the biggest mistakes that people set for themselves is having too many sources. DON't DO THIS! It is probably a good idea to have some good review books but only for those areas that you know are high yield and you feel weak in. However, do not forget do as many questions as you can. You can never do enough. If it starts to get easy, then turn the heat up a bit. And, the more questions that you do the better you can deal with this test. I really got used to doing tons of questions that I promise you by by 6th block I was still not worn out even at the end of my exam I was not worn out. And, that really goes back to being able to do many many questions in a row and as random as they can get.
The test is not easy, but its not impossible. And it is very possible to do well on this test if you bust your butt.
When I began my studying I took care of my weak areas and then devoted my last few weeks to get through as many questions as I can get through. I am not sure what my scores will be like. However, if NBME predicitons are true then I will be very happy with the results in a few weeks.
Good luck!

 

[JaniceDickinson]

Hey cherrypie--

How long did you study for?

In terms of questions, I plan on using Qbank and Robbins Qbook. Any other question source you would recommend?

--JD

 

[cherrypie]

Hey cherrypie--

How long did you study for?

In terms of questions, I plan on using Qbank and Robbins Qbook. Any other question source you would recommend?

--JD[/QUOTEI

I studied hard for a good 3.5 weeks. Especially the last week or so. About 1 month before I began my "real" board prep I took care of areas I felt week in. It was kinda of hard because we had other stuff going on. But, I managed both well. Then, I took one of those nbme assessments and was happy with the initial score I got. I used the assessments and kaplan q bank to help me point out other areas of weakness. For all other areas, I basically just fine tuned a few things. I did read through high yield cell/molecular. I read through the first few chapters of high yield histo. As for the anatomy part first aid is more than enough but I would still look at some xrays, CTs etc.. in the high yield anatomy. But, dont go to overboard with anatomy it really is not worth it. Just know brachial plexus well, lubmar plexus and some GI anatomy. The robbins question book is good. One of the authors of that book is also the creator of webpath whic is another very good source of path examinations.
NMS questions are good but picky. Usmleasy questions are tough but really good, however, the questions on this website are the SAME questions found in the pretest book maybe with a few addtions here and there.

If you feel weak in stats, check out high yield biostats. I had quiet a few questions on my exam, not sure about others. So, I did not regret going through this book. Its a really easy read. If anything read his chapters on study designs and sensitivity/specificity.

The kapaln qbook questions are also really good. If you have time do some questions out of pretest physical diagnosis. It will help you alot on this exam.
Also, dont be afraid to ditch a book if you hate it. No matter how highly recommended.

Try to read through pages of first aid every night. Just make it a habit. I did not read every single thing in first aid. But, the pharm/embyro section is really good. Every night I just did a little bit, and by the end of three weeks it was easy to regurgitate what they wanted on this exam as far as embryo/pharm are concerned. I thought high yeild embryo was pretty good. Read the sections on the placenta/ or the maternal chapter, and birth defects which I believe are the last few chapters in his book (really short pages). He does a very good job of tying in embryo w/ cell/molecular/genetics. Pay attention to what he has in bold. I guess he does not bold certain word of phrases for nothing. I also like the immuno section of first aid. First aid does a really good job of collecting all the important details. However, its your job to find out why those particualr details are important. And, its true what goljan and some others say: "They love to test mechanisms".

Just stay focused and do as many questions as you can. And, dont give up.

hope this helps.

 

[JaniceDickinson]

Wow, thank you so much for the thorough response. I will definitely take some of your advice into consideration.

-JD