Average Med Student Performance on Step 1

[bostonguy911]

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My grades in class have been above average. i usually have a good understanding of the concept, however I am not the best test taker. When I do not know something, i am not good with elimination, ect.

I am wondering whether to take 7 weeks to study and accept whatever score I receive.

Or take 10 week (cut into some of my 3rd year rotations) and really work on getting a higher score to make up for my average scores over the past 2 years. I usually score 3-4 points away from honors every test, it really stinks.

 

[GotTheSikhness]

I would say that if you need the extra time to make sure you do well then do it.

No one is going to care about your basic science grades when applying for residency. Its your Step 1 score that they care about.

Don't do it to make up for average grades, do it so that you have a better shot at residencies. You don't want to be sitting here 2 years from now regretting that you didn't take the extra time to study, so that would have a shot at a residency you really want.

That being said, I think a hardcore concerted effort for 7 weeks (10-12hrs a day) will get you an amazing score.

 

[McGillGrad]

An average step 1 score plus all honours in rotations is much better than a high step 1 score and average rotation marks.

 

[bostonguy911]

how would delaying my start date for rotations by 3 weeks, alter my 3rd year grades? because I have less experience, maybe I get to do one less away rotation?

 

[McGillGrad]

how would delaying my start date for rotations by 3 weeks, alter my 3rd year grades? because I have less experience, maybe I get to do one less away rotation?

My main point was that clinical grades are more influential as long as you have an average step score. On the other hand, scoring a 240 on step 1 and being totally average in the hospital is not very impressive.

 

[Instatewaiter]

My grades in class have been above average. i usually have a good understanding of the concept, however I am not the best test taker. When I do not know something, i am not good with elimination, ect.

I am wondering whether to take 7 weeks to study and accept whatever score I receive.

Or take 10 week (cut into some of my 3rd year rotations) and really work on getting a higher score to make up for my average scores over the past 2 years. I usually score 3-4 points away from honors every test, it really stinks.

What is the average amt of time people at your schools spend?

At my school we are told to take it after 25-35 days of studying (all day long). I felt that after 30 days I had peaked and even if I had studied for another month I would not have improved and my score probably would have gone down. Unless you are an IMG or you feel your foundation is really weak, I would say go for the 7 weeks.

 

[bostonguy911]

Usually 6 weeks is the allotted time given to us for prep.
My thought process is: i performed at an 85-90 level consistently throughout medical school, those that scored in the 90-95 range will score higher given the same amount of time to prep. Now if I prep long AND also EFFICIENT with studying then wouldnt my score be higher in 10 weeks versus 6 weeks?

Also, if I do go through with extending my date (I know its going to suck) it sounds almost illogical to score LOWER than if I took at 6 weeks.