Beating USMLE STEP 1 test fatigue

[MrSunny1]

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Hello everyone,

I'm sure this is a serious issue for everyone but I havent figured out how to address it. I am trying to do practice NBME step 1 but I cant even get halfway through these without being completely mentally exhausted and my performance dropping off a cliff to where I cant finish the sections in time. I have tried caffeine to practice and that doesnt help unless I just go extreme and slug a whole pot of coffee with my heart basically fluttering. I take breaks as the time is allotted but I see my score consistently dropping off from the first block.

By the fourth block, I need to read each question 2-3 times just to comprehend it and it is taking way to long to formulate an answer. I do know this will not be so bad on test day because I will be basically having a panic attack through the entire exam(adrenalin) and will most likely get through it. But the issue is now while I am not under pressure, I cannot do practice exams. Anyone else suffer with mental fatigue on these things? trouble beating the clock?

 

[MrSunny1]

Another issue I may be facing is poor sleep quality. I think maybe I am just tired everyday due to stress or caffeine not sure though.

 

[Microglia]

Totally know this feeling- personally I think taking a half day off or even a whole day makes a world of difference for all the future study days- quality over quantity. Also, maintain good sleep hygiene- go to bed and (even more important) wake up at the exact same time every day.

 

[MrSunny1]

Thanks you, I think this may be a personal sleep problem. I have set my schedule very tightly to going to bed every day at 1030 wake up at 630. At this point for me it must be one of 2 things either I am just fighting aging (I'm almost 30) or else my sleep quality is low. I'm sure test taking stamina goes down with age as I have definitely noticed this so I guess it is just a disadvantage I will be facing. I've also probably aged more for my body due to all the stressful years and ridiculously tough major combined with a strong affinity for partying.

 

[IMdoc2015]

You may be mistaken to think you will think clearer or be sharper on test day. Any problem you have in your practice tests is likely to happen on test day and could be worse because of the 'panic attack' you'll be having.

My suggestion is that you need to actively work to build your stamina, no different than if you were training for a race. Dont do blocks less than 46 questions and start stringing multiple blocks together in order to train yourself to stay sharp for the whole test.

Good luck!