Dilemma: NBDE Part I

[ziptree]

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For certain reasons, I have to re-take my NBDE Part I again to apply to specialties I want to get into.

This is my dilemma: To study from now until the end of the year and take it before the format changes. There's 4 weeks, but since I have finals, there goes about a week and a half of study time, leaving ~2 to 2.5 weeks of dedicated study time....OR to study through the last 2 or 2.5 weeks of this year, and maybe a month or so of next year and take it then, under the new case-based testlet format.

My previous NBDE Part I score is ~90 and was taken at the end of September of 2006.

Does anyone have any thoughts/suggestions? I've gone through the 2004 pilot exam, but I anticipate the real questions to be of the same type, just a lot harder...so I'm really confused about what to do.

Thanks!

 

[Holy Thursday]

For certain reasons, I have to re-take my NBDE Part I again to apply to specialties I want to get into.

This is my dilemma: To study from now until the end of the year and take it before the format changes. There's 4 weeks, but since I have finals, there goes about a week and a half of study time, leaving ~2 to 2.5 weeks of dedicated study time....OR to study through the last 2 or 2.5 weeks of this year, and maybe a month or so of next year and take it then, under the new case-based testlet format.

My previous NBDE Part I score is ~90 and was taken at the end of September of 2006.

Does anyone have any thoughts/suggestions? I've gone through the 2004 pilot exam, but I anticipate the real questions to be of the same type, just a lot harder...so I'm really confused about what to do.

Thanks!

If you are gonna take it again, do it right and rock it...study hard! and study alot!

 

[Tooth]

Neither. With your score, I might apply for a 1-year GPR or AEGD and then apply for a specialty. If you take the test again, after just 2.5 weeks of study, you risk the chance of getting a lower score and your score isn't too bad. If you take it after Jan. 1st, even after an extra month of studying, the format change could increase your risk of getting a lower score. I'd play it safe with what you have, enjoy the holidays, and apply for a PGY-1.

 

[Dr. Pedo]

Your score is alittle low for competitive specialties but you risk getting stuck with a lower one. You'll need more time to prepare properly. Don't retake unless you put the time in. I would look at doing a GPR or AEGD, sharpen your skills, get some experience and apply.

 

[ItsGavinC]

You say "~90," so I'm guessing that your score is an 88. Take your time and study properly, or else you're wasting your time. Your most recent score is reported, so it would stink if you got an 87 (or lower).

If you are committed to retaking it, then don't fool around.

 

[ziptree]

Pretty much everyone (previous two posters) is saying is that they'd take the new format if they put in enough time to study for it?

 

[Dr. Pedo]

What specialty are you interested in?

 

[ziptree]

A 95+ specialty. =P

Due to some academic things going on at the same time (ie: research, running a few student clinics, etc..) I couldn't study very much for my boards. 2 hardcore weeks at the max. It's not an excuse, I know I should've budgeted my time more wisely. I know for sure I have the capacity to do better.

I'm just wondering if it would be wiser to take it before the format change but only have 2 weeks of study time, or take it after and risk the test being harder.

Thanks for your input, everyone.

 

[Dr. Pedo]

Well... ortho huh? Yep better take it over. Or plan on doing a GPR and re-applying. You could always apply with your current score----if you have money to burn and an inside to a program.


Study hard and take the new exam. More difficult? The calibration of scoring will be off of the collective group taking the exam---so if it's hard for you it's hard for them and the cream will still rise to the top. Besides how many ways can they ask where the subclavian vein is?

 

[ziptree]

Anyone else have an opinion? Gavin?