Doing ONLY UWorld vs. UWorld + USMLERx (or another question bank)

[maninthemirror]

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2nd year student here.

What's better? Knowing UWorld cold or doing multiple question banks during the year (USMLERx perhaps? or even Kaplan?).

Also, how should I manage doing questions when my school doesn't teach by a systems based system. For example, I'm learning Microbiology in school now and am afraid to start any questions until I finish the ENTIRE microbiology block (otherwise, it just seems like I'm wasting questions). Should I start doing the questions anyway or just wait until I complete the entire block.

Thanks.

Edit: I should add that my goal is 245-250 (to give some perspective).

 

[Asp]

I would know UWorld cold and then do at least another question bank to make sure that you are adaptable to different question styles (because although UWorld questions are very educational, they are not exactly the same style as actual board questions).

Aim to do 6000-9000 questions over 4-6 months with an emphasis on knowing UWorld very well. You need to grind questions every day. Try to skip your classes because they are largely a waste of time and will only keep you down. I would not recommend trying to do less questions over a longer period of time. You need a certain level of intensity to maintain your knowledge against the effects of entropy (exponential time constant etc). Though that may matter less if you're talking 245-250.

 

[maninthemirror]

I would know UWorld cold and then do at least another question bank to make sure that you are adaptable to different question styles (because although UWorld questions are very educational, they are not exactly the same style as actual board questions).

Which other Question Banks would you recommend doing (that more closely mimic board questions)? Also, which question bank would you recommend starting with?

Thanks.

 

[Asp]

It doesn't really matter, you can do Rx, Kaplan, or both. I did Kaplan first, then Rx, then World. There's no secret combination, it's all about consistency of effort. You gotta grind those 50-100 questions every day. There are no shortcuts.

Remember, every question you get wrong is a chance to improve and get stronger. Failure analysis and self-insight during this process is key. Try to understand the mental blocks and knowledge gaps that keep you from getting questions right, and eliminate them. You have to be ruthless.

 

[Vertices]

Asp,

Your advice is awesome and motivational. You are now my step 1 coach.

 

[jfgavina]

Try to understand the mental blocks and knowledge gaps that keep you from getting questions right, and eliminate them. You have to be ruthless.

👍👍


be my coach too, I pay in euros eheh