Doing well in class vs. question banks

[todds]

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Just in need in some of advice. 2nd year here. Recently, a couple blocks ago, i started skipping lectures all together, and started studying from textbooks + Goljan for path + lecture notes only, and gauging my success via question banks and Robbins Review path etc..

Since doing this, I've been passing my classes, just doing more poorly grades wise from before but I feel like I've learned a lot though. Basically going from consistently being above class average to now below class average.

Previously, for things like Micro and Psychiatry, I paid attention via lecture, memorized class notes, honored the exam but 1 month later felt like I didnt really understand or learn much. By focusing more on textbooks + board books, i feel like i have a much more solid understanding as to the WHY but memorize the random detail less. Plus I feel like i have better long term memory while focusing on the WHY rather than straight up memorizing.

I always read on SDN that doing well in classes = increase chance of doing well on USMLE, but I've been doing well on things like Robbins review + qbanks.

So my question is, should I keep chugging along skipping classes and focusing on Goljan + Robbins + qbanks or start focusing more on lectures (our lectures are streamed) + class notes to do better in class.

Thanks for any advice.

 

[MilkmanAl]

So my question is, should I keep chugging along skipping classes and focusing on Goljan + Robbins + qbanks

You're not tanking your classes, so yes.

 

[Green Grass]

You're not tanking your classes, so yes.

Agreed.

 

[qmcat]

I'm pretty much in a similar situation. I used to be honoring classes, but ever since I started focusing more on using goljan and FA, I'm now at or below average.

It's helpful to see feedback here so far, but I was wondering do you guys think I am shortchanging myself since I could be honoring classes, but choose not to for the sake of board prep?

 

[Parietal Lobe]

What qbanks are you using? I'd be interested in trying your method. Like you, I feel like I learn the material for the test, but don't truly understand it in the bigger clinical context.

 

[dude1344]

Hmm sounds similar to what I've been doing. I haven't watched a lecture since September. I've been using Goljan, First Aid, lecture notes, Robbins review, and USMLE Rx.

My class performance been varied. Some classes I'll honor and some classes I won't do so hot, but I feel like I'm learning the material well for Step 1.

 

[todds]

What qbanks are you using? I'd be interested in trying your method. Like you, I feel like I learn the material for the test, but don't truly understand it in the bigger clinical context.

Im using a whole bunch of question sources, pretty much anything i can get my hands on. So far I've used WikiTestprep, Robbins Review, Kaplan qbook, WebPath and started some USMLErx.

Not understanding the bigger clinical context was my issue to with "memorizing" notes to do well on the exam. I didn't understand how a random fact fit into the bigger picture.

My methods right now is the read Big Robbins, not trying to memorize but just "understand", then i go over class notes and annotate in anything that will help me understand and then go over the particular sections in Goljan. Then do Q's from webpath, kaplan qbook, Wikitestprep etc..

I think I've retained a lot in my long term memory which I thought was the goal. THe professors who write our tests seem not to think that is the goal.

 

[Mace1370]

I've been running into a similar dilemma. Essentially I feel like I don't have time to learn my class material and Goljan really well. It's like they are two different sets of information.

 

[jm192]

I think everyone here is right on. The overwhelming train of thought seems to be that pre-clinical grades are a wash, and step I is where you separate yourself. If you're still consistently passing, and being better prepared for the exam, I'd keep chugging along.

 

[EBI831]

I don't really agree that doing well on boards and doing well in class are mutually exclusive. i used to do the boards prep alongside class (FA, rapid review etc to solidify class stuff...never a qbank) but the day or two before a test, go over ALL the class notes (not for memorization but for understanding). you'd be surprised how many little details you pick up once you've mastered the basics ie how much the random stuff sticks out from the background of what you know. also, having done 3rd year already I can honestly say boards didn't do crap for rocking 3rd year whereas paying attention in class and learning the clinical relevance of stuff that may not be tested on boards gave me the most solid footing. there's always time set aside for boards studying and i really don't think its that necessary to start focusing hardcore on that and sacrificing classroom stuff. we had kids in our class stop coming to class and just do straight up boards studying and i doubt any of them (from what they've told me) got more than a few points above me on step 1 and they definitely complained about how much they had forgotten during 3rd year. but, to each his own.

 

[2012mdc]

I don't really agree that doing well on boards and doing well in class are mutually exclusive. i used to do the boards prep alongside class (FA, rapid review etc to solidify class stuff...never a qbank) but the day or two before a test, go over ALL the class notes (not for memorization but for understanding). you'd be surprised how many little details you pick up once you've mastered the basics ie how much the random stuff sticks out from the background of what you know. also, having done 3rd year already I can honestly say boards didn't do crap for rocking 3rd year whereas paying attention in class and learning the clinical relevance of stuff that may not be tested on boards gave me the most solid footing. there's always time set aside for boards studying and i really don't think its that necessary to start focusing hardcore on that and sacrificing classroom stuff. we had kids in our class stop coming to class and just do straight up boards studying and i doubt any of them (from what they've told me) got more than a few points above me on step 1 and they definitely complained about how much they had forgotten during 3rd year. but, to each his own.

I agree that it's not mutually exclusive (but the extent is very dependent on the particular curriculum). Board prep actually helped me raise my Path grade. Listening to goljan, reading RR, and reading FA before looking at lecture notes was helpful. I barely went to class the last couple of months and my grades didn't suffer, I just worked really hard the week before and the week of in-class tests.

It's really dependent on how relevant your curriculum is. At my school there is a very strong correlation between preclinical grades and Step 1 performance - obviously didn't prove causation but did show me I could do well in classes as well as kill Step 1.

PS - If preclinical grades have little or no role in AOA selection then keep doing what you're doing

 

[C5toC9]

Yeah, they go hand in hand for me too. I don't see how it would be so separate that studying for boards does not help in any way for your class exams. Is your curriculum not clinically relevant or what?

 

[MedStudentWanna]

Im using a whole bunch of question sources, pretty much anything i can get my hands on. So far I've used WikiTestprep, Robbins Review, Kaplan qbook, WebPath and started some USMLErx.

Is it possible to buy the Kaplan qbook without taking the course? I'm just a first-year, but I'd love to supplement my studying with question banks and I've heard the Kaplan qbook is pretty good. I checked on their website, but I couldn't find an option to buy it.

 

[MilkmanAl]

Is it possible to buy the Kaplan qbook without taking the course?

Yes. I bought a used copy on Amazon for about $20. The questions are pretty poor overall, but at least it's better than shelling out for the online qbank. I'd stick with Rx and UW, personally, but you could certainly do a lot worse than burning $20 on 800 questions.

 

[MedStudentWanna]

Yes. I bought a used copy on Amazon for about $20. The questions are pretty poor overall, but at least it's better than shelling out for the online qbank. I'd stick with Rx and UW, personally, but you could certainly do a lot worse than burning $20 on 800 questions.

Don't Rx and UW charge by the month though? I thought it was something like $400 for a year.

I found a copy of the qbook on Amazon, but it was from 2006. Still good?

 

[MilkmanAl]

Don't Rx and UW charge by the month though? I thought it was something like $400 for a year.

That's correct, but you get what you pay for with those two. I really don't like Kaplan's questions at all - too much minutiae, too many poorly written questions, and too many ambiguous answer choices.

I found a copy of the qbook on Amazon, but it was from 2006. Still good?

Yep, still good.

 

[ArcGurren]

I use the Uworld qbank before every pathology exam corresponding to the subject matter being covered (along with the pharm that's covered too). I actually learn better by doing questions after reviewing the basic information first, so it's actually a good way for me to study for classes and step1 at the same time. Not everyone is the same though of course, and do what works best for you, I know people who just don't have time for Uworld but use things like the goljan lectures, Rapid Review Path, and First Aid to supplement.

 

[futuredoctor10]

I use the Uworld qbank before every pathology exam corresponding to the subject matter being covered (along with the pharm that's covered too). I actually learn better by doing questions after reviewing the basic information first, so it's actually a good way for me to study for classes and step1 at the same time. Not everyone is the same though of course, and do what works best for you, I know people who just don't have time for Uworld but use things like the goljan lectures, Rapid Review Path, and First Aid to supplement.

What do people think of using UWorld QBank throughout M2 year vs. using it closer to the test date? Curious about that but probably just depends on the person and their preference.

 

[SharkyMD]

Plan for success:

1) Go through your lectures right before the exam and write down all obscure facts

2) Review the list 1-2 times the day before the exam.

3) Read the list 1-2 more times the morning before the exam

Your review materials should cover the basic things on the exam, and you'll have all of the obscure details floating around in your head for the exam.

It cut my studying by 75%. I use the free time for the boards, and my grades went up in all of my classes.

 

[MilkmanAl]

What do people think of using UWorld QBank throughout M2 year vs. using it closer to the test date? Curious about that but probably just depends on the person and their preference.

I would use USMLERx throughout the year and UW for your actual Step 1 studying for several reasons:

1) Rx gets you familiar with the layout of First Aid.
2) Rx helps cement the main points of each subject, whereas UW tends to be a bit more detailed. Use WebPath and possibly Robbins qbook for details during the year.
3) Most importantly, UW is most like Step 1, so you want to be getting appropriate practice close to the real deal.
4) Because of 3) above, you don't want to be remembering specific UW questions from your study during the year and inflating your score the first time through (even though that does probably mean you recall the concept pretty well).

 

[MedStudentWanna]

Question for you, Milkman Al (or anyone). Does USMLERx allow you to get questions by organ system? Say I wanted to quiz myself just on the renal system, could I ask for only renal questions? And then the next month do just the Cardiovascular questions, etc?

 

[MilkmanAl]

Yes - by organ system and/or by subject. It's really quite nice. UW has the same flexibility.

 

[ArcGurren]

What do people think of using UWorld QBank throughout M2 year vs. using it closer to the test date? Curious about that but probably just depends on the person and their preference.

Well I'm planning to reset UWorld some time before my "official" boards study time since I have it for a year and see how my performance improves.

I have heard that USMLERx is really good for the year-round review, but I've also heard people use UWorld too (like myself), and either way it's totally okay. But I just prefer sticking to one Qbank and maybe the Kaplan Qbook (which I bought cheap).

 

[ArcGurren]

I would use USMLERx throughout the year and UW for your actual Step 1 studying for several reasons:

1) Rx gets you familiar with the layout of First Aid.
2) Rx helps cement the main points of each subject, whereas UW tends to be a bit more detailed. Use WebPath and possibly Robbins qbook for details during the year.
3) Most importantly, UW is most like Step 1, so you want to be getting appropriate practice close to the real deal.
4) Because of 3) above, you don't want to be remembering specific UW questions from your study during the year and inflating your score the first time through (even though that does probably mean you recall the concept pretty well).

Haha, although that is a concern of mine, what I'm doing (and you can tell me if you think this is a bad/weird idea) is using the "tutor" option for UW the first pass through and just using it as a learning tool - then come proper study time I'll do timed tests.

 

[futuredoctor10]

Thanks guys for all your responses!

I would use USMLERx throughout the year and UW for your actual Step 1 studying for several reasons:

1) Rx gets you familiar with the layout of First Aid.
2) Rx helps cement the main points of each subject, whereas UW tends to be a bit more detailed. Use WebPath and possibly Robbins qbook for details during the year.
3) Most importantly, UW is most like Step 1, so you want to be getting appropriate practice close to the real deal.
4) Because of 3) above, you don't want to be remembering specific UW questions from your study during the year and inflating your score the first time through (even though that does probably mean you recall the concept pretty well).

Really good post, MilkmanAl 👍 I think that I would like using USMLERx to get more acquainted with First Aid during the year, so I'll prob do that and keep UW for closer to the exam.

 

[MedStudentWanna]

Yes - by organ system and/or by subject. It's really quite nice. UW has the same flexibility.

Thanks man.

 

[ElegantWeapon]

does this advice (doing USMLErx during the school year) stand for those of us in a 1.5 yr preclinical curriculum where the boards are taken after a full clinical year (2.5 yrs into school) or should we just save it...

thanks

 

[MedStudentWanna]

does this advice (doing USMLErx during the school year) stand for those of us in a 1.5 yr preclinical curriculum where the boards are taken after a full clinical year (2.5 yrs into school) or should we just save it...

thanks

What's the philosophy behind taking boards after a year of clinicals?

 

[MilkmanAl]

what I'm doing (and you can tell me if you think this is a bad/weird idea) is using the "tutor" option for UW the first pass through and just using it as a learning tool - then come proper study time I'll do timed tests.

I did tutor mode all through my studying, and it worked out pretty well. I did 3 complete passes through UW and made myself mentally work through every question during my 2 repeat passes so I couldn't get away with just remembering answers. That is, if I remembered an answer, I made sure I hammered in why it was right. I suggest reading the explanations each time, even if you remember them. There are always some good details that might slip your mind, and refreshing those won't hurt.

does this advice (doing USMLErx during the school year) stand for those of us in a 1.5 yr preclinical curriculum where the boards are taken after a full clinical year (2.5 yrs into school) or should we just save it...

thanks

Hmmm...I suppose I'd probably just study from First Aid during those 1.5 years and then pick up a qbank after clinicals. Tough to say without knowing specifics about how much time you have between the first clinical year and Step 1.