Effective use of break time during Step 1- preparing for these timings

[scienceguy123]

---

Members don't see this ad.

hi,

i'm hoping we can get some feedback from those who have written their Step1. I was wondering about the best ways to allocate the break time throughout the test. I read on the USMLE bulletin that we get 45 minutes to be spent on breaks throughout the test. Considering that there are 7 blocks of 60 minutes each, would you recommend taking your 45 minutes of break time into 7-8 minute chunks? ie 45 minutes divided by 6 breaks between blocks.

are there any strategies to maximize break time?


i'm hoping that as i prep, I can train myself to focus for chunks of time as per how i will be allocating my time during the step

 

[scienceguy123]

bump

 

[C5toC9]

bump

 

[kryptik]

yes you get 45mins official break time, but you can get as much as 13 to 14 more mins if you skip through the intro, just make sure on the audio setup page your headphones are working.

I took about 8mins of break time after each block to use the restroom, splash some water on my face, stretch and have a bite of a snickers bar.

Also note that each time you step out you will be searched and finger printed before you go back in which eats into your break time, if its a busy center that can be significant.

 

[WellWornLad]

I'd skew towards saving your break time until the second half of the exam when test fatigue starts to set in. I think I did 4 blocks straight through and then took a leisurely lunch. When you first start the test there's enough adrenaline to keep you humming through the first few blocks.

Of course, I generally finished each block with 10-20 minutes remaining to go over answers. That time was less intense than when you first start a block and have to read through each question the first time. If you don't practice good time management through the blocks and are constantly racing the clock to finish, you're going to be more stressed out and probably need more break time in between blocks.

 

[xpilot]

I just took the exam two days ago. I took five minute breaks after blocks 1,2,3 and then 10 minute breaks after 4,5,and 6. I found that it kept me quite fresh especially since I couldn't sleep the night before and got only maybe 2.5 hours.
I had extra break time left over but didn't use it. Just wanted to get the exam over with.

 

[pre med 2014]

I'd skew towards saving your break time until the second half of the exam when test fatigue starts to set in. I think I did 4 blocks straight through and then took a leisurely lunch. When you first start the test there's enough adrenaline to keep you humming through the first few blocks.

Of course, I generally finished each block with 10-20 minutes remaining to go over answers. That time was less intense than when you first start a block and have to read through each question the first time. If you don't practice good time management through the blocks and are constantly racing the clock to finish, you're going to be more stressed out and probably need more break time in between blocks.

If you finish a block early you can't add that time to your 45 minute break in the afternoon, you have to use it then and there? And say you finish 10 min early and want to start the next block, do you have to sit there for 10 min or can you start the next block right away?

Also if you use less than the 45 minute break after block 4 do you lose that break time or can you keep it and use some after block 5 and 6?

 

[MarcusGunn]

If you finish a block early you can't add that time to your 45 minute break in the afternoon, you have to use it then and there? And say you finish 10 min early and want to start the next block, do you have to sit there for 10 min or can you start the next block right away?

Also if you use less than the 45 minute break after block 4 do you lose that break time or can you keep it and use some after block 5 and 6?

If you finish a block early the time gets added to your total break time. You don't have to wait for anything you can move to your next block as soon as you're done and use the break time later.