Firecracker

[JackShephard MD]

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med.firecracker.me

New medical education website rooted in an adaptive learning platform. Looks impressive, check it out.

Cheers.

 

[dyspareunia]

Agree. That is what I'm going to do as exam date gets closer.

Is there a keyboard shortcut to select "Never See Again"....(nowadays I can fly through cards but having to click on that little NEVER SEE AGAIN box significantly slows me down, not to mention it's annoying).

Probably faster to just 5 it immediately and move on. That's what I do.

 

[TrailRun]

I have a question about the Firecracker algorithm.

I'm experimenting with FC and want to like it, but when I get a question wrong (e.g. the first time I see a new card), what happens? I'm used to anki where I immediately see that card again after a few more cards and continue to do so until I get it right a few times. With FC, it seems I won't see the card again for a few days after having gotten it wrong, so I'm guessing either the key is that you put more time in on the front end so as not to get things wrong; or you go back on your own and study the topic again. So ultimately you don't use the cards themselves as a primary learning tool (as can be done with anki). Does this seem accurate?

 

[mcloaf]

If you just flagged something and you get it wrong you'll see it tomorrow.

 

[Brain Bucket]

I have a question about the Firecracker algorithm.

I'm experimenting with FC and want to like it, but when I get a question wrong (e.g. the first time I see a new card), what happens? I'm used to anki where I immediately see that card again after a few more cards and continue to do so until I get it right a few times. With FC, it seems I won't see the card again for a few days after having gotten it wrong, so I'm guessing either the key is that you put more time in on the front end so as not to get things wrong; or you go back on your own and study the topic again. So ultimately you don't use the cards themselves as a primary learning tool (as can be done with anki). Does this seem accurate?

Click adjust schedule to find out exactly when you'll see it next. For a first time q, marking it 1-2 will show it to you the next day by default.

There's a link at the bottom of the answer which will take you to the card should you wish to review the card right then.

 

[piaisthemater]

has anyone made a first full pass through FA? trying to plan out my next few months and wondering how long it will take. I've read that people can only read about 5pgs/hr. but i am REALLY hoping that after doing FC it should go faster. wondering what you guys think. thanks!

 

[dyspareunia]

has anyone made a first full pass through FA? trying to plan out my next few months and wondering how long it will take. I've read that people can only read about 5pgs/hr. but i am REALLY hoping that after doing FC it should go faster. wondering what you guys think. thanks!

I think it's annotations that slow people down, not the printed FA content. In that regard, FC probably won't speed things up significantly.

 

[Brain Bucket]

has anyone made a first full pass through FA? trying to plan out my next few months and wondering how long it will take. I've read that people can only read about 5pgs/hr. but i am REALLY hoping that after doing FC it should go faster. wondering what you guys think. thanks!

My first full pass of FA-2013 (before I started FC) took a month. I did ~10-16 /hr. Varied enormously per subject/content. I haven't bothered with 2014 yet, even though I have it.

 

[urbanclassic]

I've been doing FC somewhat randomly. I started in November and used it for 1.5 courses and it was extremely helpful then... After the new year, I've used it somewhat sporadically. It's about 3 months until I take Step 1 and I'm wondering if any of you think it's worth sticking with FC? How many hours would recommend?
Thanks!

 

[dyspareunia]

I started FC about a month after we finished our anatomy/embryo block and haven't flagged any of it. Should I try to flag it all while I have time or is anatomy/embryo too low yield to warrant the time?

 

[notbobtrustme]

I started FC about a month after we finished our anatomy/embryo block and haven't flagged any of it. Should I try to flag it all while I have time or is anatomy/embryo too low yield to warrant the time?

way too low yield. even the stuff in Uworld anatomy/embyro can be low-yield.

 

[Brain Bucket]

I've been doing FC somewhat randomly. I started in November and used it for 1.5 courses and it was extremely helpful then... After the new year, I've used it somewhat sporadically. It's about 3 months until I take Step 1 and I'm wondering if any of you think it's worth sticking with FC? How many hours would recommend?
Thanks!

No. Go with FA and Qbanks, unless those 1.5 courses were Path and Pharm.

I started FC about a month after we finished our anatomy/embryo block and haven't flagged any of it. Should I try to flag it all while I have time or is anatomy/embryo too low yield to warrant the time?

Hells yes. Easy points in case they show up. Always flag extra when you have the time. Makes things much easier in the long run.

 

[dyspareunia]

way too low yield. even the stuff in Uworld anatomy/embyro can be low-yield.

No. Go with FA and Qbanks, unless those 1.5 courses were Path and Pharm.



Hells yes. Easy points in case they show up. Always flag extra when you have the time. Makes things much easier in the long run.

You guys aren't making this easy, lol.

 

[urbanclassic]

No. Go with FA and Qbanks, unless those 1.5 courses were Path and Pharm.



Hells yes. Easy points in case they show up. Always flag extra when you have the time. Makes things much easier in the long run.

I forgot to put that I have almost all of pharm and path flagged... And only 10 basic science/organ systems sections that are completely unflagged. Still No? Thanks!

 

[Apoplexy__]

You guys aren't making this easy, lol.

To bridge the gap between their advice, I'd recommend the Anatomy/Embryo if you're in Semester 3 or earlier. If you're in Semester 4 you can't sacrifice the time anymore (they're arguably the lowest-yield subjects on FC), but the topics ARE useful, especially when done concurrently with stuff you're studying. I've had great success on class tests from studying the FC Anatomy. Even though your dedicated classes for Embryo/Anatomy are over, you may find that studying the relevant Anatomy/Embryo will be helpful.

In the end, make them a low priority regardless of what you do. If you've already flagged all the topics you've covered in class, done all your review Q's for the day, and still have some time leftover that you wanted to spend on FC, then go ahead.

 

[Brain Bucket]

I forgot to put that I have almost all of pharm and path flagged... And only 10 basic science/organ systems sections that are completely unflagged. Still No? Thanks!

Hmm, I'd probably stick with FA and Qbanks. If you know FA cold, you can always switch back to FC.

 

[dyspareunia]

To bridge the gap between their advice, I'd recommend the Anatomy/Embryo if you're in Semester 3 or earlier. If you're in Semester 4 you can't sacrifice the time anymore (they're arguably the lowest-yield subjects on FC), but the topics ARE useful, especially when done concurrently with stuff you're studying. I've had great success on class tests from studying the FC Anatomy. Even though your dedicated classes for Embryo/Anatomy are over, you may find that studying the relevant Anatomy/Embryo will be helpful.

In the end, make them a low priority regardless of what you do. If you've already flagged all the topics you've covered in class, done all your review Q's for the day, and still have some time leftover that you wanted to spend on FC, then go ahead.

Success on class tests that aren't anatomy tests? I can see how it would be useful judging from how much info is on each FC card. I like your idea and I'm in semester 2 so I'll keep flagging as much as I can.

Thanks a lot!

 

[Apoplexy__]

Success on class tests that aren't anatomy tests? I can see how it would be useful judging from how much info is on each FC card. I like your idea and I'm in semester 2 so I'll keep flagging as much as I can.

Thanks a lot!

Sure! My curriculum is pretty integrative, so we get tested on Anatomy after our dedicated class is over. Same with every subject - a little bit of everything every test. Therefore, in a very delineated curriculum, the aspect of helping with classes may not be significant for you anymore.

 

[notbobtrustme]

You guys aren't making this easy, lol.

lol it's all about priorities. Embyro and Anatomy make up like 5-10% of the exam, max, and most of that still will be focused on the high yield **** (aka brachial plexus, cardiac defects, etc). I'm not going to plow through 100+ cards for the offchance my exam will contain some random factoid from First Aid/FC.

Every single upperclassman has said that FA is more than enough for embyro/anatomy.

 

[dyspareunia]

lol it's all about priorities. Embyro and Anatomy make up like 5-10% of the exam, max, and most of that still will be focused on the high yield **** (aka brachial plexus, cardiac defects, etc). I'm not going to plow through 100+ cards for the offchance my exam will contain some random factoid from First Aid/FC.

Every single upperclassman has said that FA is more than enough for embyro/anatomy.

I'm never on board with what upperclassmen say about school-related things unless I know the particular upperclassman/men I'm talking to achieved my target score (or better). At my school MS2s "tutor" (basically tell us what they remember is on the exam from last year) MS1s and my tutor is always telling me things I don't have to know... yet many of those things are in FA. He is also planning to take Step 1 a week after MS2 ends because he does not aspire to score very well. His priorities are different than mine and there's nothing wrong with that, but I certainly won't be taking any Step 1 advice from him.

With that said, I too have heard frequently that FA is more than enough for embryo/anatomy, but I've found that FC embryo/anatomy incorporates things found elsewhere in FA. For example, one of the embryo cards talks about tetralogy of fallot. Obviously having extra factoids like that will slow you down, but seeing it multiple times might be helpful. I haven't looked at FA embryo, but I'm assuming tetralogy of fallot doesn't show up in FA until cardio path.

I agree that it's about priority and personal preference... certainly not arguing with you on that. I'm just saying that maybe I'm a little more careful about who I listen to, which is ironic considering I put so much stock into what the internet tells me.

 

[dyspareunia]

I got an email from Firecracker for a deal offering 55% off....is that the one I should take? Here's the deal:

https://med.firecracker.me/purchase/thankyou

Interesting, in the email they say 1 in 4 med students uses Firecracker...that seems like a lot.

See if you can get FC to do a talk at your school. A friend of mine (at another school) said FC did a talk there and did a random drawing of everyone who signed up (or was already signed up) and the winner got 12 months free.

 

[sozme]

After doing firecracker for a few weeks, one thing that really bothers me about it is how terrible some of the cards are... they will have one card with like 2 pages worth of info they want you to recall with a simple, poorly worded prompt. Then other cards are perfectly fine and short enough for easy recall. I wish they would break some of the larger stuff up into smaller parts. It is almost like some of the cards were just copied paragraphs out of a textbook.

Anyway does anyone else feel like this?

 

[dyspareunia]

After doing firecracker for a few weeks, one thing that really bothers me about it is how terrible some of the cards are... they will have one card with like 2 pages worth of info they want you to recall with a simple, poorly worded prompt. Then other cards are perfectly fine and short enough for easy recall. I wish they would break some of the larger stuff up into smaller parts. It is almost like some of the cards were just copied paragraphs out of a textbook.

Anyway does anyone else feel like this?

I like it. Having a single fact or a one-liner is the main reason I don't like flash cards. If I don't know the fact or whatever then I have to spend time googling or looking it up in a book. With FC, they show you the pertinent info in green and also show you other relevant info (in gray) to provide some context if you need it.

You're free to ignore it if you want, but if you want it then it's already right there in front of you.

 

[Bancrofti]

At 800 flagged.... so close, but so far 🙁

and they added 3 more topics -_-, total now sitting at 1111.

Firecracker should have an 'if you finish flagging and don't get at least a 245, we'll give you half your money back' policy.

 

[Dr Dazzle]

I like it. Having a single fact or a one-liner is the main reason I don't like flash cards. If I don't know the fact or whatever then I have to spend time googling or looking it up in a book. With FC, they show you the pertinent info in green and also show you other relevant info (in gray) to provide some context if you need it.

You're free to ignore it if you want, but if you want it then it's already right there in front of you.

I'm sure it varies, but how long do you guys spend studying each card? With so much info on it, what kind of mastery are you going for? Is the goal to just memorize the green section for questions that will be asked?

Also, wouldn't it be a good idea to master FC in lite mode before the comprehensive one?

 

[jayhvvip]

I started pounding through first aid during my spring break and it's amazing how firecracker makes going through these pages super lame and seemingly superficial. Anyone else experience the boredom of going through FA after being so used to firecracker?

 

[dyspareunia]

I'm sure it varies, but how long do you guys spend studying each card? With so much info on it, what kind of mastery are you going for? Is the goal to just memorize the green section for questions that will be asked?

Also, wouldn't it be a good idea to master FC in lite mode before the comprehensive one?

I usually don't study the card at all when answering the questions. I read the card before and I flag it, but it doesn't take that long.

 

[001100010010011]

I started pounding through first aid during my spring break and it's amazing how firecracker makes going through these pages super lame and seemingly superficial. Anyone else experience the boredom of going through FA after being so used to firecracker?

I don't think anyone has ever been excited to go through FA. It's a tedious, barebones text. Once you begin annotating from question banks, the book comes alive.

If anything, FC helped me recall facts about each of the subjects I read. FA has helped me organize the information.

 

[jayhvvip]

I read a post a while back about an FC user who switched to knowing the answers to questions at the level needed to answer multiple choice questions. I'm starting to do this. Anyone else been answering review questions in this manner?

 

[Dr Dazzle]

I read a post a while back about an FC user who switched to knowing the answers to questions at the level needed to answer multiple choice questions. I'm starting to do this. Anyone else been answering review questions in this manner?

What do you mean? The level of info tested in q banks instead of the level on FC?

 

[jayhvvip]

What do you mean? The level of info tested in q banks instead of the level on FC?

instead of knowing an FC review question's answer verbatim, just knowing it at the level of detail required to answer a MCQ correctly. I think this was mentioned as a way to do review questions efficiently, particularly those with complex and thorough answers

 

[Bancrofti]

I read a post a while back about an FC user who switched to knowing the answers to questions at the level needed to answer multiple choice questions. I'm starting to do this. Anyone else been answering review questions in this manner?

I do.

For the most part at least. I still try to answer questions verbatim if I can remember it that way. However, if I'm missing one small detail that I knew anyway, but just forgot to think of, I still rate it highly. When I was early on in the program if I didn't know every single word or almost recite it verbatim, including all lists, it got rated low.

 

[dyspareunia]

I do.

For the most part at least. I still try to answer questions verbatim if I can remember it that way. However, if I'm missing one small detail that I knew anyway, but just forgot to think of, I still rate it highly. When I was early on in the program if I didn't know every single word or almost recite it verbatim, including all lists, it got rated low.

brb list all neural crest derivatives
brb list all X-linked diseases

 

[Bancrofti]

brb list all neural crest derivatives
brb list all X-linked diseases

I actually remember the list for neural crest derivatives. I modified their mnemonic to: DR OMF ESCAPAM. Idk why but it was easier for me to remember than whatever was there which was probably similar. That was one of my first cards flagged though. I don't know if I would dedicate the energy to remembering specifics if I had just saw it for the first time yesterday... but it makes me wonder because I've actually gotten qbank questions correct that are embryo based because I remembered word for word what the derivates of neural crest, surface ectoderm, and neuroectoderm were. Endoderm and mesoderm I didn't try to remember, because those seemed intuitive to me.

Haven't flagged X-linked diseases. I'm assuming that's biochem, for which I've only done 51 of the topics so far for.

 

[dyspareunia]

I actually remember the list for neural crest derivatives. I modified their mnemonic to: DR OMF ESCAPAM. Idk why but it was easier for me to remember than whatever was there which was probably similar. That was one of my first cards flagged though. I don't know if I would dedicate the energy to remembering specifics if I had just saw it for the first time yesterday... but it makes me wonder because I've actually gotten qbank questions correct that are embryo based because I remembered word for word what the derivates of neural crest, surface ectoderm, and neuroectoderm were. Endoderm and mesoderm I didn't try to remember, because those seemed intuitive to me.

Haven't flagged X-linked diseases. I'm assuming that's biochem, for which I've only done 51 of the topics so far for.

If you gave me a list of cells or tissues I could tell you the germ layer, but no way can I recall a list of things that are derived from a specific germ layer.. at least not a long list.

Yea, XL diseases is biochem!

 

[cbrons]

I'm of the opinion that you should just flag every single topic and anatomy and embryology right away and then pretty much "Never see again" like 80% of the cards. Maybe it is just me but I don't think it is a valuable way to spend time going over every single muscle and innervation, and embryo is very low yield so really I only kept the clinical stuff not the random "What structure is derived from pharyngeal pouch 2??" (answer = Epithelial lining of the palantine tonsil crypts) lol.

 

[taelvin]

Hey everyone, I have read through about 6 pages of this thread (starting at the end). I just stumbled upon FC and I am wishing I had seen this a year ago. Anyways, I have about 2.5 months before my STEP 1 Exam and I am wondering if there is any value to incorporating FC into my study schedule at this point or should i just mourn my late discovery and move on to the more time tested "Big 3" (Uworld, Pathoma, FA)? The approach would be to use FC selectively. Basically flagging only the topics that are entirely writ memorization to benefit from the repetitive study algorithm over the next few months. I figured it would be more beneficial than the sit down and read FA several times technique (at least for some topics). Other resources I have at my fingertips and will be trying to figure out how to balance with FC: Uworld (highest daily priority), USMLERx, FA 2014, Pathoma, Goljan Audio (gym/driving priority).

 

[Polymyxin]

I would say don't bother at this point. I'm also about 2.5 months away. I started FC in September, got about 50% through. I stopped using it a few weeks ago. FC is pretty much designed to be used over a long period. Ideally from MS1. At this stage of the game, FC is just not effecient use of your time. FC is overly detailed. If you do decide to try it out, select the "high yield" option...that cuts down the amount of material by more than half. Also, as you said, only flag the rote memorization stuff (pharm, biochem, etc.). Try it out....you can get a free trial.

I still recommend FC, wish I had started it earlier. FYI: for any MS1 finishing up their first year. Now is a good time to start FC!

 

[Dr Dazzle]

I'm just starting FC as an M1 and wanted more insight on if doing lite mode first is a better idea than trying to run through comprehensive.

Several people have stated that comprehensive has a lot more detail than is needed for q-banks. So what do those of you who have done q-banks think? Is lite mode more in line with FA content?

Is it a good idea to thoroughly do lite version and come back to finish comprehensive? I'm concerned, because I'm not sure if I'll have enough time to keep up with FC with my coursework.

 

[dyspareunia]

I'm just starting FC as an M1 and wanted more insight on if doing lite mode first is a better idea than trying to run through comprehensive.

Several people have stated that comprehensive has a lot more detail than is needed for q-banks. So what do those of you who have done q-banks think? Is lite mode more in line with FA content?

Is it a good idea to thoroughly do lite version and come back to finish comprehensive? I'm concerned, because I'm not sure if I'll have enough time to keep up with FC with my coursework.

I haven't tried the lite version, but my understanding is that everything in the "more" dropdown box is in comprehensive only. In other words, lite mode cards are 4 lines of very broad info and probably won't be helpful at all.

 

[Brain Bucket]

a valid message.

 

[Polymyxin]

I switched to light mode for a while before I quit FC. I actually still found it helpful, esp for biochem.

 

[GrabSlamBoot]

I'm just starting FC as an M1 and wanted more insight on if doing lite mode first is a better idea than trying to run through comprehensive.

Several people have stated that comprehensive has a lot more detail than is needed for q-banks. So what do those of you who have done q-banks think? Is lite mode more in line with FA content?

Is it a good idea to thoroughly do lite version and come back to finish comprehensive? I'm concerned, because I'm not sure if I'll have enough time to keep up with FC with my coursework.

I'm an m1 and we start clinical rotations my second year. I've been banking on comprehensive along with my classes and have about 6-7 flagged topics a day. My question load stays below 200 a day at around 55% banked so far so I would suggest starting with comprehensive because it is definitely doable if you stick with it and in my opinion it will help you in your classes as well. If it becomes too much then switch to light

 

[Dr Dazzle]

I'm an m1 and we start clinical rotations my second year. I've been banking on comprehensive along with my classes and have about 6-7 flagged topics a day. My question load stays below 200 a day at around 55% banked so far so I would suggest starting with comprehensive because it is definitely doable if you stick with it and in my opinion it will help you in your classes as well. If it becomes too much then switch to light

I see. Any of you guys have any tips on how to make sure we have enough time to flag everything? Is it simply just counting the number of topics and then dividing by the number of days we have before we want everything flagged?

 

[Polymyxin]

I see. Any of you guys have any tips on how to make sure we have enough time to flag everything? Is it simply just counting the number of topics and then dividing by the number of days we have before we want everything flagged?

Unfortunately, there isn't a great way to pace yourself. Apparently, the FC team is working on this.
The complicating factor is that you track your progress by how many topics are flagged. But, the number of questions per topic is highly variable.
But, what will help you is to know the average # Q's per topic. By estimates (I could be wrong) it is between 8 and 9. So there are about 1100 topics, 8.5 * 1100 = ~9,000 questions. Use that number to pace yourself.

When I spoke to a FC person on the phone, he didn't know the total # of Questions. He could only give me the number of topics ( 1114 )

 

[Dr Dazzle]

Unfortunately, there isn't a great way to pace yourself. Apparently, the FC team is working on this.
The complicating factor is that you track your progress by how many topics are flagged. But, the number of questions per topic is highly variable.
But, what will help you is to know the average # Q's per topic. By estimates (I could be wrong) it is between 8 and 9. So there are about 1100 topics, 8.5 * 1100 = ~9,000 questions. Use that number to pace yourself.

When I spoke to a FC person on the phone, he didn't know the total # of Questions. He could only give me the number of topics ( 1114 )

Okay. Would you guys say it's safe to exclude flagging anatomy and embryo cards based on your experiences with qbanks at this point?

 

[Bancrofti]

Okay. Would you guys say it's safe to exclude flagging anatomy and embryo cards based on your experiences with qbanks at this point?

The good thing about starting early is that you should have time to get through everything and really that should be your goal. But to answer you directly, Embryo has helped me get questions correct on qbanks. I've only done around ~30 anatomy cards and my anatomy averages for qbanks is still one of my best. Whatever you learned in Anatomy + reviewing 1st aid should be sufficient for a majority of anatomy questions. I did Kaplan qbank which had a lot of CT images, which I sucked at in my Anatomy course, but I still did well on all of them.

 

[dyspareunia]

How well do you guys recognize the lists of symptoms FC gives for some diseases?

For example, do you immediately know what disease this is:

"Presents with megaloblastic anemia that is not responsive to iron, folate or vitamin B12 supplementation. If not corrected, causes developmental/intellectual impairment."

 

[Brain Bucket]

a valid message.

 

[dyspareunia]

Orotic aciduria? Could be some other things, but just from the cards, that's what comes straight to mind.

Yeah, orotic aciduria. For a lot of the diseases the presentation seems obvious, but some (like this one) are a little too vague for me. I guess I just need to score it lower until I know it better.

Thanks.

 

[Polymyxin]

yeah, orotic aciduria...immediately recalled it.
Treatment = uridine supplementation.

( I miss FC)