Help - need Step 1 studying advice!

[IonClaws]

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Hi everyone -

I've recently noticed that my Step 1 practice exam scores are actually dropping despite increased amount of studying from apparently higher-yield sources. Summary:

UWorld SA 1 - 232
UWorld SA 2 - 224
NBME Form 11 - 211

Before UWorld SA 1 I studied from some textbooks for respiratory physio/pathophysio and did UWorld questions, usually I didn't study any more than 4-5 hours/day because I had a lot of time (taking Step 1 August 3rd). However, after studying for 7-8 hours/day from UWorld and/or First Aid, my scores started dropping precipitously.

Since my studying has INCREASED, I have no idea why my scores are decreasing, especially since I'm using higher-yield resources! I have also tried studying longer but after 7-8 hours, I end up staring at the computer screen more than actually processing info and get little to no benefit from it. Essentially I can't productively study for more than 7-8 hours per day.

Anyone have any advice? Should I just keep going and accept whatever score I get and forget about it? Seriously don't know what else to do...thanks for reading to the end.

 

[ALUCSD18]

Uworld tends to overestimate your score. Generally speaking, NBME scores are more predictive of what you'll get on the actual step. Keep UFAPing and your score should increase. Good luck.