HELP, STEP 1 DILEMMA

[Vancouver_JR]

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So,

I scored a 440/215 on NBME 12, 4 days ago. I just took NBME 15 and got the same exact score. My test is scheduled in 3 days... My Current UWorld average is 63% with 300 questions left. What should I do? Delaying the test is possible, but difficult with my university at the moment.

Any Suggestions? I'm not looking to destroy the test. Just get a decent score.

 

[Frozengrapes]

I was in a similar situation as you last week with one week before my exam and I delayed. My school gave me crap about it, but I insisted I needed the time because I want to be closer to my target score. If you're okay with getting 220-ish then I say go HARD the next 2-3 days and hit the topics you're struggling with. And just take it! You'll get a decent score.

 

[Vancouver_JR]

Yea, I think if I can get a one week extension to finish UWorld and then go through missed questions...regardless of taking another NBME, I think that would put me up to a higher score guaranteed. Still unsure :/

 

[J ROD]

I would delay if I had the chance and you are not just happy with a pass. I mean a 200-205 is within reason for you.

Is there any reason you can tell you do worse on NBMEs than what would be figured by UW %. This is just based on some percentages I have been working with on here since May. I figured you would be closer to a 225.

 

[Vancouver_JR]

I don't know why my NBME's are lower. It may be dumb mistakes. Timing isn't an issue because I do each UWorld block on timed / random. Obviously I'd rather a 220 secured. But I'm kinda getting burned out with all of the studying.

 

[J ROD]

If you can sit down tonight and come up with a really good plan to get you a 5-10 pt bump with another week then I would go for it and take the extension. If not, it sounds like you are getting done with this test and you want to take it and be done. You do not want to take it on the down slope.

 

[Vancouver_JR]

Yea, well actually I just looked at test availabilities and there is none within a month :/. Looks like I need to end up taking it. Should my plan to just be finish up my last UWorld questions over the next 2 days and go take it?

 

[J ROD]

I think you would get more bang for your buck reviewing area in FA where you are weak if you know them. I mean you have done over 2000 questions. You know how to approach them. Just need more knowledge to get them right.

So, if you know some areas you need to beef up real fast, I would put my time there and take the last day off to rest your brain and get pumped up to take it. Also, I would probably do a set of questions a day to keep me fresh but not kill myself to say I finished.

I also like to do a brain warmup the morning before the test. Maybe do like 15 questions to get your brain thinking before you walk in cold. That way you do not have to use the real deal to get there. I found that helps me. Might just be me.

 

[Vancouver_JR]

I was debating on the question scenario and then also the straight FA idea. I think you are right with the straight FA until the exam. I may do 1 set tomorrow just to keep the questions flowing. Thank you for your help. Any suggestions on quick reviews the day before? As in the equations or rapid fire facts? Are the equations in the back of FA pretty solid for the test?

 

[J ROD]

I would know the biostats and 4 drug equations. Maybe some of the cardio and pulm etc.

There is some high yield buzz words back there that may help. It is more about getting through scenarios and figuring out what the hell they want.