How's your NBME progression coming? scores and trends

[FrancisvsGoljan]

---

Members do not see this ad.

So I was thinking it would be a great idea to track how NBMEs are going and what question bank people are using. It gives us a good way to figure out how we're doing individually. I know it's not based on just sdn and there are a ton of people. But it's better than nothing. Also how long you've been studying. I guess I'll start!

After 1 week of studying
USMLEWorld: used 15% and overall correct is 48%
NBME 1: 172.5

I know this is not great but hopefully a good starting point. I spent 2 days on biochem and one on behavioral science and the other times just doing questions. my overall goal is a 230. we'll see how it goes....

comment are highly appreciated. thanks! I'll keep this post updated. I hope others do too.🙂🙂🙂

 

[psych]

how long does it take before the scor report is available? I took the test yesterday and I am super depressed now.. I did well on all the practice tests (the last one I took was uworld2 and got a 254) but I feel like the real thing was MUCH worse than any of the practice tests I got many more anatomy questions than I expected (my weakest subject) snd therre was just so much random stuff... Plus I think I got nervous and realized I made many many stupid mistakes.... Did anyone else feel this way? 🙁 I'm honestly just hoping for a 220 now...

Anatomy is my worst subject too so I'm very afraid of getting an exam loaded w/anatomy questions. What kind of anatomy exactly? Like way out of the scope of fa? Were there pics to Id, was it a lot of brachial plexus ?s, lower limb, abdomen, thorax? Haha sorry you just made me really nervous. Good luck though, you probably did better than you think.

 

[MilkmanAl]

First round was unused by subject (path, pharm, etc). Second round was by organ system, and I marked everything as I went. In this, the third round, I'm doing random questions from the ones I'd marked.

 

[Iammeeee]

Anatomy is my worst subject too so I'm very afraid of getting an exam loaded w/anatomy questions. What kind of anatomy exactly? Like way out of the scope of fa? Were there pics to Id, was it a lot of brachial plexus ?s, lower limb, abdomen, thorax? Haha sorry you just made me really nervous. Good luck though, you probably did better than you think.

heyy well there were def some questions out of the scope of fa, but not many it was mostly musculoskeletal anatomy, neuro and some pelvic. I didt get any qs on brachial plexus, but mor on muscle functions/location, arteries etc Maybe I was just unlucky every test is different... Good luck!!

 

[rem6775]

how long does it take before the scor report is available? I took the test yesterday and I am super depressed now.. I did well on all the practice tests (the last one I took was uworld2 and got a 254) but I feel like the real thing was MUCH worse than any of the practice tests I got many more anatomy questions than I expected (my weakest subject) snd therre was just so much random stuff... Plus I think I got nervous and realized I made many many stupid mistakes.... Did anyone else feel this way? 🙁 I'm honestly just hoping for a 220 now...

Honestly, I wouldn't worry about it too much. The new format exam was tough, tougher than I expected. I think it will all work itself out in the end with the scoring. Don't think you're the only one who thought it was harder than expected.

 

[radiodoc99]

The NBME practice exams are the closest predictor of the actual exam score if done in exam like setting. So you should do the extra exam to make sure you are not nervous on test day. Also it is one of the best learning experiences because you get to review topics you were asked on the practice test which you may not have studied. Good luck

 

[_T_]

yea trying doing them timed from now on and that will help with timing, also try to enforce a time limit per questions that way u dont miss easier questions later in blocks just cause u took too long on an earlier question, u still have time and 71% shows u know the material, just need to be able to piece it together quicker, good luck

Thanks for the advice.. yeaa thats what I've kind of been telling myself today.. guess I'll just have to step it up a notch these past 2 weeks!

Out of curiosity.. when taking tests do any of you take notes/highlight? Or do you just read and answer?

 

[badasshairday]

Out of curiosity.. when taking tests do any of you take notes/highlight? Or do you just read and answer?

Mostly just read through the explanations. Once in a while I write down information that is novel to me (and know it isn't in FA/RRpath) into a notebook. Basically, mostly just read.

 

[RamblinRose]

My progression over the last 4 weeks

1 week in: NBME 7 - 216
2 weeks in: UWorld 1- 234
3 weeks in: NMBE 4 - 216
4 weeks in: UWorld 2 - 234

is that weird or what!!!! now I have no idea what I am going to score! My goal was 230 or above..... any thoughts????


4 days left till moment of truth

 

[badasshairday]

My progression over the last 4 weeks

1 week in: NBME 7 - 216
2 weeks in: UWorld 1- 234
3 weeks in: NMBE 4 - 216
4 weeks in: UWorld 2 - 234

is that weird or what!!!! now I have no idea what I am going to score! My goal was 230 or above..... any thoughts????


4 days left till moment of truth

By the looks of this, I'd say you should squeeze in another practice test. You will probably score a 216 on that one, then a 234 on the real deal.

But in all seriousness, that is pretty weird!

What is your UWORLD %correct for timed blocks of 48?

 

[RamblinRose]

Hahaha! I wish, if that was the case I would totally take another PT!!

My Uworld percentages for time blocks of 48 have been in the 60-63% range over the past 3 weeks, some higher some lower but that is my average

By the looks of this, I'd say you should squeeze in another practice test. You will probably score a 216 on that one, then a 234 on the real deal.

But in all seriousness, that is pretty weird!

What is your UWORLD %correct for timed blocks of 48?

 

[PokerDoc]

Hahaha! I wish, if that was the case I would totally take another PT!!

My Uworld percentages for time blocks of 48 have been in the 60-63% range over the past 3 weeks, some higher some lower but that is my average

seems like youre the type that thrives when the questions are harder and the curve is more generous.. so root for a nasty test on the actual thing!

gL!

 

[Doc176]

Well nobody bothered to reply.Please guys help me out here.I can only afford to buy 1 or maybe 2 NBME forms. I have taken NBME form 4 with score of 247 last week (dont know what to think of it ) i have done almost 55% of UW with cumulative of 81%. I want to raise my score a bit more.So what NBME form should i take next. Please help.

 

[utdoc05]

Well nobody bothered to reply.Please guys help me out here.I can only afford to buy 1 or maybe 2 NBME forms. I have taken NBME form 4 with score of 247 last week (dont know what to think of it ) i have done almost 55% of UW with cumulative of 81%. I want to raise my score a bit more.So what NBME form should i take next. Please help.

if you buy 2, get nbme6 and 7, if u just get one then nbme7, they are the most similar from people have said to the real thing, good luck

 

[Doc176]

Thanks utdoc05. What about NBME 5 I know a few people who took it and their Step 1 score was within the range of +/_ 3 to 5 of what they got on NBME 5

 

[utdoc05]

Thanks utdoc05. What about NBME 5 I know a few people who took it and their Step 1 score was within the range of +/_ 3 to 5 of what they got on NBME 5

well considering nbme5 is older than 6 or 7, it is safe to say that they are the most likely to be similar to the actual test, nbme5 may have been close for some people but it would prob be smarter to see what kind of questions they ask more recently

 

[kryptik]

Well nobody bothered to reply.Please guys help me out here.I can only afford to buy 1 or maybe 2 NBME forms. I have taken NBME form 4 with score of 247 last week (dont know what to think of it ) i have done almost 55% of UW with cumulative of 81%. I want to raise my score a bit more.So what NBME form should i take next. Please help.

i replied in post #1044

 

[Doc176]

i replied in post #1044

Weird I dont know whats wrong i cant seem to find post 1044 infact I cant even find my own post .On page 21 the last post is 1015 and on page22 the first post is 1055.Am I doing something wrong, a whole page seems missing

 

[kryptik]

Weird I dont know whats wrong i cant seem to find post 1044 infact I cant even find my own post .On page 21 the last post is 1015 and on page22 the first post is 1055.Am I doing something wrong, a whole page seems missing

basically i agree with utdoc above

 

[Vaca]

I was shooting for >250....

4.03.2010 UWSA1: 206
5.08.2010 NBME3: 209
5.26.2010 NBME5: 220
6.07.2010 UWSA2: 234

My test is now 7.01.2010 (3 weeks away). I'm just starting to read RR Path and BRS Phys for the first time and trying to still finish UWorld (33% left) and DIT (finished 7 days of videos). Do I still have even a shot or time?

 

[psychforme]

I was shooting for >250....

4.03.2010 UWSA1: 206
5.08.2010 NBME3: 209
5.26.2010 NBME5: 220
6.07.2010 UWSA2: 234

My test is now 7.01.2010 (3 weeks away). I'm just starting to read RR Path and BRS Phys for the first time and trying to still finish UWorld (33% left) and DIT (finished 7 days of videos). Do I still have even a shot or time?

What are you going to do if you don't? Push back the exam date? Did you step-prep full time during may? I think you have a slight shot but most likely fall between 235-240 .

 

[ChimpanzeeMinky]

What are you going to do if you don't? Push back the exam date? Did you step-prep full time during may? I think you have a slight shot but most likely fall between 235-240 .

What is the consensus on UWSA1 and 2? Which one overestimates and which one underestimates? I've seen opposite things said on this point.

If UWSA2 overestimates, your statement seems reasonable. If it underestimates, 3 weeks is a long time, and a significant improvement is not out of the picture.

 

[MilkmanAl]

Judging by the scores in the experiences thread, I'd say they're both fairly accurate. I haven't taken UWSA2 yet, but I can tell you that 1 got me with the question selection. It was just a bad draw for my knowledge base. On a test that hard, I'd imagine that's the major variable.

In other news, I just took a UW block and missed 4 questions, including all of the anatomy and embryology on the test. One of them was a dumb miss, but man, I hope I don't get hammered on anatomy on the real thing.

 

[psychforme]

What is the consensus on UWSA1 and 2? Which one overestimates and which one underestimates? I've seen opposite things said on this point.

If UWSA2 overestimates, your statement seems reasonable. If it underestimates, 3 weeks is a long time, and a significant improvement is not out of the picture.

My opinion is that they both overestimate at high scores and if you've done a lot of uworld q's.

 

[MilkmanAl]

My opinion is that they both overestimate at high scores and if you've done a lot of uworld q's.

I don't see why that would have much effect, actually. UWSA1 was surprisingly good about not reusing topics. Is that a different way of saying, "If you're used to hard questions, you'll do better on these hard questions"?

 

[psychforme]

I don't see why that would have much effect, actually. UWSA1 was surprisingly good about not reusing topics. Is that a different way of saying, "If you're used to hard questions, you'll do better on these hard questions"?

We're talking 10-15 points not 50. and for some it doesnt overestimate at all due to chance. Don't think 234 will overestimate that much.

 

[Vaca]

What are you going to do if you don't? Push back the exam date? Did you step-prep full time during may? I think you have a slight shot but most likely fall between 235-240 .

Classes ended on May 26th. I've been going full-time since then. I had read through First Aid completely before then though.

What about what I should be doing in between now and then? Goljan (never read)? BRS Phys (never read)? Finish DIT? UWorld 2nd Pass? I only have three weeks to go.

 

[psychforme]

Classes ended on May 26th. I've been going full-time since then. I had read through First Aid completely before then though.

What about what I should be doing in between now and then? Goljan (never read)? BRS Phys (never read)? Finish DIT? UWorld 2nd Pass? I only have three weeks to go.

Then I think you have a better shot. I would do a a second pass of uworld and skim through Goljan RR... plus first aid of course. Beyond that I would focus on my weak areas.

 

[ChimpanzeeMinky]

We're talking 10-15 points not 50. and for some it doesnt overestimate at all due to chance. Don't think 234 will overestimate that much.

250 is 10-15 points above 234. 🙄

 

[psychforme]

250 is 10-15 points above 234. 🙄

No, it is 16 points above 234. But my opinion is that the UWSA overpredicts not underprict. But I don't think it overpredicts by 15 points on 234. It is when you get above 250 the nicer curve sets in.

 

[badasshairday]

Is it possible to score a 240 without knowing virus structures, parasites, lysosomal storage dz's cold? I ask this, because I seriously freaking HATE straight up garbage memorization. Just wondering. I mean I know a few things right now because I just read it, but I'm very likely to forget it by tomorrow. I feel like I am the suck at micro..... but I'm pretty good with antibiotics.

Basically I just feel like I don't know anything in micro! I know that some people on SDN start with like a 230 without studying. I don't think anybody would have remembered the lysosomal storage dz and viral structure, bacterial media, without studying that junk first. Can I maximize my score just by knowing everything else really well. I'm just so disgusted right now by the random crap they want us to memorize about viruses/lysosomal storage diseases.

Probably a stupid question. I am just on a rant. So whatever!

 

[psychforme]

Is it possible to score a 240 without knowing virus structures, parasites, lysosomal storage dz's cold? I ask this, because I seriously freaking HATE straight up garbage memorization. Just wondering. I mean I know a few things right now because I just read it, but I'm very likely to forget it by tomorrow. I feel like I am the suck at micro..... but I'm pretty good with antibiotics.

Basically I just feel like I don't know anything in micro! I know that some people on SDN start with like a 230 without studying. I don't think anybody would have remembered the lysosomal storage dz and viral structure, bacterial media, without studying that junk first. Can I maximize my score just by knowing everything else really well. I'm just so disgusted right now by the random crap they want us to memorize about viruses/lysosomal storage diseases.

Probably a stupid question. I am just on a rant. So whatever!

The passing score is 75 - not 99. You can definitely beat that without knowing every single virus and lysosomal storage diz. If you need it to score 99 - impossible to anwer.

 

[MilkmanAl]

I only know the very basics of viral structure, and that's about all I'll ever know. I'd get Hep B, parvovirus, poxvirus, and most of the exceptions and general rules down, and that's about it. In other words, read those first two virology 2 pages in FA.

 

[badasshairday]

The passing score is 75 - not 99. You can definitely beat that without knowing every single virus and lysosomal storage diz. If you need it to score 99 - impossible to anwer.

What about if I need to score a 98? Or the lowest possible 99? 🙂

 

[psychforme]

What about if I need to score a 98? Or the lowest possible 99? 🙂

Whatever I answer you will memorize them anyway come test day so just do it! You have the wrong attitude about step 1 prepping. It is a time to be remembered with fondness 😀 Great reason to isolate yourself and not spend time with those a-holes we call other people! 😱 Also you don't "need" anything. You WANT it!

 

[badasshairday]

Whatever I answer you will memorize them anyway come test day so just do it! You have the wrong attitude about step 1 prepping. It is a time to be remembered with fondness 😀 Great reason to isolate yourself and not spend time with those a-holes we call other people! 😱 Also you don't "need" anything. You WANT it!

lol, true that! Burn it is hitting me hard, but I'm fighting through it. Gotta march on for another 1.5 weeks max.

 

[badasshairday]

. nevermind

 

[Phenytoin]

Quick question: what do you guys think about finishing up the 2 week Taus plan (minus some RR reading that I won't have time to finish) 6 days before the test and just spending the remainder of the time doing world questions all day (only questions)? Has anyone tried this or is it better to study until closer to test time?

 

[mq123]

Quick question: what do you guys think about finishing up the 2 week Taus plan (minus some RR reading that I won't have time to finish) 6 days before the test and just spending the remainder of the time doing world questions all day (only questions)? Has anyone tried this or is it better to study until closer to test time?

I don't know how that would be possible unless you read super-fast!

Assuming you're like me and take 5-6 hours for 2 blocks of Qs (with reading explanations and very some annotating), you have some time left for the rest of the day. (side note: I would highly suggest reading the explanations, unless this is your 3rd+ pass off UW...) I think you should definitely keep up with questions up until the last day (maybe taper off how many you do). So do maybe 1-2 blocks on the day before if you're used to doing more normally. This will keep you in the mode of doing qs. Fill up the rest of the time with FA/GRR path...if you can, pull some long days of hard studying, and I think it's possible 🙂

I would also spend some time (especially the last couple of days) going over little details that are easily forgettable but that are also high-yield. Stuff like: pharm pages out of FA (my weakest point), micro flow charts for bugs (gram +/-, lactose fermenter, etc), the high-yield pages in FA, whatever else you're weak in etc.

Hope this helps!

 

[mq123]

Is it possible to score a 240 without knowing virus structures, parasites, lysosomal storage dz's cold? I ask this, because I seriously freaking HATE straight up garbage memorization. Just wondering. I mean I know a few things right now because I just read it, but I'm very likely to forget it by tomorrow. I feel like I am the suck at micro..... but I'm pretty good with antibiotics.

Basically I just feel like I don't know anything in micro! I know that some people on SDN start with like a 230 without studying. I don't think anybody would have remembered the lysosomal storage dz and viral structure, bacterial media, without studying that junk first. Can I maximize my score just by knowing everything else really well. I'm just so disgusted right now by the random crap they want us to memorize about viruses/lysosomal storage diseases.

Probably a stupid question. I am just on a rant. So whatever!

This is what I think: no matter how much you know about all the pathology/phys of a disease, there will always be a little detail that slips your mind, or a little fact that is SO unfair to be asked on a test, but those questions still pop up on exams. I came across a UW questions that basically describe a virus in terms of structure, DNA/RNA, ss/ds etc and asked what family it belonged to. I, personally, will never remember that. Maybe not even if I'm taking a virology test tomorrow....

The point is, you have to decide yourself if you are going to be okay with missing a questions like that and then not beating yourself up about it. Try your best to memorize the lysosomal storage diseases because they do show up, and like someone mentioned above, know the big stuff about viruses (HIV, the Heps, pox just because it's different, etc). I've realized that it's not worth my time or brain space to memorize a virus structure chart when I can focus on my other (improvable) weaker areas like pharm (which is also high-yield anyway).

Long story short: it's all a risk/benefit deal at the end 🙂

 

[ChimpanzeeMinky]

This is what I think: no matter how much you know about all the pathology/phys of a disease, there will always be a little detail that slips your mind, or a little fact that is SO unfair to be asked on a test, but those questions still pop up on exams. I came across a UW questions that basically describe a virus in terms of structure, DNA/RNA, ss/ds etc and asked what family it belonged to. I, personally, will never remember that. Maybe not even if I'm taking a virology test tomorrow....

The point is, you have to decide yourself if you are going to be okay with missing a questions like that and then not beating yourself up about it. Try your best to memorize the lysosomal storage diseases because they do show up, and like someone mentioned above, know the big stuff about viruses (HIV, the Heps, pox just because it's different, etc). I've realized that it's not worth my time or brain space to memorize a virus structure chart when I can focus on my other (improvable) weaker areas like pharm (which is also high-yield anyway).

Long story short: it's all a risk/benefit deal at the end 🙂

And judging by my experience with UWorld and the NBMEs, the real thing is going to ask far fewer of those WTF style questions.

I absolutely *hate* UW. I know my stuff pretty well now, but between absurdly vague presentations, ridiculous details that are not in any review book, and outright poorly worded questions, I still get a ridiculous number wrong.

 

[MilkmanAl]

UW is poorly worded? Man, you must LOVE Kaplan and Rx then. 😛

 

[ChimpanzeeMinky]

UW is poorly worded? Man, you must LOVE Kaplan and Rx then. 😛

Yeah, I hated Kaplan too.

 

[dienekes88]

I don't know how that would be possible unless you read super-fast!

Assuming you're like me and take 5-6 hours for 2 blocks of Qs (with reading explanations and very some annotating), you have some time left for the rest of the day. (side note: I would highly suggest reading the explanations, unless this is your 3rd+ pass off UW...) I think you should definitely keep up with questions up until the last day (maybe taper off how many you do). So do maybe 1-2 blocks on the day before if you're used to doing more normally. This will keep you in the mode of doing qs. Fill up the rest of the time with FA/GRR path...if you can, pull some long days of hard studying, and I think it's possible 🙂

I would also spend some time (especially the last couple of days) going over little details that are easily forgettable but that are also high-yield. Stuff like: pharm pages out of FA (my weakest point), micro flow charts for bugs (gram +/-, lactose fermenter, etc), the high-yield pages in FA, whatever else you're weak in etc.

Hope this helps!

@6 days out, I think it's pointless to annotate. I'm 6 days out right now, and I'm trying to fly through UWorld on my second pass. Blocks of 48 questions timed and mixed only take me about 40-45 minutes. I can review the ones I got wrong and the ones I marked (usually I mark a question because I'm only 80% sure of the answer and want to read why other answers are wrong) in the next 30 minutes with some referencing of UpToDate or First Aid. I don't read answers I got right anymore (I did it for most questions on my first pass). I start at 7:30AM and can usually finish 4 blocks of 48 by lunch at 12:30. I spend the rest of the day reading First Aid (using UpToDate as a reference), which I've annotated a bit. I've seen some peoples' annotations, and it's another freakin' book in there. I definitely did not do that.

 

[psychforme]

I've seen some peoples' annotations, and it's another freakin' book in there.

Some people are ******ed. Sounds 100% pointless to annotate your first aid like that. Might as well read the text book directly instead. I guess it doesn't take IQ to be a doctor... just iron will and resilience.

 

[kissmyasthma99]

5/9 (Day before I started studying): Free 150 = 223
Way too easy - I didn't know enough to make a 223 when I took this).
1 week in: NMBE 4 = 223
Felt pretty accurate
6/8: NMBE 7 = 244
Uworld 54% complete 69% avg on random timed
Lately scores have been higher 83, 79, 75, 72, 70, 75, etc.)

Beast is on 6/15 (next Tuesday).
Making my final pass through FA in 4 days. Day before - light review of some topics that always get me (ex: lysosomal storage diseases, certain pathways, etc.)
Goal is a 240. What do you guys think?

 

[MilkmanAl]

I think you're in great shape to hit your goal. Like I've said elsewhere, NBME 7 was dead on as far as what I expect Step 1 to be like. Others who've actually taken the test say it's darn close.

 

[mq123]

I think you're in great shape to hit your goal. Like I've said elsewhere, NBME 7 was dead on as far as what I expect Step 1 to be like. Others who've actually taken the test say it's darn close.

I guess I should have saved NBME7 for last?

I took it after my first complete pass of everything and got a 227. I'm ending my second pass now and was planning to stimulate test day with UWSA2 (I've already done UWSA1) and the Free150. Does that sound reasonable? Or should I replace the UWSA with an NBME (also, did NBME6 pre-study)?

The only reason I'm not doing another NBME is because I'll learn so much more from the UWSA.

 

[dienekes88]

I think you're in great shape to hit your goal. Like I've said elsewhere, NBME 7 was dead on as far as what I expect Step 1 to be like. Others who've actually taken the test say it's darn close.

Interesting. Hadn't heard that.

I guess I should have saved NBME7 for last?

It doesn't matter. You can't change it now.

I took it after my first complete pass of everything and got a 227. I'm ending my second pass now and was planning to stimulate test day with UWSA2 (I've already done UWSA1) and the Free150. Does that sound reasonable? Or should I replace the UWSA with an NBME (also, did NBME6 pre-study)?

My experience has been that 5 wasn't as well written as 6. NBME 1 seemed like a poorly put together test. That's just my opinion, though. Going 8 blocks is pretty tough. Mere mortals don't train for a marathon by doing 30 mile runs. Maybe you're a super stud, though. What do I know? I did 7 blocks (3 x 48 UW + UWSA2) last Friday, and I'm going to do 7 tomorrow (3 x 48 UW + NBME 7). The fatigue goes up exponentially after 4 blocks. Having done 3-4 blocks per day for about a week, I'm hoping I'll have more in the tank for the final push.

The only reason I'm not doing another NBME is because I'll learn so much more from the UWSA.

That makes it simple. Do UWSA2.

 

[dienekes88]

Some people are ******ed. Sounds 100% pointless to annotate your first aid like that. Might as well read the text book directly instead. I guess it doesn't take IQ to be a doctor... just iron will and resilience.

If it has taken you until the end of 2nd year to figure this out, I don't know what to tell you. I'm pretty much dumb as bricks, but I'll be fine on Step 1 and everything else. Hard work pays, and it pays double if you have a good attitude about it all.

 

[badasshairday]

Took the plunge. NBME 7.

Scored 251

I am absolutely flabergasted. I never imagined scoring that.... ever.

My original goal was over 230. Broke that by a few points on UWSA 1. So I made my new goal as a 240. I guess new goal is a 260. This is insane. I have been working ridiculously hard though, like 12-15 hours a day on a regular basis for the past nearly 4 weeks now. I am definitely feeling burned out. I could barely sit down and take NBME 7. I took 10 minute breaks between block 1-2, and block 2-3. Took a 2 minute break between 3-4 because I just wanted to get done with it.

So freaking tired of sitting down. My thumb hurts from holding the mouse. I finished 98% of UWORLD, as of last night. My hamstrings hurt from sitting so much. Can't wait till this nightmare is over. June 21st.

Anyways, other data.

71% correct overall on UWORLD, all timed random blocks of 48. 98% completed. Last couple of blocks have been mid 70s to low 80s.
NBME CBSE from school 208. early May, 3.5 weeks before school let out.
UWSA 1. 234. Took 1.5 weeks into dedicated study.

Final push. 9 more days.