Is the Step 1 broken into subjects like the MCAT?

[agranulocytosis]

---

Members don't see this ad.

For instance, are there separate sections for pharm, path, anatomy, micro, biochem, physio, etc? I know the exam utilizes multi-disciplinary questions like micro tied into path and pharm woven into a biochem question, so I can guess that it's not, but I just want to make sure.

Sorry for the silly question, but I haven't found the answer yet on these forums.

Thanks!

 

[Law2Doc]

For instance, are there separate sections for pharm, path, anatomy, micro, biochem, physio, etc? I know the exam utilizes multi-disciplinary questions like micro tied into path and pharm woven into a biochem question, so I can guess that it's not, but I just want to make sure.

Sorry for the silly question, but I haven't found the answer yet on these forums.

Thanks!

No. Just 7 blocks of 50 random questions. Could be on anything. You don't even necessarilly have to have a particular subject represented, and can have a specific subject overrepresented.

 

[Terpskins99]

No. Just 7 blocks of 50 random questions. Could be on anything. You don't even necessarilly have to have a particular subject represented, and can have a specific subject overrepresented.

I like to think of it as if someone vomited the order of topics on my screen. First question on calculating creatinine clearance, next question on complications with pre-eclampsia, next question on the enzyme producing the 2nd NADH in the kreb cycle, next question on side effect of bleomycin, next question on the medial aspect of the brachial plexus... repeat this x 350 questions and you have the USMLE.

Sounds like fun, doesn't it? 😳

 

[PeepshowJohnny]

You do, however, get a score report breaking down your performance in the various subjects. However, this is for your own personal use and not reported when they report your score. I don't consider it very valuable as your bound to have some subject areas with 30+ questions in, and some with very few so it's not reliable.

 

[mints of b]

You do, however, get a score report breaking down your performance in the various subjects. However, this is for your own personal use and not reported when they report your score. I don't consider it very valuable as your bound to have some subject areas with 30+ questions in, and some with very few so it's not reliable.

Any idea what is historically the lowest scoring subject?

 

[agranulocytosis]

I guess this is why doing practice NBME's is so useful. And Qbanks. As far as lowest scoring subjects, I've heard biochem as having pretty low scores. It takes a different kind of person to fall in love with the Cori cycle.

 

[Law2Doc]

Any idea what is historically the lowest scoring subject?

I'm betting there isn't a clear winner. Everyone who takes the test will have a different strongpoint and weakness. The key is to figure out early on what you are weak in and really hammer home your studying.

 

[Terpskins99]

I'm betting there isn't a clear winner. Everyone who takes the test will have a different strongpoint and weakness. The key is to figure out early on what you are weak in and really hammer home your studying.

Totally agree with this... though there is a caveat.

Typically, people are more surprised by the number of questions on a certain topic and not necessarily the level of difficulty. If you surf this forum regularly, you should already have a good idea of what subjects are high yield.