USMLE just my 2 cents

[redcharger2904]

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hi there
I'M an IMG studied in China graduated July 2016. After that I studied Step 1. Score isn't super stellar, just share a little bit.
I started with Kaplan Qbank, as well as occasional read of First aid. Unfortunately, it turned I wasn't studying effectively, my NBME12 taken in late September only gives me 190. Started focusing First Aid. Also listened to Pathoma. Started UWorld around this time
A week later, did 7 continuous blocks in timed mixed mode( simulates test). got 60% avg. thought I was on right track. But NBME 13 a week after only 194(so sad!). Then I realized I didn't really understand concepts to depth. I tried to improve the way I studied. Reviewed FA more thoroughly of course. It did show some good trend as my UWorld %is overall rising slowly. Did NBME15 4 weeks after NBME13, 217!
However here I got stucked. NBME 16->215, NBME 17 ->211(Taken 3.5 before real deal. STEEP CURVE. BE PREPARED). I did feel I've been improving over time, but the scores all say otherwise. I guess it might had something to do w/ anxiety, as I freaked out almost everytime I write NBME, plus making lots of goofy mistakes.
The last few weeks I had been solidifying my knowledge by reading FA over and over, plus UW and Kaplan QBank. Did NBME 18 ten days before exam, scored 223(Little relieved to see this improvement, as I felt like failing in writing process). Then just solid, solid, solid, until the day....

 

[redcharger2904]

POST-TEST(Dec 30 2016): Anesthetized walking out. No idea how I did. All I knew was its DONE! Did have few flashbacks of questions over waiting time(Fewer than 10). But as score release day gets closer, the more scared I got.
Score released Jan 18 2017: 229!! Mixed feeling about this. Not what I wished(Was hoping for 240+, or at least 23x), but I don't think it's lousy either. I hope its good enough for IM FM. After all, PASSED! DAMN RELIEVED!

Statistics
UW 1st pass overall : 65%(All mixed timed)
NBME 12: 190( 3 months before)
NBME 13: 194( 2.5 months before)
NBME 15: 217( 7 weeks before)
NBME 16: 215( 5 weeks before)
NBME 17: 211( 3 weeks before) STEEPEST CURVE! BE PREPARED!
FREE 120: About 80%(2 weeks before)
NBME 18: 223( 10 days before) Nicer curve, SHARP contrast to NBME 17
Real: 229(Dec 30 2016)
Will write more later! Hungry now! Scoot!

 

[blueforest]

Thank you for this 🙂

 

[redcharger2904]

(Continued)
Back! After all I just want to share some of my thoughts
1. FIRST AID: This book is indeed bible. It covers most of high yield material for step 1. However I feel that we still need to do our own search based on information given by the book. After doing search, annotate on relevant FA page( as well as annotate explanations from Qbanks).
2. Pathoma: Amazing videos. Dr. Sattar explained things well, making some hard pathology concepts much easier.
3. Fatigue is REAL. I myself experienced fatigue and some ADHD in study process. I guess it's just part of the studying process. If these occur, don't blame yourself for it, go take a break and come back study efficiently. Remember to relax over time. Having 1-2 day off a week can be helpful. Find good study environment.
4. NBME test: I have opinions about these. Many say they're best score predictors out there. However, the only best predictor of test performance is YOURSELF. I still recommend taking NBME before test though, so you get used to test style and track on your performance. About the score, well, you should know that the curves for these tests are pretty steep, for example while 70% correct on Uworld is considered very good, the same number in NBMEs is fail, or barely pass. I got 80% on one form and only fetches me 210s( See!). So when doing NBME, be prepared to see something you don't like(Mean it!). I recommend not taking the result of NBME too seriously, don't feel too bad when you get poor score. Just focus on your weakness and continue to solidify your foundation(REPETITION is key). You may tell yourself:" Thank god I found my weakness now, not at the real exam"( I know easier said than done. I don't know how many times I cried after finishing my lousy score NBMEs). While many say it's a good predictor, there are still many people out there who score significantly higher(10+ points) than their best NBME. Also, don't do them too close before exam date( I recommend 2 weeks before exam to do last one). This way you will have enough time to strengthen your weakness and knowledge you already know before test, and you won't panic over exam.
5. Postponing exam or not: I personally think this is really a bad choice. I know many people will choose this when they're unsatisfied with their NBME scores. But the thing is, you'll get fatigue overtime, and your efficiency will drop. The key is the intensity of studying, not length. I did consider about this when I got 211 on NBME 17 3 weeks before test, but then I decided not to, cus I knew I'm already tired, and I just want to get it done. While score is important, it's NOT the only thing. So don't delay exam just because you get lousy NBME score( unless you're hardly passing, then that's a different scenario). I'm glad I chose not to delay, even I didn't get the desired score(Not too far from it though). Now I can just move forward!

These are just my thoughts. Hopefully they can be helpful!

 

[Beezlebub]

229 is very competitive for FM/IM. I would like to congratulate you on your success. It must have been quite a difficult journey but you perservered and made it happen. All the best and keep us posted on your journey!