Step I Memorizing Q Bank

[Mantroe]

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Just finished all of Q Bank about 2 hours ago. My average overall is a 75%. Took three random tests (all items, all discliplines, all systems). Scores were 82,82,84. There were no repeat questions among these three tests.

Two questions-

Is it possible to memorize most of the Q bank or have I really learned all this stuff over the last 9 weeks? 😱

Does generating a test as I have truly give a random sampling of questions?

 

[Jaded Soul]

What I've noticed about Qbank is that you run out of certain subjects faster than others. I ran out of molecular bio, biostats, embryo, genetics, cell bio, biochem, and histio when I was only 65% through. That was with only doing completely random, unused items every time.

I know that my scores are improving partly because some of those subjects (biochem, embryo, biostats) were tougher for me and now I'm not seeing those questions anymore.

 

[Mantroe]

Thanks for your insight, JS. I was hoping by taking a systems approach, rather than subject, that I would aviod running out of the hard stuff.

I've contacted Kaplan to find out about the randomization thing. I'll post what I find out.

 

[Gauss]

rather than worry about 'true' randomization or running out of questions on topics that are challenging, why don't you just spend some more time reviewing the difficult material?
Set aside a bit more time in the end to review that material?

 

[soudes]

it is DEFINTLEY possible to be recognizing questions...the last week before i took step one, i didn't get below 90%, and i am certainly not THAT smart

good luck

 

[Hercules]

it is DEFINTLEY possible to be recognizing questions...the last week before i took step one, i didn't get below 90%, and i am certainly not THAT smart

Well, now that I'm done with Qbank I'm in the same boat. I finished Qbank last night and I take my test on Thursday. Is there really any value in continuing to do Qbank questions after you've been through all of them? I did four 50 question blocks this morning and averaged 15 % points higher than I had been averaging with unused questions. Sure, it makes you feel good to see higher numbers, but wouldn't my time be better spent elsewhere? I'm planning on doing the NBME practice questions tomorrow and the 150 USMLE questions on Wednesday.

Any words of wisdom from those who have gone before me?

 

[njbmd]

Hi there,
I used Q-Bank for Step I but I didn't memorize anything. I used Q-Bank for the practice of doing USMLE-type questions and for pointing out my weak areas. I found Q-Bank very useful in this regard. Understanding rather than memorization worked best for me on this exam.

USMLE tests your ability to apply your pre-clinical knowledge to clinical situations. I found that I was in the zone when I could see the point behind the question on the exam.

Be sure to read every word in the question and every potential answer. I could usually narrow the most difficult questions down to one or two best answers.

Be sure to get a good night's sleep. Even though your nerves may try to prevent this, work out early in the evening and do something relaxing that does not alter your brain chemistry.

Put any last-minute formulas(pharm and biostats) on an index card and memorize them while you are waiting to check in at your test center. As soon as you are seated at your computer terminal, write them down on your dry erase board and empty your mind. You can refer back to them as you need them during the test. I needed about 4 pharm formulas and a couple of biostats formulas. I derived the rest.

Finally, good luck! You really have everything that you need for this exam in your head if you have done an honest review. Remember, that you REVIEW for USMLE and STUDY for your class exams.

njbmd🙂