Memorizing Uworld questions

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.

Handinhand

Full Member
10+ Year Member
Joined
Jan 20, 2009
Messages
1,168
Reaction score
86
I started doing UWorld questions back in December system by system with my course work. My exam is on June 6th, and I only have ~250 questions left in UWorld. I took the UWorld SA1 around 1.5 months ago and was predicted around a 230, but the CBSE I took 1 month ago at school placed me around a 220.

My problem is, is that if I sit down and do 46 random questions, I will almost always get 5-10 questions that I've seen multiple times and I have the questions down. I worry that I'm just memorizing the question and not the actual material. Just curious how people fight this problem as I can't be the only one.

Thanks for any advice!
 
That's what learning is....memorizing and regurgitating the information back out. In a way you are just memorizing the questions vs the material, but that's what the test is designed to do. There will also be things on the test that you cannot prepare yourself for. It's problem solving and test taking on some of the questions. Sounds like you've got a handle on things. Best of luck! I just took mine on the 29th and there were some questions from left field, but overall it didn't seem as terrible as some people make it out to be. Relax and take them one at a time. I personally didn't use a break, at the end I started feeling tired, but just pushed through the last two blocks.
 
I started doing UWorld questions back in December system by system with my course work. My exam is on June 6th, and I only have ~250 questions left in UWorld. I took the UWorld SA1 around 1.5 months ago and was predicted around a 230, but the CBSE I took 1 month ago at school placed me around a 220.

My problem is, is that if I sit down and do 46 random questions, I will almost always get 5-10 questions that I've seen multiple times and I have the questions down. I worry that I'm just memorizing the question and not the actual material. Just curious how people fight this problem as I can't be the only one.

Thanks for any advice!

Don't get bogged down on your uworld percentages. I know there are plenty of ppl out there who have come up with equations that correlate to your real deal score but unless your doing it timed random and for the 1st time, i don't think your world score holds much accuracy. world should solely be used as a learning tool. memorize the way the questions present but UNDERSTAND and LEARN the explanations. i think this is where world gets its notoriety as the best qbank. the explanations will really help you gain a better grasp on the material rather then just reading fa or trying to skim thru goljian. i haven't taken my test yet but i can adamantly say that doing this has really helped me with meeting my goals on my NBME's and understanding some of the randomness in fa. good luck!
 
Memorizing some stuff is inevitable, but also useful. For example, a micro question involving an eastern European child with some throat problem will ask a question about diphtheria 99% of the time.
 
Top