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- Nov 1, 2011
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Hello All,
I got my score today its 96 and I think its now my turn to give back to this community.
Before everyone starts posting asking about my individual scores: Anatomy 85, DA 92, Biochem 89 Micro 86
I was very scared when ever I read a few posting about recent exams being super tough due to which the overall percentile has gone down...and things like its almost impossible to score above 90 these days. From my opinion I can say that the exam was definitely tough compare to a couple of Crack the NBDE tests and ASDA papers.
My preparation lasted for about 4-5 months with a minimum effort of about 11-12 hours each day. Kaplan NBDE Review notes, few USMLE lectures (youtube/internet in general), lots of Wikipedia references, Lipincott(biochem), Golijan's( for path-a few important chapters: it helped me uderstand the subject well). For DA it was mostly Okeson first 6 chapters (especially 6th chapter) and Decks
After the above, I completed one reading of decks and then reviewed most of the material (mostly Kaplan review, Lipicott) again thoroughly.
After this I went back and forth between Decks and theory based on difficulty level of topics. 1 month before the exam i made sure I was done with Decks atleast 3 times (I was able remember 90-95% of the material in the decks by now)
I did most of the ASDA papers and revised them about a week before the test. I wanted to complete Kaplan Question bank as much as possible before the test but I couldn't find time in doing so.(So i just skipped it with a fear of in-completion).
My feedback:
1.It doesn't matter as to what material you need to study. Most of the people in the forums suggested First Aid but I did not even read a single line from First Aid/Kaplan Question Bank/USMLE Kaplan notes and so on. JUST FIND ONE BOOK THAT SUITS YOUR NEEDS & STICK TO IT TILL THE END.
2.Take the test only if you are confident enough: This is a very vague statement because confidence is a matter of every individuals aims, requirements and needs. Take some practice tests and analyze your performance. Once you are satisfied with your result in practice test (in my case Crack the NBDE) They its time to go for the Real test by building your self confidence.
3. Take down a brief notes on the topics that you feel may be difficult to understand or tough to remember. This process will help you recapitulate the material during the last week of preparation
4.Thorough understanding of concepts is a must!! As I said the book you study dosent really matter. (Personally I felt Kaplan Review notes was good) You may not be able to remember everything but, making sure that you understand every topic and concept well is absolutely necessary.
4.Self Confidence is the most important aspect of NBDE: This, according to me was the biggest factor as it helped me stay together a week before the test. About 10 days before I was feeling very low in confidence and I was very doubtful about my performance. But, Do REALIZE THAT IT IS VERY NORMAL. My family played a major role in maintaining my integrity and confidence during the last days before the test. I know its very easy to say but hard to follow but the bottom line is "Be cool and everything will come together in the end"
All the Best!!!
I got my score today its 96 and I think its now my turn to give back to this community.
Before everyone starts posting asking about my individual scores: Anatomy 85, DA 92, Biochem 89 Micro 86
I was very scared when ever I read a few posting about recent exams being super tough due to which the overall percentile has gone down...and things like its almost impossible to score above 90 these days. From my opinion I can say that the exam was definitely tough compare to a couple of Crack the NBDE tests and ASDA papers.
My preparation lasted for about 4-5 months with a minimum effort of about 11-12 hours each day. Kaplan NBDE Review notes, few USMLE lectures (youtube/internet in general), lots of Wikipedia references, Lipincott(biochem), Golijan's( for path-a few important chapters: it helped me uderstand the subject well). For DA it was mostly Okeson first 6 chapters (especially 6th chapter) and Decks
After the above, I completed one reading of decks and then reviewed most of the material (mostly Kaplan review, Lipicott) again thoroughly.
After this I went back and forth between Decks and theory based on difficulty level of topics. 1 month before the exam i made sure I was done with Decks atleast 3 times (I was able remember 90-95% of the material in the decks by now)
I did most of the ASDA papers and revised them about a week before the test. I wanted to complete Kaplan Question bank as much as possible before the test but I couldn't find time in doing so.(So i just skipped it with a fear of in-completion).
My feedback:
1.It doesn't matter as to what material you need to study. Most of the people in the forums suggested First Aid but I did not even read a single line from First Aid/Kaplan Question Bank/USMLE Kaplan notes and so on. JUST FIND ONE BOOK THAT SUITS YOUR NEEDS & STICK TO IT TILL THE END.
2.Take the test only if you are confident enough: This is a very vague statement because confidence is a matter of every individuals aims, requirements and needs. Take some practice tests and analyze your performance. Once you are satisfied with your result in practice test (in my case Crack the NBDE) They its time to go for the Real test by building your self confidence.
3. Take down a brief notes on the topics that you feel may be difficult to understand or tough to remember. This process will help you recapitulate the material during the last week of preparation
4.Thorough understanding of concepts is a must!! As I said the book you study dosent really matter. (Personally I felt Kaplan Review notes was good) You may not be able to remember everything but, making sure that you understand every topic and concept well is absolutely necessary.
4.Self Confidence is the most important aspect of NBDE: This, according to me was the biggest factor as it helped me stay together a week before the test. About 10 days before I was feeling very low in confidence and I was very doubtful about my performance. But, Do REALIZE THAT IT IS VERY NORMAL. My family played a major role in maintaining my integrity and confidence during the last days before the test. I know its very easy to say but hard to follow but the bottom line is "Be cool and everything will come together in the end"
All the Best!!!
