My step 1 ambitions, crushed

[schmartdoc]

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I've been dealing with a lot of post traumatic stress the last month. It's a shame that A couple of weeks ago I had a breakthrough where I started feeling good again and motivated to study. I would get these kind of averages on UWORLD:
Micro, Immuno: 80 percent
Pathology, Biolchemistry 50-65 percent
Anatomy, Embryology: 50-60 percent
Physiology: 40-50 percent

Then I took UWSA 1, and got 195. I studied FA rigorously and did more UWORLD practice questions, and improved on physiology.

I got really happy, and then took NBME 6. I scored a 240. I was so sad, it ruined my day.

I really don't know what to do. I still have UWSA 2 left which I haven't activated. Dreaming of a 230 + and talking to other (supportive) people who have been though this exam has help me cope with a lot of the stress. But if it doesn't become a reality, and I just barely pass the exam or fail, that owuld definately be a disaster.

 

[calvnandhobbs68]

Is this a joke or something? Didn't you just say that you got a 240 on that NBME? And that you're aiming for over a 230?

 

[hrain]

Is this a joke or something? Didn't you just say that you got a 240 on that NBME? And that you're aiming for over a 230?

I assume he meant CBSSA score of 240, which (depending on the NBME) is ~ 160 Step 1 approximation...

 

[lyth0s]

Maybe he meant to type "204"?

 

[Jamiu22]

Maybe he meant to type "204"?

Maybe he meant 140...just saying...


Either way, the OP doesn't have time to start worrying - pull up your boot straps... and get to work. YOU CAN DO THIS!!!! we all can.

 

[hrain]

OP, do you have a date set for your exam yet? How long have you been studying, and how long do you have left? The poster above me is right, you can definitely do it. Here's hoping we all can!

I'd say keep hitting your weakest points in FA. If you're weak in Pathology, I'm a huge proponent of Pathoma and listening to Goljan audio while doing other stuff (driving, working out, whatever...but don't just sit and listen, that's not necessary).

If it's physio that's your weakest point, maybe read through BRS physio if you have time. Some of the details in there are probably overkill for Step 1, but they could help you put together pieces that you haven't quite gotten to connect yet. Pathoma actually does that quite a bit for physio, too, even though it's primarily a path source.

And as for Anatomy/Embryo...not really sure about that one. They're both a lot of pure memorization, I guess, and note cards always work well for me with that (but not everyone).

Anyway, good luck! I'd say just make sure you have a very thorough knowledge (it definitely sounds like you're getting there), and then try to take a few more NBMEs so that you get used to the stress of it. If the knowledge is there, and it's stress and other stuff getting in your way, it might just help to practice practice practice. Desensitization, all that jazz.

Hope it goes well!

 

[calvnandhobbs68]

I assume he meant CBSSA score of 240, which (depending on the NBME) is ~ 160 Step 1 approximation...

Ah that would explain it.

 

[tortuga87]

You have to study like crazy

If you have a psychiatric issue, then get it checked out

Step 1 is hard, med school is hard, you have to just take it in the butt and keep on chugging along

 

[WarriorMD]

You have to study like crazy

If you have a psychiatric issue, then get it checked out

Step 1 is hard, med school is hard, you have to just take it in the butt and keep on chugging along

More USMLE review programs need re-iterate this point. Until you have reached this level of dedication succeeding will prove to be very difficult.

 

[schmartdoc]

I am working through my problem, but still want to complete this exam more or less in the time frame I had originally planned. I might have to delay my exam by a couple of weeks. Yes, the 240 was on the cbssa scale not the actual 3 digit one.

 

[hrain]

I am working through my problem, but still want to complete this exam more or less in the time frame I had originally planned. I might have to delay my exam by a couple of weeks. Yes, the 240 was on the cbssa scale not the actual 3 digit one.

You still haven't said when your exam is. How long do you have?