NBDE I - Questions

[NMC2010]

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(Re-posted this from the Dental section since it's pretty dead there.)

Hey guys, I checked in the NBDE section and it seemed aimed at answering study questions. I just have some general questions about the exam you could hopefully help me out with. If there's a good place I could go, please post a URL. Here's what I've got so far:

- How are students ranked with NBDE scores if they are now pass/fail, not scaled?

- If there is still some sort of scoring system, what is it? What is a good score?

- I am currently a D1. Will the NBDE I be updated before I take it at the end of my D2 year?

- What study materials are available for NBDE I? Which are generally considered the best?

- How long do students usually study for NBDE I? Should I start now?

If there's anything else big I should know, please tell me/direct me to the proper source. Thanks for your time!

 

[y3nd0]

I don't have concrete answers to your questions... but this is what is very possible.

1. I believe the NBDE is *still* scored. If you fail the exam, the score report will come with section scores so you know what you need to work on. I know your school will receive the scores as well if you fail the exam, not sure if they receive them if you pass.

2. I think a passing score is around 75%. (75/99 points).

3. Not sure about any updates to the NBDE. I haven't heard of any, though. It's only a year away before you take it though... I imagine a new exam would take longer to roll out.

4. I've seen "First Aid" books before, but I hear the best prepping tool for the NBDE are the Dental Decks. They're essentially flashcards that come in a HUGE box. About $250, I think.

5. Since you plan on taking it your second year, I don't think you would need to study now. My school expects that we take it the summer of our first year. We don't even take biochemistry and 1 other class that is covered on the boards, yet the D2's I have spoken to say they study for about 1 month to 1.5 months. Summer vacation starts mid-June and many take it before August so they can enjoy the rest of their vacation. I imagine this takes great discipline and a strict study schedule.

I'm a D1 as well, but this is what I know. Anyone who knows better, feel free to correct me!

 

[NMC2010]

Much appreciated y3nd0, thanks! Looks like I don't have to start prepping for them quite yet 🙂

 

[sjv]

- How are students ranked with NBDE scores if they are now pass/fail, not scaled?

In regards to what specifically? If for specialty applications, the NDBE is simply not a factor anymore for those without a score and everything else is given more weight (grades, recommendations, interview, ECs, research, externships, GRE/CBSE, etc.).