NBME Practice test?

[Ilovelamp5]

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Hey all

So I have done a LOT of the USMLE World questions (75%) and am reading First Aid but have only gotten through half of it. I was thinking about doing the NBME practice test. I take Step II in two weeks. Do you guys think the NBME practice tests are a good use of my time? I don't know if I should spend time doing that, or studying more/doing UW questions?

 

[manning18]

The NBME tests can be useful. I think they're actually MORE useful when one does POORLY on them, b/c it shows the examinee that he/she is not preparing effectively. I am glad I took them, as I bombed the 1st two and postponed my test. I did OK on the real exam, though the result might have been much worse had I not taken the NBME exams. I skipped the 3rd NBME exam, b/c I needed to take CK rain or shine. It's worth taking one. If you're unsure about interpreting your score (despite the conversion table), you can ask about it on this site.

 

[Ilovelamp5]

And one more question, is the free NBME test just as helpful as the $45 ones? Are they the same type of thing? Thanks so much!!!

 

[manning18]

If the free NBME test is the released items (150, or 3 blocks, at least for Step 1) then the answer is NO. I know they were WAY too easy for Step 1 and my friend said they were just as easy (if not easier) for CK. I think he said he scored around 90% on these items, which is way higher than almost all of us will score on CK. If you're going to use a test as a gauge, I would recommend the purchased one(s).

 

[nykka3]

Of the various paid NBME tests for CK which ones are easier or harder or more predictive?

 

[MeowMix]

I think the 150 free are fine, since you need questions from more than 1 source. Use these for a self-esteem boost after NBME #2 (harder) or NBME #1 (easier, but still harder than the 150 free).