Need help/advice

[RLSGrasshopper]

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Hey guys, I'm new to this forum. I really need advice. I am using UWorld as a learning tool, but I really need to know what I maybe doing wrong. I did my first NBME (Form 7) yesterday and scored a 179 correlate to STEP 1. Now, I am averaging, somedays in the low 40's on my UWorld random block, and then on good days mid 60's. What do you guys recommend me doing to improve my score. BTW, my sleep schedule is way off, and I don't know if this may be an issue or what. Anyway, any advice and pointers would help.

 

[IndiaInk567]

The UWorld questions are VERY difficult. They say 60% or something is the average. I get killed on those questions but I learn something from every one. Not sure if this helps but I say keep going, your scores will improve.

 

[RLSGrasshopper]

Thanks for the encouragement. To add, I've been self studying for close to a year now, ever since I've left the Caribbean. Nevertheless, advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[IMdoc2015]

UWorld is definitely an important part of your preparation but it shouldn't be the only part. I suggest students use resources like BRS physio and pathoma to learn physio / path, which are two of the bigger areas tested on step 1, make flashcards to help learn micro and pharmacology, and then reinforce all of that with questions (while obviously still reviewing the explanation and wrong answer choices). Also, I think only doing random blocks is counterproductive because if you are jumping for instance from a neuro question to a GI question to a biostats question etc then your mind will be scattered and you miss opportunities to make connections among the same block. Some people disagree with me but I think it is best to do most of your question sets focused on specific systems (reinforcing material you studied) in order to better help you learn the material. As you get closer to your test date you can switch to random blocks to help you gain stamina, work on test skills, and make connections across systems.

 

[Transposony]

The problem in doing specific topics is that your brain is tuned into that topic so you don't think "outside the box".

 

[RLSGrasshopper]

Actually, you [IMdoc2015] & a close friend gave me the same advice. I have been doing random blocks for a while now, and haven't gained much. I guess it is time for me to "reinforce" the knowledge I've already attained, and strengthen my weak points per system [ie. pulmonary, renal, neuro, etc.]. So I'm going to start using my Kaplan QBank for subject/system review. Any advce would be greatly appreciated.

 

[RLSGrasshopper]

Update: So I have been supplementing my Kaplan QBank to do subject based review and started doing Goljan audio. Man, it helped out alot. My scores have been slowly improving on UWorld, given that I do a random timed blocked once in a while to gauge my learning. So far, I will say this much, Dr. Raymon for Pharm (Kaplan or Becker) & Goljan for Path has been the best so far. Given my ADHD, sitting through a monotone Sattar (Pathoma) barely helped. It was just good to get a general picture (for me). But Goljan has been really good for intergration. Hope this post helps others. Restless-Leg-Syndrome Grasshopper out