What should students do who have no more NBMEs or UWASs left to assess their progress and their exam is a month away? Is it good idea to redo a NBME that they haven't gone over the answers of?
No more NBMEs or UWAS left to take?
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Yes. If you haven't gone over the answers and you took it a while ago, I think it's fine to retake an NBME. Just keep in mind that there may be some bias in your score. I retook 15 because it was the diagnostic test we took through my school before our dedicated study time, so I had taken it several months before and never reviewed the answers.
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Yeah, I guess redo them and look over answers. But, why would you do them all a month before the test. Maybe you can find the older ones NBME 1-6 offline. Unless you have done those too.
Have you completed all of UW as well?
Have you completed all of UW as well?
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Redo the ones you did the earliest, but be aware that you will remember answers to some of them even if you don't consciously think so (unless you took them >6 months ago and have a bad memory). That's going to affect their value as prediction and assessment tools. Of course there is the question as to why you already took 8 self assessments when you're still a month out, but the answer won't change your options. Though the offline NBMEs are an option, they are not going to be great predictors either because they don't match the current content and style of the Step 1. On a general note, more questions are always good.
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I wouldn't do them again. Personally, going over UWorld incorrects or just general UWorld questions would be best. You can set up a NBME-style block.
Also, be sure to take that Free 150 question test. If you're desperate then there are two Kaplan Full Length tests you can pick up but they're different from the NBME style of questions.
Also, be sure to take that Free 150 question test. If you're desperate then there are two Kaplan Full Length tests you can pick up but they're different from the NBME style of questions.
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Maybe cool off on the practice tests for a while, especially if you are including the early offline NBME's as ones you have taken. If retaking the NBME's is free, then do whatever you please. If you have to pay another $60 then I would consider Kaplan tests or a different QBank instead. Save the Free 150 for 1-2 weeks right before the test.
But seriously, practice tests are better used as you near the test date. Cool off.
But seriously, practice tests are better used as you near the test date. Cool off.
The NBMEs are a one off thing. You take it and you get a report and that's it. If you want to take it again, you need to pay again.
But yeah, these practice tests are used to get you used to the test itself, the style of questions, and the environment. It's not a learning tool. Use UW, Kaplan, or USMLERx QBanks for learning questions.
But yeah, these practice tests are used to get you used to the test itself, the style of questions, and the environment. It's not a learning tool. Use UW, Kaplan, or USMLERx QBanks for learning questions.
I have 2 left and I was thinking if I use them up in 2 weeks and the exam is a month away what other options will I have. As you guys said I might turn a qbank into an assessment. Qmax- doesn't seem like a good option maybe kaplan.
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