Not burning out during Step 2 CK

[Ronin786]

I've got a question as far as exam pacing goes. I took Step 1 late last year and I don't recall having much of a burn out issue during the exam. Same went for the practice tests I took.

However, I recently took UWSA for Step 2 and I really made some silly mistakes on the last block. Stuff that I knew but I was just too bored to actually pay attention to. It might have been that I took it after a long day at the hospital and little rest, but I really want to try and cut down on those in the real deal.

I was thinking of doing the real thing in blocks of 2, but I don't know if thats a good idea now. Anybody have any tips to stay fresh all the way through block 8? Or does the adrenaline of the test and anxiety usually help keep you concentrated?

Thanks.

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[Stellar Clouds]

Take breaks often. CK is much more grueling than step 1. Take a 2 or 3 min break after every block, and then towards the end take longer breaks to eat and just flat out relax.

 

[Ronin786]

I think I finished Step 1 with using only 10-15 minutes of total break time. Doubt thats a good idea here.

 

[CDI]

I think I finished Step 1 with using only 10-15 minutes of total break time. Doubt thats a good idea here.

Are you human?

 

[Ronin786]

Are you human?

Well, the Prometric center I go to doesnt take any time at all in checking you in and out, and the break room is just outside the computer lab.

So basically I would get off the computer step outside, use the bathroom/drink a cup of water and go back in. And I probably did that like 3 or 4 times across the 7 blocks. Maybe a bit closer to 25 than 15 though if I actually sit and calculate it.

 

[CDI]

Well, the Prometric center I go to doesnt take any time at all in checking you in and out, and the break room is just outside the computer lab.

So basically I would get off the computer step outside, use the bathroom/drink a cup of water and go back in. And I probably did that like 3 or 4 times across the 7 blocks. Maybe a bit closer to 25 than 15 though if I actually sit and calculate it.

Ours is pretty similar I guess. I guess I just needed the entire break to keep sane.

 

[drk]

For my Step 1 I still had an hour of break time left at the end of the exam. I did use 15 mins or so of break time but I finished a couple blocks early so I ended up still having an entire 58 minutes or so left for break. I took a break every 2 blocks and found that was ideal for me. First break was just to go to the bathroom quickly and get a drink. Second break I ate some sugary foods but was still back in the exam within 10 minutes. Third break was similar to the first, finished off some food/drinks then back in the exam within 5minutes. The last block seemed like a breeze as it was the odd block where I didn't have to take 2 blocks at once.

I think the best way to approach it is just how you feel at the end of a block. If you have to go to the bathroom, obviously you should take a break as you don't want to be holding it in for an hour disturbing your concentration. I think rhythm is important so if your in the rhythm of answering questions and you don't really need a break(not hungry thirsty or needing to use the bathroom), just keep going, for some people that may be 1 block, 2 blocks or even 3 blocks. I think making a break count is what is the most important thing also. Sitting around is pointless. Get your eat on, or drink on, or pee on, or go for a short swift walk(I did this while eating) just to get a little freshened up then get back to hitting the exam. I read a post somewhere about a guy who did laps around his building to get freshened up 😛 Another was doing jumping jacks in the prometric center haha.