Official 2011 USMLE Step 1 Experiences and Scores Thread

[ProtossCarrier]

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Hello everyone. I am a second year who will write the exam in June 2011. Meanwhile let this be a good thread where everyone share their study progress and recent trend of the exam.

 

[RadOncRocks]

To those who have taken the actual test:

Can you cross out answers like on the Kaplan Qbank? Or not like on UWorld?

 

[What up doc]

To those who have taken the actual test:

Can you cross out answers like on the Kaplan Qbank? Or not like on UWorld?

Yes, you can cross out answers on the real deal...

 

[hands]

To those who have taken the actual test:

Can you cross out answers like on the Kaplan Qbank? Or not like on UWorld?

you can cross out answers on UWorld.
just highlight the answer choice and it'll cross out.

 

[DRJJ1]

so i'm in a dilemma. I wanted to do 92 questions/day. Great, i can do that, and my endurance for doing random, timed questions is pretty good. What i can't do is go through the explanations and answer choices quickly. This is where i'm hurting. I'm spending hours (4-5 hours) per block! Going meticulously through the explanations and every answer choice. It's killing me slowly and depleting my momentum for beating other information i need to go over into my head. I was going to try and do 4 blocks/day that way i could get everything annotated in about 1.5 weeks with whatever questions i have left (about 1500) that way i could use the rest of the time to just focus on memorizing material and connecting concepts.

So i moved it to 1 block/day but now i have to figure out how to look through all the explanations for each right or wrong answer choice. My intent is to score 240+. I've decided to maybe try going through the answer choices of 23 questions of the 46 block right away and leaving the other 23 to go through later at night. The other option is to quickly write down each answer in outline format and look at it at the very end when i'm done with the question bank.

This issue has put a real wedge in my study plan because i ultimately want a high score but i have no idea if the extra detail in world is what gets you the high score or if banging out rrpath, brs phys, and fa get you the higher score. From what i've read here, some people say to use world to learn how they ask questions on the step and others have stated to go through the explanations. I feel like really the only thing i should be reading is the educational objective.

If you guys have some helpful suggestions, let me know. Started last week and am 50%.

endurance,,,no problem since you ll be so high on adrenaline you won t even notice 8 hrs gone by

 

[RadOncRocks]

you can cross out answers on UWorld.
just highlight the answer choice and it'll cross out.

Hey thanks! On the Kaplan Qbank, all you do is click the answer choice over the words and it crosses out.

 

[warriordoc911]

I have my exam May 3rd and I'm just reviewing Pharm, Micro, immuno, and Biochem and on monday I will be going over RR path pictures and listen to Dr.Goljan's audio. I'm not reviewing any questions for now but I plan on doing 10Qs the morning of the exam to start up the thinking process.

How are you guys spending your last few study days? Reviewing missed questions in UW or just solely focusing on FA? I've got 4 solid days before the real deal.



Try listening to soundtracks (without words). I can read first aid and not go crazy after hours in a silent room.

 

[mednsports]

What's up. Just took the test a couple of days ago...just wanted to give you guys my opinion on the test since this website has helped me so much. First of all let me give you my practice test scores. I don't remember exactly but here goes:
Usmleworld: average=75% (percentile=83rd); lowest score=60% (first one); highest score=86%; last 10 random blocks=84%; completed=86%; all random blocks (except for a few biochem/micro/neuro/pharm right before the exam to help with my weak topics)

World exam 1/2: >250....cant remember the exact score (4/3 weeks before the test respectively)

NMBE 7: 247 (2 weeks before the test)

free 150: 97% (2 days before the test)

School predicted score (based off of MCAT, practice NBME and medical school grades)=242

I used mostly First Aid and Usmleworld. I also supplemented Goljan rapid review path in stuff I felt weak in. We only had 4 weeks of true step 1 studying bc our classes ended March 28th and we had to have sat for step 1 by the time we started 3rd year, which was today.

Anyway, I thought the best prep for step one was 1st and 2nd year classes. I know that is cliche and what all our advisors tell us but it is true.

Also, if I could do it over again, I would only use first aid and usmle world. At the beginning I felt like I tried to use to many resources and memorize every minute detail and I feel like that slowed me down a little. I would also heavily recommend a quick anatomy review text. First aid/usmleworld is definitely not enough and I felt like I had ALOT of anatomy...and I was pretty much relying on what I learned in medical school. Also had a lot of weird biostats and ethics.

I also had at least three of the EXACT same questions that were on NBME 7 or the free 150...cant remember which one guys sorry.

The test was what I expected I guess. Definitely harder than all of my prep tests. In order of accuracy I would have to say free 150<world exam 2< world exam 1<nbme 7<usmleworld. A lot of random questions that I never saw in first aid or usmleworld and I couldn't believe they actually asked. But there were also a lot of questions that were so simple I couldn't believe they were on the exam.

Overall I have no idea how I did on the exam. I definitely did not feel as confident as I wanted to walking out. With that said, I know I busted my ass for 7 weeks and I couldn't have tried any harder. If I had studied for 7 more weeks it wouldn't have helped me with some of the questions on the exam. Ill let you guys know when I get my score back. Good luck to all of you that are about to take the exam. Keep working hard...work as hard as you can bc you dont want to have any regrets. It's an awesome feeling when youre done. If you have any questions I would be glad to help.

 

[raynor123456]

UW2 and NBME 6 had a 30 point difference....but honestly I thought nbme6 was a terrible test. And the curve is really steep. I was also sick as a dog when i took it.


I took NBME 7 today and there was only a 10 point difference. I thought nbme 7 was pretty well done...good distribution of questions, very few one liners, long question stems that made you think conceptually (for the most part).

Awesome, thanks for your input! Just out of curiosity, does that mean that NBME7 was 10pts lower than your Uworld? If so, do you think it's simply b/c uworld is easier?

Thx.

 

[Master Deep]

Heres an exam experience for ya

I got to prometric, finger printed, got my picture taken and everything 2 days ago. Sat down was nervous as hell, Started the test and did 10 qs... and thats it Tornado came, power went out... we went and hid. I just got my power back on RIGHT NOW. I thought i was gonna be free, but here i am not even scheduled to take Step 1 since i lost my eligibility since i started the exam. This sucks so bad... all my after step plans ruined and i really dont want to study anymore 😡

 

[512TA]

To those who have taken the actual test:

Can you cross out answers like on the Kaplan Qbank? Or not like on UWorld?

the real test is exactly like UW. no difference.
infact the questions are also the same way. i do not think they are any easier.

 

[iA-MD2013]

Heres an exam experience for ya

I got to prometric, finger printed, got my picture taken and everything 2 days ago. Sat down was nervous as hell, Started the test and did 10 qs... and thats it Tornado came, power went out... we went and hid. I just got my power back on RIGHT NOW. I thought i was gonna be free, but here i am not even scheduled to take Step 1 since i lost my eligibility since i started the exam. This sucks so bad... all my after step plans ruined and i really dont want to study anymore 😡

Aww I am so sorry! It will all work out and you will get this over with soon. Take a well-deserved break today 🙂

 

[kingofthehill]

Also, if I could do it over again, I would only use first aid and usmle world. At the beginning I felt like I tried to use to many resources and memorize every minute detail and I feel like that slowed me down a little. I would also heavily recommend a quick anatomy review text. First aid/usmleworld is definitely not enough and I felt like I had ALOT of anatomy...and I was pretty much relying on what I learned in medical school. Also had a lot of weird biostats and ethics.

Thanks for the input. What do you recommend as an anatomy review text? Is BRS too much? What about embryology, was first aid sufficient for that? These are my two weakest subjects for sure and would like to know.

Heres an exam experience for ya

I got to prometric, finger printed, got my picture taken and everything 2 days ago. Sat down was nervous as hell, Started the test and did 10 qs... and thats it Tornado came, power went out... we went and hid. I just got my power back on RIGHT NOW. I thought i was gonna be free, but here i am not even scheduled to take Step 1 since i lost my eligibility since i started the exam. This sucks so bad... all my after step plans ruined and i really dont want to study anymore 😡

That's terrible! I've been hearing about the tornadoes on the news. Sorry! Surely they'll open up an exam date specially for the people in your group to re-take it quickly.

 

[RapplixGmed]

Heres an exam experience for ya

I got to prometric, finger printed, got my picture taken and everything 2 days ago. Sat down was nervous as hell, Started the test and did 10 qs... and thats it Tornado came, power went out... we went and hid. I just got my power back on RIGHT NOW. I thought i was gonna be free, but here i am not even scheduled to take Step 1 since i lost my eligibility since i started the exam. This sucks so bad... all my after step plans ruined and i really dont want to study anymore 😡

Wow that REALLY sucks that that happened to you. At least you're safe. Does this mean that when you reschedule it'll have to be during 3rd year?

Where in the US are you?

 

[RySerr21]

Awesome, thanks for your input! Just out of curiosity, does that mean that NBME7 was 10pts lower than your Uworld? If so, do you think it's simply b/c uworld is easier?

Thx.

Yea my NBME 7 was 10 points lower. No, I dont think its b/ it was easier. I think UWorld has the more difficult questions - the curves are just different. I can only go with what people here have said, which is that the NBMEs are more accurate than Uworld. Maybe uworld feels they need to make their curve more generous b/c their questions are harder? I dunno. I mean, a 10 point range for prediction isn't really that bad if you think about it.

 

[Master Deep]

Ive been calling NBME like crazy because i have to get a new scheduling permit, but they arent helping very much. One lady said "they are working on it" and it might be 2 weeks before i can even pick a date.
I was supposed to go out of town next week, so im just praying maybe they will let me schedule next week and ill just drive to any prometric that has an open spot even if its like 3 hrs away.

 

[bbydoc]

Im in Chattanooga TN

Ive been calling NBME like crazy because i have to get a new scheduling permit, but they arent helping very much. One lady said "they are working on it" and it might be 2 weeks before i can even pick a date.
I was supposed to go out of town next week, so im just praying maybe they will let me schedule next week and ill just drive to any prometric that has an open spot even if its like 3 hrs away.

soo sorry to hear about your experience!
I keep my fingers crossed for you! Hope you will get a slot.

 

[UVAbme2009]

you thought the UW exams were easier than the NBME exams? Interesting...i think the exact opposite. Ive done better on the UW exams score wise, but in terms of questions i thought they were waaay harder than any NBME questions. I miss questions on the NBMEs not b/c they were difficult conceptual questions (like UW), but b/c they ask some stupid one liner question on a biochemical enzyme, not related to a clincial presentation. Very few one liners in the UW exams.. Now whether or not they predcit your score accurately is another story. Congrats on the score btw.

I never actually did the NBME exams (which I sort of regret). But I did think the UW exams were easier compared to the UW practice questions and just easy in general.

The UW practice questions are the most realistic representation of the actual exam if you ask me.

 

[Bob101]

...

 

[ar2388]

hey guys, is reading HY behav sci worth it? shooting for 240+ but FA behav sci seems to be good and i was wondering if there is any reason to supplement with HY?

looks like im gonna have to wait until july 13 to see if im gonna get a tattoo or not to celebrate breaking a 240 hahahahaa

 

[priam18]

So.. I could use some advice here guys.

I keep seeing these posts about people that did preliminary assessments and scored very well, and are starting their USMLE studying with 60-70% on Uworld. Um... is that normal? Because my percentage on Uworld is much.. much lower than that. Granted, I've still got 7 weeks of studying to go, but if that's the norm, should I just call it quits right now and become a Walmart greeter*?



*Half-kidding

 

[ar2388]

So.. I could use some advice here guys.

I keep seeing these posts about people that did preliminary assessments and scored very well, and are starting their USMLE studying with 60-70% on Uworld. Um... is that normal? Because my percentage on Uworld is much.. much lower than that. Granted, I've still got 7 weeks of studying to go, but if that's the norm, should I just call it quits right now and become a Walmart greeter*?



*Half-kidding

no its not nromal.. i took a prestudying NBME and got a 390 3 weeks before school ended and 410 right before my dedicated 4 weeks of study time. my uworld starting perentages were in the high 40's and low 50's and are slowly now climbing and im in the 60's range.

 

[hyrule]

So.. I could use some advice here guys.

I keep seeing these posts about people that did preliminary assessments and scored very well, and are starting their USMLE studying with 60-70% on Uworld. Um... is that normal? Because my percentage on Uworld is much.. much lower than that. Granted, I've still got 7 weeks of studying to go, but if that's the norm, should I just call it quits right now and become a Walmart greeter*?



*Half-kidding

doubt that's normal... started with 40s in UW and now in 70s, w/overall average in 60s

 

[ProtossCarrier]

my first 100 question of UW averaged 80, then it all went down hill for about 3 weeks to 62%, then now back up to 67%.

 

[airplanes]

And so it begins.

 

[hyrule]

It's kinda annoying sometimes.. I normally do a first run through of all the UW questions with around 15-20 questions marked with some time left. I "grade" it then just to see what my % is just for the hell of it.. without looking at the answers. I go back and redo the marked questions, improving 15-20% everytime. Kinda scary .. especially considering I will be pressed for time on the real deal :X

 

[michigator04]

my first 100 question of UW averaged 80, then it all went down hill for about 3 weeks to 62%, then now back up to 67%.

I've had some wild swings in scores too. I've had a number of blocks in the 70s, most in the mid-high 60s and a couple in the 50s. Average is sitting at 66 right now, a little less than halfway through UW (did all of Rx first). And to add to the weirdness I did UWSA 1 yesterday and got a 256. Huh?

I'm taking the real deal in 6 days, so I will just have to hope I'm on one of my good days.

 

[ChelseaFC]

score swings would depend on whether or not you are doing the questions in random or subject based. If you are doing it by subjects, it would reflect your weak/ strong subjects. I have the same experience as I have done ~1900 UW questions in subject mode during second year. I started with something like a 30%, then my average slowly creeped up. Over the past 2 months, my scores have been somewhere between 60-80% and my cumulative average is 56%. I took the practice test at Prometric center sometime in March (during spring break) and got a 79% medfriends (or something like that) pegged it to be a 237 with a 17 point error range. I think thats a fluke on my part, but i'll take it. My real exam is June 24. I plan on doing world for a 2nd time (only wrong questions), doing kaplan for 2 weeks (if I can get a free trial), then doing Rx to drill first aid into my brain the rest of the time. Good luck to all of you summer '11ers. Lets rock this beast.

 

[step1saga]

Yes, you can cross out answers on the real deal...

Do you still you the right click to cross out on the real deal?
No highlighting on the real deal right?

 

[ChelseaFC]

Do you still you the right click to cross out on the real deal?
No highlighting on the real deal right?

I believe you can highlight and cross out on the real deal. The FRED V2 interface allows you to do all that.

 

[RySerr21]

anybody know what FA meant when they said

"some stutdents recommend reviewing certain 'theme' topics that tend to recur throughout the exam."


Theres no othe rexplanation or attempt to talk about this anywhere else. Just curious.

 

[tootheye]

score swings would depend on whether or not you are doing the questions in random or subject based. If you are doing it by subjects, it would reflect your weak/ strong subjects. I have the same experience as I have done ~1900 UW questions in subject mode during second year. I started with something like a 30%, then my average slowly creeped up. Over the past 2 months, my scores have been somewhere between 60-80% and my cumulative average is 56%. I took the practice test at Prometric center sometime in March (during spring break) and got a 79% medfriends (or something like that) pegged it to be a 237 with a 17 point error range. I think thats a fluke on my part, but i'll take it. My real exam is June 24. I plan on doing world for a 2nd time (only wrong questions), doing kaplan for 2 weeks (if I can get a free trial), then doing Rx to drill first aid into my brain the rest of the time. Good luck to all of you summer '11ers. Lets rock this beast.

I feel encouraged looking at your post. I started with 30s and and scores( system not random) swing between high 50s to high 70s an occassional 80. My cumulative is 54%. I am through 60%UW at this point. Test is end of June. I get cold feet looking at my average. Good you did well at the practice test. Sure its a matter of encouragement!

 

[ar2388]

is it possible to improve 20 points in 17 days? i got a 216 on UWSA1 on 4/30 after 1 week fo dedicated studying.. need to break 235 or else think of a different residency.. feeling a little discouraged and very scared.. is HY behav sci and H biostats necessary? can i do without them and just go based on FA?
also, i plan on taking a practice test on 5/7.. do you guys think i should take UWSA2 or buy NBME 11 or 12? thanks everyone..

 

[event horizon]

is it possible to improve 20 points in 17 days? i got a 216 on UWSA1 on 4/30 after 1 week fo dedicated studying.. need to break 235 or else think of a different residency.. feeling a little discouraged and very scared.. is HY behav sci and H biostats necessary? can i do without them and just go based on FA?
also, i plan on taking a practice test on 5/7.. do you guys think i should take UWSA2 or buy NBME 11 or 12? thanks everyone..

I think you should take them all if you have the time and money is not an object. You can use UWSA 2 to simulate the exam conditions (combined with another 4-block test) and learn from the questions. The NBMEs are better prognosticators and with the expanded feedback you can look up the answers for yourself. Good luck - you still have time and how much you improve I think depends on how motivated you are.

 

[ar2388]

I think you should take them all if you have the time and money is not an object. You can use UWSA 2 to simulate the exam conditions (combined with another 4-block test) and learn from the questions. The NBMEs are better prognosticators and with the expanded feedback you can look up the answers for yourself. Good luck - you still have time and how much you improve I think depends on how motivated you are.

thanks!
i wish it didnt take so fing long to go over the exams. one block of uworld takes me 3 hours to go voer.

 

[clinicallabguy]

Hey all!!

I'm going in on Wednesday, and I'm feeling a healthy amount of anxiety. I'm sure it will turn out alright though.

However, the last few days I decided to focus on going thoroughly through the questions that I missed in UW and never got to the 150 free questions.

I was planning on looking over some high yield facts tomorrow morning, but now I'm wondering if I should take the free test tomorrow.

What do those of you who have taken the exam think? Take it easy, or do that test? Even if I do it in the morning, I guess I'll have the rest of the day to unwind.

 

[clinicallabguy]

Some other current events related things I would know is:

Why Ribavirin is NOT used for RSV
Why Vioxx was withdrawn
Why potassium iodine protects against nuclear meltdowns

Any other stuff that people can think of?

Why isn't ribavirin used for RSV anymore?

 

[RapplixGmed]

Why isn't ribavirin used for RSV anymore?

From up to date:
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The routine use of nebulized ribavirin in infants and children with RSV LRTI is not recommended. The efficacy of ribavirin in this population has not been clearly proven. In addition, ribavirin is expensive and must be given early in the course to be effective, and there are concerns regarding occupational exposure.

​

A systematic review of randomized trials comparing ribavirin with placebo in infants and children with RSV infection and LRTI found that trials of ribavirin lack sufficient power to provide reliable estimates of the effects. ​

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends against the routine use of ribavirin

​

The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health has published recommendations to reduce the ambient air concentrations of ribavirin and limit occupational exposure to hospital personnel ​

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Basically, ribavirin has not been proven to work and there is sufficient concern that it is a teratogen that they don't want health care workers exposed to the aerosolized version of it anymore. Its not a good idea to be around this stuff if you are or plan on getting pregnant within 6 months.

​

 

[ar2388]

oh no! im worried im catching a cold from all these sniifly, sneezy people in the library... i am 16 days out.. and this would be beyond disastrous. heres to hoping zicam, airborne and lots of tea helps 🙁 🙁 🙁

 

[Mace1370]

oh no! im worried im catching a cold from all these sniifly, sneezy people in the library... i am 16 days out.. and this would be beyond disastrous. heres to hoping zicam, airborne and lots of tea helps 🙁 🙁 🙁

Really hope this is sarcasm, lol.

 

[ar2388]

Really hope this is sarcasm, lol.

heh its not.. im not big on pills. and zicam really works.. at least for me.

not sure what else to do.. donthave a fever, just feeling less than 100% and with a bit of a sore throat.

 

[RadOncRocks]

Really hope this is sarcasm, lol.

Double-blind, placebo controlled studies show that Zicam shortens the length of a cold by an average of 1 day. I never take it because really, whats one day? (Plus I'm not a big fan of the increased risk of anosmia)

That said coming up on Step 1 that 1 day decrease may be the difference between feeling good and bad on test day!

 

[Rollo]

heh its not.. im not big on pills. and zicam really works.. at least for me.

not sure what else to do.. donthave a fever, just feeling less than 100% and with a bit of a sore throat.

Study elsewhere, preferably away from the sick people.

 

[ar2388]

yea i found a isolated room, just with one desk, all to myself lol
i also take the rapidmelts, not the nasal swab which i believe isnt associated with anosmia.

 

[olemissbabydoc]

I love Airborne. Everyone (my pulmonologist included) swears it's a crock, but I've been more well overall since the stuff was made than ever in my life. Any time I feel a little sluggish I start it.

Good luck not getting sick, ar!!

 

[ar2388]

thanks guys!

 

[MossPoh]

Double-blind, placebo controlled studies show that Zicam shortens the length of a cold by an average of 1 day. I never take it because really, whats one day? (Plus I'm not a big fan of the increased risk of anosmia)

That said coming up on Step 1 that 1 day decrease may be the difference between feeling good and bad on test day!

Really, its just the Zinc in it or anything else. You could use the losenges if you wanted to. It also has to be done within 24 hours of onset of symptoms. I usually spend a day trying to decide if I have a cold or not.

Most cold meds are a complete waste of money though. If it makes you think you get better sooner, then more props to you but rest and not going to work are probably the best things one can do.

 

[MossPoh]

So.. I could use some advice here guys.

I keep seeing these posts about people that did preliminary assessments and scored very well, and are starting their USMLE studying with 60-70% on Uworld. Um... is that normal? Because my percentage on Uworld is much.. much lower than that. Granted, I've still got 7 weeks of studying to go, but if that's the norm, should I just call it quits right now and become a Walmart greeter*?



*Half-kidding

A little delayed, but oh well, it is still worth saying that SDN is NOT representative of the average medical school population. Whatever averages for just about anything you see thrown around here, assume it is probably 10ish% higher than what is actually common. I started off with uworld around 60% and had it creep up. Then switched over to Kaplan for a while and am around 70%, but most of my friends are ranging in the 45-50% range, which isn't unexpected and should go up when you start reviewing stuff and remembering more and more.

I've been doing questions for a while, but it is more because I wanted to have the big picture locked down with everything BEFORE I started my individual review since I am god awful at detail oriented stuff.

 

[quepatho]

Day 2 of study plan. I never realized how much I really really hate studying until I decided to ruin my entire vacation with this stupid test. 🙁

How is it ONLY day 2 and I already want to put my head through a door???

 

[RadOncRocks]

Really, its just the Zinc in it or anything else. You could use the losenges if you wanted to. It also has to be done within 24 hours of onset of symptoms. I usually spend a day trying to decide if I have a cold or not.

Most cold meds are a complete waste of money though. If it makes you think you get better sooner, then more props to you but rest and not going to work are probably the best things one can do.

I personally think they are crock, and often refer them as Placebos with my wife. (Which she doesn't appreciate, lol)

I was just citing the literature about the 1 less day of a cold for those interested...

 

[AlexMorph]

Day 2 of study plan. I never realized how much I really really hate studying until I decided to ruin my entire vacation with this stupid test. 🙁

How is it ONLY day 2 and I already want to put my head through a door???

Haha, yeah. I think we all feel that way to an extent. I find that ice cream helps.