Official 2012 Step 1 Experiences and Scores Thread

[amavir281]

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I saw that there was a similar thread for 2011 that had plenty of useful info so I figured its best to start one for 2012. 👍

 

[Kaputt]

Do you guys really think lacoster12 is being serious?

Wow. There should be a Poe's Law equivalent for SDN posters...

 

[thatsmate]

Wow. I'm blown away by how many people got trolled by that guy. The omelet bar was a nice touch though, I was laughing.

 

[Kaputt]

Wow. I'm blown away by how many people got trolled by that guy. The omelet bar was a nice touch though, I was laughing.

The guy's avatar is really good too. Gives you a good mental picture of some yuppie freaking out about the lackluster breakfast

 

[Jack is Back]

Wow. I'm blown away by how many people got trolled by that guy. The omelet bar was a nice touch though, I was laughing.

lol. wow.

I need to stop using this website. So lame + time wasting, lol.

 

[LeverArm]

Do you guys really think lacoster12 is being serious?

Wow. There should be a Poe's Law equivalent for SDN posters...

Haha so true. I never get this vibe from any attending or resident in real life. Be happy with the score you need to go into the field you want, period. I feel like some people here are either liars and/or have serious psych issues of insecurity and use their big scores to compensate. It kind of reminds me of when I used to play arcades type games and I would see someone with that #1 score that is 100x higher than everyone else... pointless but they felt the need to do it.

 

[JustWannaBeAnMD]

Hi ya'll,

first time poster, long time viewer to SDN. So I just got my board score back. I know I shouldn't be complaining but I'm somewhat perturbed. First off, my experience taking the exam was not a good one. I almost got there late which was insane because I even stayed in a hotel the night before just so I could get the morning wake up call, but apparently Marriott phone operators dont like to do their damn job so no wake up call. Then the buffet was awful, the omelet bar wasn't even open. I know it might sound like I'm overreacting but when you dream about these experiences and then it doesnt match up it can really throw you off. Then at the center, there was construction work going on. They stopped after the first ten minutes since os many people complained but getting off to a good start is crucial which is why I was so pissed about my morning experience.

Finally, the test itself was so esoteric. Uworld was somewhat helpful, Goljan not so much. I found Pathoma to be really helpful as well as Harrison's Hematology (just for reference) and Casefiles internal medicine as it really beefed up the basics. Wished I had studied more though. 6 months was definitely not enough. Friggin ethics killed me.

Anyways, I'm hoping a 253 is enough to get my derm residency. Im starting to second guess my chances. Ive been doing everything I can, president of the derm club, read derm journals, and my dad put my name down on some of his research so I've got that covered but it's just so competitive. Ugh, fml. 😡

Guys, this thread is supposed to be about how practice exams compare to the real deal and what the actual experience was like. It shouldn't involve anything about an omelet bar or how your life is over because you only have a 250. Sorry if I sound a little edgy, I'm expecting to get my score on Wed and get a little irritated when I see a post such as this one.

 

[NightFury]

Hi everyone, I used SDN to see how people's scores compared to their practice tests, so I think I will contribute a little. I'm not posting here to be congratulated, I just know that a lot of people find these score comparisons helpful, and I'd rather anonymously share my results.

Total study time = 5.5 weeks
Used pathoma during school year for pathology course which I believe helped significantly, and used DIT, first aid, and Uworld during designated board prep time. My study schedule had me monday through Friday waking up at 6 am, 46 questions block (I did this to get used to being up early, I am NOT a morning person!), gym from 8-9, review explanations until about 12:30, do DIT from about 2-8 or 9, and ideally asleep by 10. Saturday was practice tests and taking a chunk of the afternoon or evening off. I also took a chunk of Sunday off usually. One Sunday I did a COMSAE. I did DIT for 16.5 days I believe. My first week of studying before DIT was self study. Last week and a half after DIT was reading first aid and Uworld questions. I did not get through Uworld once (I think I did about 70% of it)

This is the order I took the tests, one each Saturday.
UWSA1: 226
UWSA2: 242
NBME12: 221
NBME7 (5 days before test): 242
Actual test: 246!

I'm really happy with my score, I'm not sure why some people wouldn't be! I don't think it will shut many doors, if any, which is what I was hoping for 🙂 I do not have my COMLEX score back yet.

I can answer more questions if anyone is interested, otherwise good luck to everyone! One piece of advice I have for those getting ready to take it... In the couple of days before your test, as you are reading through first aid going "oh my god I don't know this! I don't know ANYthing!!" just calm down and trust that your studying and hard work will show. 🙂 It sounds like me and all my good friends had this same freak-out before our test, lol.

 

[Dallas]

Lol, medicine is so heavily based on nepotism. I didn't really realize or understand it until medical school.

You'll be fine, in this field it's better to have a friend/family member in a power position than it is to be good. Most medical students could learn how to be a dermatologist or whatever. Being good isn't nearly as important as your network.

LOL, medicine is alot less nepotistic than other fields, we even have the friggin match. You dont find a system like that for financial internships on wall street or law firms around the country.

 

[Dallas]

The guy's avatar is really good too. Gives you a good mental picture of some yuppie freaking out about the lackluster breakfast

Shoulda had this avatar instead

 

[generalsurg]

Hey all. Got my mark last wednesday, thought I would post back because this thread was very helpful the last few weeks. All in I studied about 7 weeks, here was my progress.

NBME 12: 238 (7 weeks out)
NBME 6: 245 (6 weeks out)
NBME 3: 242 (5 weeks out)
UWSA 1: 258 (4 weeks out)
UWSA 2: 262 (3 weeks out)
NBME 11: 254 (2 weeks out)
NBME 13: 252 (1 week out)
NBME 7: 264 (2 days out)

Actual: 263/ 90

Very happy with my score. Actually came out of the exam feeling like I had done well, but didn't expect that high. Very close to the NBME 13 in terms of difficulty. Like most other posters, Pathoma, UWORLD and First Aid = GOLD. Did UWORLD twice and read through first aid at about 5 times. Got though first aid very fast the last 2 passes. Exam is not that bad, just stick to a few sources and don't spread yourself too thin. Cheers.😀

 

[Boardz]

Hey all. Got my mark last wednesday, thought I would post back because this thread was very helpful the last few weeks. All in I studied about 7 weeks, here was my progress.

NBME 12: 238 (7 weeks out)
NBME 6: 245 (6 weeks out)
NBME 3: 242 (5 weeks out)
UWSA 1: 258 (4 weeks out)
UWSA 2: 262 (3 weeks out)
NBME 11: 254 (2 weeks out)
NBME 13: 252 (1 week out)
NBME 7: 264 (2 days out)

Actual: 263/ 90

Very happy with my score. Actually came out of the exam feeling like I had done well, but didn't expect that high. Very close to the NBME 13 in terms of difficulty. Like most other posters, Pathoma, UWORLD and First Aid = GOLD. Did UWORLD twice and read through first aid at about 5 times. Got though first aid very fast the last 2 passes. Exam is not that bad, just stick to a few sources and don't spread yourself too thin. Cheers.😀

thank you for this. I'm on my second pass of uworld and doing about 91-95 percent. first pass 76. started doing kaplan blocks but i'm gonna stop after this one. I just feel like I have too many resources for the last week or so. Imma stick to uworld 2nd pass, first aid and pathoma for like the 3rd time.

 

[Belleza156]

LOL, medicine is alot less nepotistic than other fields, we even have the friggin match. You dont find a system like that for financial internships on wall street or law firms around the country.

True there is a good amount of fairness that goes into play when landing a residency. But don't be fooled into thinking that some people don't fix it so that the match goes into their favor, with no surprises. I know of a few people who had confirmation that they were accepted into their residency before match results ever came out, and they didnt do a prematch. Just had the right connections.

 

[Phloston]

True there is a good amount of fairness that goes into play when landing a residency. But don't be fooled into thinking that some people don't fix it so that the match goes into their favor, with no surprises. I know of a few people who had confirmation that they were accepted into their residency before match results ever came out, and they didnt do a prematch. Just had the right connections.

How did they establish those connections?

Visiting clerkships?

 

[Phloston]

Hey all. Got my mark last wednesday, thought I would post back because this thread was very helpful the last few weeks. All in I studied about 7 weeks, here was my progress.

NBME 12: 238 (7 weeks out)
NBME 6: 245 (6 weeks out)
NBME 3: 242 (5 weeks out)
UWSA 1: 258 (4 weeks out)
UWSA 2: 262 (3 weeks out)
NBME 11: 254 (2 weeks out)
NBME 13: 252 (1 week out)
NBME 7: 264 (2 days out)

Actual: 263/ 90

Very happy with my score. Actually came out of the exam feeling like I had done well, but didn't expect that high. Very close to the NBME 13 in terms of difficulty. Like most other posters, Pathoma, UWORLD and First Aid = GOLD. Did UWORLD twice and read through first aid at about 5 times. Got though first aid very fast the last 2 passes. Exam is not that bad, just stick to a few sources and don't spread yourself too thin. Cheers.😀

What did you do during the final week (or two)?

Mainly hardcore re-memorize FA? Or were you splitting it 70/30 FA/questions, for instance?

Please be specific.

 

[Jack is Back]

What did you do during the final week (or two)?

Mainly hardcore re-memorize FA? Or were you splitting it 70/30 FA/questions, for instance?

Please be specific.

Hey p. Grow a sack and take the exam. You're like the guy with a crush on a girl that takes 6 months to ask her out. This year long prep is ridiculous. If.you have a 250 then go through world and satchel up or get the f out of here! Not serious about the last part but come on man. Get some courage.

You're ruining it for IMGs every where. Realize lots of good students will tell the story about the img with year long prep in their departments. This looks bad. Like a nervous female. Grow a pair bro! Out of love...

 

[weightlifter911]

👍

Hey p. Grow a sack and take the exam. You're like the guy with a crush on a girl that takes 6 months to ask her out. This year long prep is ridiculous. If.you have a 250 then go through world and satchel up or get the f out of here! Not serious about the last part but come on man. Get some courage.

You're ruining it for IMGs every where. Realize lots of good students will tell the story about the img with year long prep in their departments. This looks bad. Like a nervous female. Grow a pair bro! Out of love...

 

[Phloston]

I'm just not ready yet, and I'm not a shy guy if we were to ever meet, believe me. Despite there never being guarantees in life, I want to walk into the testing centre already certain that I'll hit my target range, rather than just hoping for it. On the other hand, I recognize that extended prep does not correspond to a raw score increase. I'm well aware of the fact that people on here will augment their scores considerably in just a few weeks, but it's a gamble (i.e. a fluctuation of several points) depending on the random form ultimately received. In turn, the gains over the next several months will be more potential energy rather than kinetic, and I'm acknowledging that my score 2 months from now is likely very close to what my score will be at the end of the year. I enjoy the material, whereas I believe many people just find it onerous, and I'm a person who obsesses over knowing every detail, even if they have absolutely no relevance to clinical practice. So in turn, I'm doing this for more than just the score.

 

[Phloston]

Oh, and Weightlifter911, I'm glad you're giving thumbs-up to someone's quote about growing balls, because IIRC, exogenous androgens shrink your....

(sorry, just couldn't help myself)

 

[Jack is Back]

I'm just not ready yet, and I'm not a shy guy if we were to ever meet, believe me. Despite there never being guarantees in life, I want to walk into the testing centre already certain that I'll hit my target range, rather than just hoping for it. On the other hand, I recognize that extended prep does not correspond to a raw score increase. I'm well aware of the fact that people on here will augment their scores considerably in just a few weeks, but it's a gamble (i.e. a fluctuation of several points) depending on the random form ultimately received. In turn, the gains over the next several months will be more potential energy rather than kinetic, and I'm acknowledging that my score 2 months from now is likely very close to what my score will be at the end of the year. I enjoy the material, whereas I believe many people just find it onerous, and I'm a person who obsesses over knowing every detail, even if they have absolutely no relevance to clinical practice. So in turn, I'm doing this for more than just the score.

I put this post into Google translator....

I'm scared. Excuse. Excuse. I'm scared. Excuse.

Obssessing over every detail is just fear. If you really did that naturally you wouldn't be an img and would be at a top school now. No offense to imgs but it sounds like you tried to get into a us school.

 

[Brotato]

Oh, and Weightlifter911, I'm glad you're giving thumbs-up to someone's quote about growing balls, because IIRC, exogenous androgens shrink your....

(sorry, just couldn't help myself)

I don't like how USMLE is drilling stereotypes into our minds. "weightlifter" in a vignette = automatic steroid user. "Slender female" = anorexia/bulimia. "African american" = HTN, Sickle Cell, or Sarcoid.

 

[Phloston]

Obssessing over every detail is just fear. If you really did that naturally you wouldn't be an img and would be at a top school now. No offense to imgs but it sounds like you tried to get into a us school.

UQ is actually the only school I applied to. I guess that defenestrates your psychoanalyses.

 

[Brotato]

UQ is actually the only school I applied to. I guess that defenestrates your psychoanalyses.

I take it UQ must be considered a big deal in Australia?

 

[greatwall11]

whose business is it if this guy wants to spend a lot of time studying? It's not like he's wasting your time (unless you insist on writing long rants to him online).

 

[Jack is Back]

UQ is actually the only school I applied to. I guess that defenestrates your psychoanalyses.

It actually makes a lot of sense. Only apply there. Only take step after 1year prep. I just thought you would have tried applying to a good school (esp. Since youre obsessed with landing a residency at one) but this does make even more sense. Only try what you're guaranteed. Zero risk. No balls no failure. Play it safe. Always win.

 

[heroes31]

Hey all. Got my mark last wednesday, thought I would post back because this thread was very helpful the last few weeks. All in I studied about 7 weeks, here was my progress.

NBME 12: 238 (7 weeks out)
NBME 6: 245 (6 weeks out)
NBME 3: 242 (5 weeks out)
UWSA 1: 258 (4 weeks out)
UWSA 2: 262 (3 weeks out)
NBME 11: 254 (2 weeks out)
NBME 13: 252 (1 week out)
NBME 7: 264 (2 days out)

Actual: 263/ 90

Very happy with my score. Actually came out of the exam feeling like I had done well, but didn't expect that high. Very close to the NBME 13 in terms of difficulty. Like most other posters, Pathoma, UWORLD and First Aid = GOLD. Did UWORLD twice and read through first aid at about 5 times. Got though first aid very fast the last 2 passes. Exam is not that bad, just stick to a few sources and don't spread yourself too thin. Cheers.😀

Thanks for your post. These are the resources I plan on using for studying. I was just wondering when you started your first pass through UWorld. My school offers free Kaplan Q-bank so wondering if I should just work on that Q-bank during M2 classes and wait to do Uworld until my dedicated study period. Also when did you complete your first pass through FA? Thanks

 

[Jack is Back]

whose business is it if this guy wants to spend a lot of time studying? It's not like he's wasting your time (unless you insist on writing long rants to him online).

You're right. I will leave him be. This doesn't bug me but its like being in the gym with some kid lifting weights all wrong. You feel bad for him because he looks so pathetic. You think maybe if someone gives him some pointers he could turn it around. But alas it's not your business. You say something once or twice but the kid just keeps on making the same mistakes so you let him be.

Hope you do well p. Doesn't mean much with 1 year prep but whatever works. Med school is super easy when you get 5-10 times the time. That's easier than undergrad even.

But no one would care if he wasn't being such a loud dbag... 250. I'm disappointed. As the 1st post on this page says, f that guy. Well, when you call attention to yourself constantly it's annoying. And his 10 new threads each day. Stop advertising to the world and use f'ing Google.

 

[thatsmate]

You're right. I will leave him be. This doesn't bug me but its like being in the gym with some kid lifting weights all wrong. You feel bad for him because he looks so pathetic. You think maybe if someone gives him some pointers he could turn it around. But alas it's not your business. You say something once or twice but the kid just keeps on making the same mistakes so you let him be.

Hope you do well p. Doesn't mean much with 1 year prep but whatever works. Med school is super easy when you get 5-10 times the time. That's easier than undergrad even.

But no one would care if he wasn't being such a loud dbag... 250. I'm disappointed. As the 1st post on this page says, f that guy. Well, when you call attention to yourself constantly it's annoying. And his 10 new threads each day. Stop advertising to the world and use f'ing Google.

Sit down, kid. I don't know why you have a problem with phloston, but he's one of the best and most consistent posters here. He asks good questions and works hard to get the most info about the exam. I wouldn't do what he's doing, but he's a resource I'm glad to use.

You, however, have contributed nothing but name-calling.

 

[peace zealot]

Actually that's the point, people get annoyed by this attitude, right or wrong that's not even a question. Otherwise, no one really cares either someone takes 10 days for the prep. or 5 years.

(edit: I think I have messed up with the Quote button)

 

[Belleza156]

Can we please get back to posting about USMLE Step 1 prep and outcomes?!!! Stop obsessing over what Phloston is or isn't doing. Just let the kid be....I've read other threads and it seems pretty commonplace for FMGs to take a big chunk of time to study for step 1. As they should, they need to score higher to compete with an AMG for the same program.

Anyways, has anyone taken step 1 recently? I'm less than a week out from my test date and I really like hearing people's take on how their exam went.

 

[Kaputt]

Can we please get back to posting about USMLE Step 1 prep and outcomes?!!! Stop obsessing over what Phloston is or isn't doing. Just let the kid be....I've read other threads and it seems pretty commonplace for FMGs to take a big chunk of time to study for step 1. As they should, they need to score higher to compete with an AMG for the same program.

Anyways, has anyone taken step 1 recently? I'm less than a week out from my test date and I really like hearing people's take on how their exam went.

Actually, at top programs (or competitive specialties altogether), most FMGs have no chance. The residencies that can be picky enough with AMGs that they don't even look at the FMGs. At middle tier residencies in non-competitive fields, they have a shot. And that shot used to be audition rotations + pre-matching. But with pre-matching now a thing of the past, FMGs are stuck in the match. It's going to be a blood-bath. Only the tippity-top FMGs will come out with appointments.

But no I didn't take Step 1 recently but I did in April and I got a score very similar to my NBMEs. That's pretty much a summary of all the advice on this thread: your real score will be in your NBME range.

 

[wastedyouth]

You need help buddy. I think you are forgetting why you are even in medicine unless it was purely to boost your own ego. My strong advice to you is move up your Step 1 date by about 4-4.5 months and then get clinic experience and more importantly get a life.

👍👍👍


Also big thanks to everyone that posted detailed reviews of the materials they used!

 

[oanjiwks]

Actually, at top programs (or competitive specialties altogether), most FMGs have no chance. The residencies that can be picky enough with AMGs that they don't even look at the FMGs. At middle tier residencies in non-competitive fields, they have a shot. And that shot used to be audition rotations + pre-matching. But with pre-matching now a thing of the past, FMGs are stuck in the match. It's going to be a blood-bath. Only the tippity-top FMGs will come out with appointments.

But no I didn't take Step 1 recently but I did in April and I got a score very similar to my NBMEs. That's pretty much a summary of all the advice on this thread: your real score will be in your NBME range.

And UWorld seriously overestimates

 

[Boardz]

And UWorld seriously overestimates

really?

 

[san2]

Score 263/99
Resources used: Kaplan Medessentials, Kaplan Lecture Series Notes, FA 2010, Uworld, Kaplan Qbank, Underground Clinical Vignettes for Anatomy, Pathophys for the Boards and Wards.

1st year, I used Kaplan Medessentials extensively for my physiology and biochemistry course. The summer between first and second year, I had done micro, immuno, cardio & renal path, pharm, phys just to prepare for second year but using kaplan lecture series books for those subjects and Kaplan ME. Throughout second year I used Kaplan ME with my courses. I also every saturday, fit in some time to do Kaplan Qbank, and annotate quickly kaplan qbank into Kaplan ME.

Once 2nd year was over, I used Kaplan ME and FA together, highlighting things in Kaplan ME that I saw in FA and Kaplan ME. Things that were in FA and not in Kaplan ME, I wrote in with a green pen ink and wrote the accompanying FA page #. Then I would try to memorize as much as I can from Kaplan ME, but particularly focusing on the things I highlighted and wrote down in green ink. Then I would do Uworld and annotate from Uworld ONLY on the questions I got wrong. I did not go through every question, and did not read the explanation for the questions I got right. This saved time, and energy I think, and ensured I finished Uworld in time.

Then before going to sleep, I would read 30 min of Pathophys for the boards and wards, which is a great read before going to sleep. Its a great book.

 

[MrBeauregard]

Nvm

 

[Dallas]

True there is a good amount of fairness that goes into play when landing a residency. But don't be fooled into thinking that some people don't fix it so that the match goes into their favor, with no surprises. I know of a few people who had confirmation that they were accepted into their residency before match results ever came out, and they didnt do a prematch. Just had the right connections.

Oh no I know
Contacts will trump almost every other factor in landing a residency.

If your daddy is the program director at a residency you just have to pass step 1&2, you dont have to do research (daddy might even put you as first author in some of his research), visiting clerkships what for? Your daddy knows who u are etc

 

[Kaputt]

Score 263/99
Resources used: Kaplan Medessentials, Kaplan Lecture Series Notes, FA 2010, Uworld, Kaplan Qbank, Underground Clinical Vignettes for Anatomy, Pathophys for the Boards and Wards.

1st year, I used Kaplan Medessentials extensively for my physiology and biochemistry course. The summer between first and second year, I had done micro, immuno, cardio & renal path, pharm, phys just to prepare for second year but using kaplan lecture series books for those subjects and Kaplan ME. Throughout second year I used Kaplan ME with my courses. I also every saturday, fit in some time to do Kaplan Qbank, and annotate quickly kaplan qbank into Kaplan ME.

Once 2nd year was over, I used Kaplan ME and FA together, highlighting things in Kaplan ME that I saw in FA and Kaplan ME. Things that were in FA and not in Kaplan ME, I wrote in with a green pen ink and wrote the accompanying FA page #. Then I would try to memorize as much as I can from Kaplan ME, but particularly focusing on the things I highlighted and wrote down in green ink. Then I would do Uworld and annotate from Uworld ONLY on the questions I got wrong. I did not go through every question, and did not read the explanation for the questions I got right. This saved time, and energy I think, and ensured I finished Uworld in time.

Then before going to sleep, I would read 30 min of Pathophys for the boards and wards, which is a great read before going to sleep. Its a great book.

A 263 is not a 99 on the current scale, it is a 90 (and that's the score I got, so if you want proof I can show you my score report). Unless you took the exam last year, we have more evidence that you're a fake Kaplan-hyping account.

 

[san2]

A 263 is not a 99 on the current scale, it is a 90 (and that's the score I got, so if you want proof I can show you my score report). Unless you took the exam last year, we have more evidence that you're a fake Kaplan-hyping account.

i took the exam nearly 2 years ago

 

[VisionaryTics]

i took the exam nearly 2 years ago

What a twist!!

 

[Boardz]

i took the exam nearly 2 years ago

get out of here kaplan. i torrented the **** out of your weak videos (minus raymond <3) and I only seed your crappy path videos.

 

[Kaputt]

i took the exam nearly 2 years ago

Then what incentive do you possibly have to post in this thread 😕

Every post you've made has been a Kaplan advertisement, and now you're posting in the 2012 exam thread making it look like you used Kaplan to score well on the 2012 exam. At any rate, you're being misleading in your posts. Your advertisement-laced advice is not wanted here.

 

[peace zealot]

I followed Step 1 experience thread for 3 to 4 years. Although, this year's thread has good number of useful posts but overall its pathetic due to fake scores and off the topic discussions. Not good 🙁

 

[aaru20red]

this is soo true...i always thought i'll enjoy to the fullest these 3 weeks..but these questions keep popping up in my head..specially the ones where i didnt have much time to think and marked the answer in a hurry only to realise in d next block that my answer was wrong....:-(

 

[GTP]

i followed step 1 experience thread for 3 to 4 years. Although, this year's thread has good number of useful posts but overall its pathetic due to fake scores and off the topic discussions. Not good 🙁

+1

 

[generalsurg]

What did you do during the final week (or two)?

Mainly hardcore re-memorize FA? Or were you splitting it 70/30 FA/questions, for instance?

Please be specific.

Last 2 weeks I did FA each week and UWORLD. 4 blocks of UWORLD in the morning and FA during the day. Was hitting basically 94-100 the last week in UWORLD. Not sure if I just remembered the questions or was ready.

Thanks for your post. These are the resources I plan on using for studying. I was just wondering when you started your first pass through UWorld. My school offers free Kaplan Q-bank so wondering if I should just work on that Q-bank during M2 classes and wait to do Uworld until my dedicated study period. Also when did you complete your first pass through FA? Thanks

Well I used FA through some of my courses during school. But really annotated FA during my dedicated study period. During my first pass of UWORLD I annotated FA thoroughly. I also did Pathoma mixed in. I wouldn't do Q-banks until the dedicated study time. The second pass I did 4 blocks a day for 12 days and got it done.

 

[rocketbooster]

i took the exam nearly 2 years ago

haha, why are you posting your score and study plan on the 2012 thread? Go back to the 2010 one. These threads are for ppl who are currently taking the test. Study resources can vary drastically over a few years. They are not interested in an outdated study plan when they read this thread. They'll go read the 2010 for that. Basic example why a 2010 study plan is way different: No Pathoma then. Also, at least add to your original post that you took it 2 years ago. Very misconceiving. Not sure why anyone would waste their time to confuse test takers 2 years younger than them. Move on.

Barely anyone uses Kaplan now, except for the qbank if they want extra questions beyond UWorld. It's common knowledge at this point that Kaplan book resources (not qbank) are not nearly as good as FA and Pathoma. As for the qbank, it is also common knowledge that Uworld is much better. Kaplan qbank is only useful for ppl who want to start study questions much earlier than during their dedicated study time, assuming they saved UWorld for the end like they should have done.

 

[amikhchi]

Took the exam July 11th, thought it was hard but not impossible... don't remember much about the exam but figured i'd post my nbme/uwsa seeing how the scores should be up soon (hopefully).

NBME 5 (5/28): 224
NBME 6 (6/01): 235
NBME 11 (6/07): 252
NBME 7 (6/13): 245
UWSA 1 (6/16): 258
NBME 12 (6/20): 250
UWSA 2 (6/28): 256
NBME 13 (7/08): 254

Real deal: TBD

walked out of exam feeling iffy, and of course only remember questions I got wrong, and constantly thinking and obsessing that maybe i went too fast through the exam and that will come to bite me in the ***; but i've always been a fast test-taker, try not to second guess and it's worked up till now, just can't help but think this is the one time it won't work... but i suppose should just not worry and be positive and hope for the best in the next few days (assuming I get the score 3 weeks after test day?)... in any case, i'll update once I get final score

p.s. I used the *trifecta*
UWorld 2.5-3x,

FA12 Didn't go through cover to cover so hard to say how many times i read it, i would read different sections as necessary, i'd say minimum went through each section 3x, some more

Pathoma (didn't like the goljan book; although I did listen to goljan audio). Watched the videos and took notes along with it in the pathoma book, read through along with first aid afterwards to solidify material, listened to goljan audio when i was in the car or out running

best of luck to whoever still has to take it.

 

[Dallas]

I'd beg to differ. I know n=1.... but here are my scores.

NBME11 - 215
UWSA1 - 222
UWSA2 - 234
NBME12 - 234 (1.5 weeks out)

Real thing - 244

And I had mid to high 60%'s on first pass of UWorld, don't remember the exact percentage... but in the last couple weeks I was in the 70's every time on the random blocks. Just goes to show that you can outperform your predicted scores. I don't understand the people that are getting like a 240+ so many weeks out. I planned my studying so I could peak at the right time, not just get 5-10 points higher than my pre-study period baseline. I think I could have done a bit better with some harder work during my prep but whatever, 244 works for me.

Dude/dudette youre at the 88th percentile of 27,000 students who take the exam every year. That score is equal to or better than 23,700 other test takers this year.

You should be proud of that score irregardless of what the neurotic 1%ers of SDN are trying to flaunt or bash.

 

[Dallas]

I am pumped about that score! My only point in posting was to be an example of someone who started low, continually improved, and outscored the NBME's and UWSA's.

Rags to riches! Congrats! How was your last 1.5 weeks like? What did u do to improve ur score?

 

[Belleza156]

I'd beg to differ. I know n=1.... but here are my scores.

NBME11 - 215
UWSA1 - 222
UWSA2 - 234
NBME12 - 234 (1.5 weeks out)

Real thing - 244

And I had mid to high 60%'s on first pass of UWorld, don't remember the exact percentage... but in the last couple weeks I was in the 70's every time on the random blocks. Just goes to show that you can outperform your predicted scores. I don't understand the people that are getting like a 240+ so many weeks out. I planned my studying so I could peak at the right time, not just get 5-10 points higher than my pre-study period baseline. I think I could have done a bit better with some harder work during my prep but whatever, 244 works for me.

Hey do you mind posting what week each of the UWSA or NBME you took was, roughly? What did you do between UWSA2 and NBME 12?

I freakin hated NBME 12, it was a total downer. I think I dropped like 10-20 points. Ugh well see, my scores have been all over the place. I was hoping to do my last NBME13 today and find out where I'm at right now, but alas,,,the NBME people had a computer malfunction and my exam shut down after Question 5 block 4....and counted all the unanswered as incorrects!!! OK rant is over. 🙂