USMLE Official 2019 Step 1 Experiences and Scores Thread

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moneymikekif said:
Hi guys,

Just wanted some help on how to improve. I am a zanki fan boy, so I did that through m1/m2, maturerd around 78%
exam is the 28th of June

scores in order
nbme 17: 232
nbme 15: 234
nbme 21: 225 (was blindsided lol)
UWSA 1: 256
UW % through roughly 40 percent: 76%

Theres a huge ass disconnect between my nbmes and uworld/uwsa1. Any way to reconcile this?

things ive noted include:
I second guess a lot so im aware of not doing that
Trying to slow down and make sure I read the question (i like to jump the gun if I think I recognize something in the stem)

Thanks and good luck to you all!
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You mean your scores aren't matching your uworld? I thought 234 and 76% was close or would you say underestimation?
 
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medicineman1234 said:
You mean your scores aren't matching your uworld? I thought 234 and 76% was close or would you say underestimation?
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USMLE SCORE CORRELATION

UWorld, USMLE, NBME, Kaplan Qbank, and USMLE World UW Qbank correlation table. USMLE score estimator and predictor. Residency chances calculator.
usmle-score-correlation.blogspot.com usmle-score-correlation.blogspot.com
The new ones are much more vague than the old ones in my opinion. The curve is better, but theres a lot more WTF type questions
 
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moneymikekif said:
I feel like my nbme scores should be higher. my goal is break 240 on a new one then I feel like i wont take another, but am just kind of freaked out rn/
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I’m right there with ya. > 260 on uwsa1 but can’t break 240 on an NBME (took 22 and 24). I also am a zanki person and averaging high on uworld. going to take another new NBME and 18 this week then uwsa2/free 120 next week before my exam

It is what it is - i don’t think it’s worth getting too hung up on the new NBME scores. they’re more about practice and getting used to discomfort with weird wording/confusion imo rather than being predictive
 
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kb1900 said:
I’m right there with ya. > 260 on uwsa1 but can’t break 240 on an NBME. I also am a zanki person and averaging high on uworld. going to take another new NBME and 18 this week then uwsa2/free 120 next week before my exam

It is what it is - i don’t think it’s worth getting too hung up on the new NBME scores. they’re more about practice and getting used to discomfort with weird wording/confusion imo rather than being predictive
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yeah thats very true. Friends at other schools who have already taken it were like its not predictive nor is it similar, rather its like UWSA2 and the q bank. I just feel like the stress of dedicated with the stress of not doing well is starting to wear on me lol.

good luck to you though
 
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moneymikekif said:
Hi guys,

Just wanted some help on how to improve. I am a zanki fan boy, so I did that through m1/m2, maturerd around 78%
exam is the 28th of June

scores in order
nbme 17: 232
nbme 15: 234
nbme 21: 225 (was blindsided lol)
UWSA 1: 256
UW % through roughly 40 percent: 76%

Theres a huge ass disconnect between my nbmes and uworld/uwsa1. Any way to reconcile this?

things ive noted include:
I second guess a lot so im aware of not doing that
Trying to slow down and make sure I read the question (i like to jump the gun if I think I recognize something in the stem)

Thanks and good luck to you all!
Click to expand...

From my understanding, the UWorld% Correct (1st pass) conversion thing is a theoretical score you are likely to hit at the end of your dedicated study period, & isn't reflective of where you are right now. So I think you should theoretically be in that 252/253 range that the predictor has you at by the time of your exam. That being said, it predicts well for some, not so well for others (from what I have read.)

& I think UWSA 1 is the one that has a reputation to over-predict by 15-20 points (someone correct me if I'm wrong... I know one of the UW assessments over-predicts a lot.) So that 256 isn't likely where you are right now; you're probably in the mid/upper 230 range at this point in time.

I think if you keep hacking away at things you should definitely be in the upper 240's/low 250's by your test date though. You have plenty of time & not that far to go.

Hopefully someone closer to/past their exam date can chime in too.
 
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NecrotizingFasciitis said:
From my understanding, the UWorld% Correct (1st pass) conversion thing is a theoretical score you are likely to hit at the end of your dedicated study period, & isn't reflective of where you are right now. So I think you should theoretically be in that 252/253 range that the predictor has you at by the time of your exam. That being said, it predicts well for some, not so well for others (from what I have read.)

& I think UWSA 1 is the one that has a reputation to over-predict by 15-20 points (someone correct me if I'm wrong... I know one of the UW assessments over-predicts a lot.) So that 256 isn't likely where you are right now; you're probably in the mid/upper 230 range at this point in time.

I think if you keep hacking away at things you should definitely be in the upper 240's/low 250's by your test date though. You have plenty of time & not that far to go.

Hopefully someone closer to/past their exam date can chime in too.
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Wouldn't that percentage of Uworld only correlate for first pass if you only go through once? Idk there's no way to truly predict because my percentage is ehh but I've also used it all semester to learn so I certainly hope it doesn't translate that way haha
 
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Chibucks15 said:
Wouldn't that percentage of Uworld only correlate for first pass if you only go through once? Idk there's no way to truly predict because my percentage is ehh but I've also used it all semester to learn so I certainly hope it doesn't translate that way haha
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That's my understanding ya.

I agree there's no way to predict. At the most it's a good tool to maybe motivate yourself but past that I don't think there's a lot of value to it. Who knows (not me.)
 
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NecrotizingFasciitis said:
That's my understanding ya.

I agree there's no way to predict. At the most it's a good tool to maybe motivate yourself but past that I don't think there's a lot of value to it. Who knows (not me.)
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I can't wait for this hell to be over with in 3 weeks haha its definitely motivation but man this is getting to be brutal
 
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Just finished NBME 18. Got a 209. Took 2 weeks to focus on my weaknesses and didn't move 1 point haha.

The good news is that I was pretty average for most of my sections except for Evidence Based Medicine and Biostats.

Does anyone know what the Physician Task (PBLI): Evidence Based Medicine is? Or what resources I should be focused on to improve on this?
 

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Update: took UW2 today and got a 249. Really wanted that 250 but I'll take it. Made some dumb mistakes on the last block that cost me a few points. Test is in one week from today, simply going to finishy sketchy pharm, watch sketchy micro again, and then hammer weaknesses in FA. Free 120 on Friday.

Definitely feeling a bit more motivated with the finish line in sight. Keep at it friends, this will be over soon enough.
 
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AnatomyGrey12 said:
Update: took UW2 today and got a 249. Really wanted that 250 but I'll take it. Made some dumb mistakes on the last block that cost me a few points. Test is in one week from today, simply going to finishy sketchy pharm, watch sketchy micro again, and then hammer weaknesses in FA. Free 120 on Friday.

Definitely feeling a bit more motivated with the finish line in sight. Keep at it friends, this will be over soon enough.
Click to expand...
Stay strong! You can beat that score.

What was your UW%?
 
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NecrotizingFasciitis said:
From my understanding, the UWorld% Correct (1st pass) conversion thing is a theoretical score you are likely to hit at the end of your dedicated study period, & isn't reflective of where you are right now. So I think you should theoretically be in that 252/253 range that the predictor has you at by the time of your exam. That being said, it predicts well for some, not so well for others (from what I have read.)

& I think UWSA 1 is the one that has a reputation to over-predict by 15-20 points (someone correct me if I'm wrong... I know one of the UW assessments over-predicts a lot.) So that 256 isn't likely where you are right now; you're probably in the mid/upper 230 range at this point in time.

I think if you keep hacking away at things you should definitely be in the upper 240's/low 250's by your test date though. You have plenty of time & not that far to go.

Hopefully someone closer to/past their exam date can chime in too.
Click to expand...
Apart from uworld how do you recommend hacking at it? Just more questions?
 
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AnatomyGrey12 said:
Update: took UW2 today and got a 249. Really wanted that 250 but I'll take it. Made some dumb mistakes on the last block that cost me a few points. Test is in one week from today, simply going to finishy sketchy pharm, watch sketchy micro again, and then hammer weaknesses in FA. Free 120 on Friday.

Definitely feeling a bit more motivated with the finish line in sight. Keep at it friends, this will be over soon enough.
Click to expand...
not bad tbh. how did you do on UW1 and NBME 20, 21, 23 if I may ask?
 
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Just kinda random thought I have had today:

Looking back, I think another error I made going into the first week & a half of dedicated was assuming I would know/remember a lot more than I actually did b/c of Anki. I didn't think I would have to be re-watching Pathoma for things I kept up with. But as I have been busting through review these past few days I'm beginning to realize Anki isn't necessarily about remembering everything, it's moreso about remaining generally familiar with things so that when you hit dedicated you can cruise through your content review way faster than you would have if you hadn't kept up with things. I think that's one piece of advice I'm going to pass along to people in the future. For whatever reason I personally didn't realize that. Oops.

Anyways, carry on homies. Keep killin' it in the game.
 
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AnatomyGrey12 said:
Update: took UW2 today and got a 249. Really wanted that 250 but I'll take it. Made some dumb mistakes on the last block that cost me a few points. Test is in one week from today, simply going to finishy sketchy pharm, watch sketchy micro again, and then hammer weaknesses in FA. Free 120 on Friday.

Definitely feeling a bit more motivated with the finish line in sight. Keep at it friends, this will be over soon enough.
Click to expand...

I was on the verge of taking it today, but wasn't feeling it. Would have been hilarious to see if we end up getting the same score once again though.
Anyways, I cranked out 8 blocks of UWORLD and it didnt feel that bad. However, I think I am developing PTSD for anaesthesiology questions...
 
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watermelon master said:
not bad tbh. how did you do on UW1 and NBME 20, 21, 23 if I may ask?
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247 on UW1 (took this at the very beginning of dedicated), 240, 242, 238, and a 240 on NBME 24 I've been remarkably consistent, regardless of how I am feeling during whatever test I am taking. Outside of an outlier on NBME 17 (228) 7 weeks ago I have basically hit high 240s 3x (UW1/2 and NBME 18) and the rest were grouped right around 240. Reddit predictor has me at a 248 with a range of 239-256 and honestly I would be happy with anything on that spectrum.
 
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Took the 22 and UW1 today. My brain is cooked.

What's this I hear about 20-22 not being great? Of course those are the ones I've taken so far
 
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wonko said:
I was on the verge of taking it today, but wasn't feeling it. Would have been hilarious to see if we end up getting the same score once again though.
Anyways, I cranked out 8 blocks of UWORLD and it didnt feel that bad. However, I think I am developing PTSD for anaesthesiology questions...
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Damn 8 blocks?? You just amped up my motivation for tomorrow
 
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subdural_hematoma said:
What's the consensus on these new NBME's? I can't break 230 them and I'm now 3 weeks into dedicated.
NBME 21- 227
NBME 23- 223
NBME 22-225
UWSA1- 251

I don't know where to go from here. Have about 2 weeks left so want to use them carefully. Getting through a second pass of UW or doing content review more important at this point?
Click to expand...


Yeah dude i feel you. at this point id stray away from the new ones and just do UWSA2/18/free 120. I feel like at this point you'd benefit from the confidence boost going into the test which honestly imo could be worth up to 5 points on its own. I think taking UWSA2 will probs give you the most definitive idea as to where you stand. Its my understanding that the new nbmes are where step 1 might be in a few years. Lucky for us thats rn
 
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Just did UWSA 2. 254! Super happy with that.

Man that last block felt rough. Anybody else tending to get imposter syndrome doing the tests? I always feel when I do good that that the test just played into my strenghts and I just studied that yesterday 😵
 
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wonko said:
Just did UWSA 2. 254! Super happy with that.

Man that last block felt rough. Anybody else tending to get imposter syndrome doing the tests? I always feel when I do good that that the test just played into my strenghts and I just studied that yesterday 😵
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Nice score! And absolutely with regards to the imposter syndrome. My confidence literally breaks on a streak of a few hard questions even if 70% of the block/test has been going fine.
 
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For those who have taken the test and the new NBMEs. Which do you think is better 23 or 24? Test coming up fast and only have time to buy 1 more.
 
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kb1900 said:
Nice score! And absolutely with regards to the imposter syndrome. My confidence literally breaks on a streak of a few hard questions even if 70% of the block/test has been going fine.
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Ya sometimes it feels like you just memorized random pieces and you know nothing then you do above average but you can't shake the feeling of "am I an example of someone who "memorized" without understanding" that you seen thrown around a lot.
 
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How often do you guys see people deviating significantly from their NBME scores on their actual STEP? My NBME's are where I want my actual score to be, but I am terrified of being one of the unlucky few that scores 20-30 points under their average NBME score. Should I keep on taking NBME's to make sure I am consistent, or should I move my test date up?

Practice test scores are as follows:

248 on CBSE (6.5 weeks out)
232 on NMBE 20 (6 weeks out)
252 on NBME 23 (5 weeks out)
259 on NBME 18 (4 weeks out)

I have 3.5 weeks of dedicated left. Nerves are setting in, and I'm terrified of peaking and dropping off. Any advice?
 
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Supra_Man said:
How often do you guys see people deviating significantly from their NBME scores on their actual STEP? My NBME's are where I want my actual score to be, but I am terrified of being one of the unlucky few that scores 20-30 points under their average NBME score. Should I keep on taking NBME's to make sure I am consistent, or should I move my test date up?

Practice test scores are as follows:

248 on CBSE (6.5 weeks out)
232 on NMBE 20 (6 weeks out)
252 on NBME 23 (5 weeks out)
259 on NBME 18 (4 weeks out)

I have 3.5 weeks of dedicated left. Nerves are setting in, and I'm terrified of peaking and dropping off. Any advice?
Click to expand...
NBME 18 is a pretty well known predictor. If you take UWSA1 and get about a 270 (for the 10 over) then I'd move it up and just take UWSA2/free 120, or take UWSA2 as another well known predictor, and if you're happy with that score, move it up
 
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Supra_Man said:
How often do you guys see people deviating significantly from their NBME scores on their actual STEP? My NBME's are where I want my actual score to be, but I am terrified of being one of the unlucky few that scores 20-30 points under their average NBME score. Should I keep on taking NBME's to make sure I am consistent, or should I move my test date up?

Practice test scores are as follows:

248 on CBSE (6.5 weeks out)
232 on NMBE 20 (6 weeks out)
252 on NBME 23 (5 weeks out)
259 on NBME 18 (4 weeks out)

I have 3.5 weeks of dedicated left. Nerves are setting in, and I'm terrified of peaking and dropping off. Any advice?
Click to expand...
I'd move it up. Take UW2 and if you like that score then move it up.
 
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wud one recommend doing the very early NBMEs (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7) just for practice? How relevant are they to the USMLE trends nowadays?
 
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Xena23 said:
wud one recommend doing the very early NBMEs (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7) just for practice? How relevant are they to the USMLE trends nowadays?
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If you are an IMG studying for 9+ months, maybe.... If not, I see no benefit and it would be a waste of time. Quite frankly, even doing most of the new NBMEs seems like a waste of time given what people are saying about how dissimilar they are to the real thing.

*Pulls out credit card to purchase NBME 24 and throw more money at NBME
 
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Frogger27 said:
If you are an IMG studying for 9+ months, maybe.... If not, I see no benefit and it would be a waste of time. Quite frankly, even doing most of the new NBMEs seems like a waste of time given what people are saying about how dissimilar they are to the real thing.

*Pulls out credit card to purchase NBME 24 and throw more money at NBME
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The NBME writes USMLE right? How TF do they not have the most representative practice tests? How TF did UWorld end up writing a better exam, (UWA2) than the NBME? What the actual f*** is going on?



Sorry I was talking about this with someone last night & I'm still triggered lol.
 
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NecrotizingFasciitis said:
The NBME writes USMLE right? How TF do they not have the most representative practice tests? How TF did UWorld end up writing a better exam, (UWA2) than the NBME? What the actual f*** is going on?



Sorry I was talking about this with someone last night & I'm still triggered lol.
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I have a conspiracy theory where the NBME and the owners of UW are either one and the same, or they have some under the table contract/agreement. My buddy swears that on his test last week he had a handful of questions that were straight from UWorld. Never forget all of this stuff is essentially to make money, I suspect some of that UW money flows to the NBME somehow.
 
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TheaterOfTheme said:
Query for you all: spend last week doing NBMEs to the max or spend it doing UWorld wrongs? : )
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Unpopular opinion, but I would try to tone down during the last week. Spend time looking over weaknesses and also the boring, easy to forget stuff like biostats and ethics and milestones (even though idk how HY that stuff is). I'm of the camp that thinks its better to do less questions during the last week in order to be fully rested for the exam day.

AnatomyGrey12 said:
I have a conspiracy theory where the NBME and the owners of UW are either one and the same, or they have some under the table contract/agreement. My buddy swears that on his test last week he had a handful of questions that were straight from UWorld. Never forget all of this stuff is essentially to make money, I suspect some of that UW money flows to the NBME somehow.
Click to expand...

I had multiple questions that were extremely similar to UW questions. Not word-for-word like the 120, but questions where I quickly sat back and grinned and thought, man I saw this before.
 
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I'm 1000 questions into UW now, so far not a single question about collagen synthesis/handling. Then today I get a question that essentially required you to have memorized the name of every enzyme in the pathway, and know what cellular compartment each step happens in. The breadth+depth of information we're expected to know is so ridiculously vast. Ah well, what's another 30 new anki cards added to the pile...

tenor.gif
 
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Gurby said:
I'm 1000 questions into UW now, so far not a single question about collagen synthesis/handling. Then today I get a question that essentially required you to have memorized the name of every enzyme in the pathway, and know what cellular compartment each step happens in. The breadth+depth of information we're expected to know is so ridiculously vast. Ah well, what's another 30 new anki cards added to the pile...

tenor.gif
Click to expand...
When is the big day, stud?
 
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