USMLE Official 2020 Step 1 Experiences and Scores Thread

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Thesimplelifeofamyloid said:
Is it me or do I feel like a lot of it is step 1 stuff?
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Definitely! Might be more accurate to call it step 1.5 - everything on step 1 plus more detailed management. I’ve been casually browsing some of the IM stuff. I still don’t know when the heck we’re having our tests to finish out the spring semester so it’s hard to be motivated to do anything.
 
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took nbme 18. man that was rough. 75% correct with 210. not sure how to feel. my nbmes have been all lower than my uwsa 2 and uwsa 1 which probably means im gonna hit around my nbme score?? take the exam on friday im ready for it to be over edit: nbme percentage was higher by 4 percent from uwsa 2 so maybe its just the disgusting curve?? i scored 83 % on nbme 19 got a 215. i gotta stop extrapolating this data its gonna make me go crazy lol
 
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_Darknight_ said:
took nbme 18. man that was rough. 75% correct with 210. not sure how to feel. my nbmes have been all lower than my uwsa 2 and uwsa 1 which probably means im gonna hit around my nbme score?? take the exam on friday im ready for it to be over edit: nbme percentage was higher by 4 percent from uwsa 2 so maybe its just the disgusting curve?? i scored 83 % on nbme 19 got a 215. i gotta stop extrapolating this data its gonna make me go crazy lol
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It’s the curve for sure. My highest NBME was 11 points under my step score. Don’t let the NBMEs drag you down; you’ve got this!

Deecee2DO said:
249 on UWSA2 guys not sure how I feel about that. Doesnt it over predict? Not sure how I did better on NBME18 than UWSA2 doesnt make much sense
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UWSA2 buddies! That’s exactly what I got. Your NBMEs are a ton higher, though, so I’d be willing to bet you’re going to be over 250 on the real thing.
 
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calivianya said:
It’s the curve for sure. My highest NBME was 11 points under my step score. Don’t let the NBMEs drag you down; you’ve got this!



UWSA2 buddies! That’s exactly what I got. Your NBMEs are a ton higher, though, so I’d be willing to bet you’re going to be over 250 on the real thing.
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Thank you! Hoping to crack 250! But if i crack 245+ ill honestly still be content since realistically for applying academic IM as a DO i think 245+ is completely fine
 
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calivianya said:
It’s the curve for sure. My highest NBME was 11 points under my step score. Don’t let the NBMEs drag you down; you’ve got this!



UWSA2 buddies! That’s exactly what I got. Your NBMEs are a ton higher, though, so I’d be willing to bet you’re going to be over 250 on the real thing.
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thanks ill keep that in mind. just gotta do the 120 tomorrow and grind my weaknesses till friday
 
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Long time lurker, first time poster...
Starting to get a little wigged out about the difference between my Step 1 and Level 1 Scores
Step 1: 241
Level 1: 740
Obviously COMLEX is much higher than my step percentile wise... anyone have any knowledge about how this will impact me when applying to residency?
I want to keep all options very open so I don't know if I'm trying for anything super competitive yet. Will residencies look at both, or pretty much only look at Step and miss the fact that my COMLEX is higher and I'm capable of the higher score.
 
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LadyCerebellum said:
Long time lurker, first time poster...
Starting to get a little wigged out about the difference between my Step 1 and Level 1 Scores
Step 1: 241
Level 1: 740
Obviously COMLEX is much higher than my step percentile wise... anyone have any knowledge about how this will impact me when applying to residency?
I want to keep all options very open so I don't know if I'm trying for anything super competitive yet. Will residencies look at both, or pretty much only look at Step and miss the fact that my COMLEX is higher and I'm capable of the higher score.
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If it's a traditional ACGME program, they'll likely only care that you passed COMLEX on the first try since they don't really know how to interpret those scores and focus on your Step score. Especially if it's a program that doesn't or hasn't taken a decent number of DOs. If it's a traditional AOA program, they're more likely to take both into consideration. 241 keeps a lot of doors open for you so I wouldn't worry!
 
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Done with step1!!! Most block were on the easier side, hope I dont get f***** over by the curve.


Some thoughts about my form

Felt like 80% UW & Free120 (1 question was exactly the same) and 20% NBME style better written

Micro and Pharm - pretty chill with UW and sketchy you are more than ok

Other topics felt really balanced, except some really crazy embryo stuff (on average I had 4-5 embryology questions on each block, all with the exception of 2 from FA tho)

CH1 - CH3 of Sattar pretty high yield!!!!

UW new questions are a must!!!!! (Literally had 2 exact same on my form)
 
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HopeImakeit said:
Done with step1!!! Most block were on the easier side, hope I dont get f***** over by the curve.


Some thoughts about my form

Felt like 80% UW & Free120 (1 question was exactly the same) and 20% NBME style better written

Micro and Pharm - pretty chill with UW and sketchy you are more than ok

Other topics felt really balanced, except some really crazy embryo stuff (on average I had 4-5 embryology questions on each block, all with the exception of 2 from FA tho)

CH1 - CH3 of Sattar pretty high yield!!!!

UW new questions are a must!!!!! (Literally had 2 exact same on my form)
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Youre gonna crush it! Thanks for the write up and congrats on being done!
 
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LadyCerebellum said:
Long time lurker, first time poster...
Starting to get a little wigged out about the difference between my Step 1 and Level 1 Scores
Step 1: 241
Level 1: 740
Obviously COMLEX is much higher than my step percentile wise... anyone have any knowledge about how this will impact me when applying to residency?
I want to keep all options very open so I don't know if I'm trying for anything super competitive yet. Will residencies look at both, or pretty much only look at Step and miss the fact that my COMLEX is higher and I'm capable of the higher score.
Click to expand...
A 740?!! holy **** lmao youre a god. 241 step 1 is also a sick score! Nice work
 
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LadyCerebellum said:
Long time lurker, first time poster...
Starting to get a little wigged out about the difference between my Step 1 and Level 1 Scores
Step 1: 241
Level 1: 740
Obviously COMLEX is much higher than my step percentile wise... anyone have any knowledge about how this will impact me when applying to residency?
I want to keep all options very open so I don't know if I'm trying for anything super competitive yet. Will residencies look at both, or pretty much only look at Step and miss the fact that my COMLEX is higher and I'm capable of the higher score.
Click to expand...

We have a pretty similar score profile (247/735) and the only thing I’m changing is I will go out of my way to deliberately add formerly AOA programs to put a guarantee on matching. It’s really nice to have that solid comlex scores... we can probably match absolutely anything formerly AOA with those level 1s! Congrats. 😍

I found a list here.
 
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buddy who literally has tested the exact same as me from the very start got a 240 which is 5 under our goal. If anything he's a point or two smarter. There's a confidence killer right there for my exam on Monday
 
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Worrywart41 said:
my buddy who literally has tested the exact same as me from the very start got a 240 which is 5 under our goal. If anything he's a point or two smarter. There's a confidence killer right there for my exam on Monday
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1 person man cant let it get to you. My boy who ive been studying with all along same scores and everything as me both of us had 250+ as a goal and he got a 235 (he was devastated). ive just been telling myself all I can do is my absolute best since weve worked our asses off. Every test is different he could have gotten a test that hit his weaknesses. Id just bank on being content within your confidence interval youve worked hard af for so long
 
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Deecee2DO said:
@Worrywart41 I think we got very similar practice scores. Was your buddy still within his CI? And what is your CI (im sure your low end is still 240+ which should give you confidence)
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I believe he was at the very bottom of his but still inside it. My CI minimum is low 240s however at this point im just praying for that haha. He's a smart dude but he said he had a rough test and literally counted 20 easy gimmes that he overthought, read wrong, or just plain choked on. I think the key to getting a high score is to minimize the mistakes like that. Theres going to be WTF questions that hardly anyone understands. But the points really hurt when you're missing the layups
 
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Worrywart41 said:
buddy who literally has tested the exact same as me from the very start got a 240 which is 5 under our goal. If anything he's a point or two smarter. There's a confidence killer right there for my exam on Monday
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I won’t depress you with my experience, but just remember every test is different, and trends you read on sdn and reddit do not apply to you as an individual test taker. All you can do is go in there Monday and give it your absolute best. We’re rooting for you!
 
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Nbme 18 did not treat me well lol tried something different and took it tonight instead of morning. By the end I couldn’t even remember where the SMA was lol too many stupid mistakes smh
244
 
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docmcstuffins3 said:
Nbme 18 did not treat me well lol tried something different and took it tonight instead of morning. By the end I couldn’t even remember where the SMA was lol too many stupid mistakes smh
244
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Still solid man. You got a ton of other great stats. Its only one data point
 
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Guys im burning out HARD rn. Exam on monday and I have zero focus or motivation. It took me like an hr to do 5 anki cards I cant even think my heads all foggy lol. Any tips for the last few days? Ive watched Pathoma chapter 1-3 four times and did pepper deck on them. Watched all dirty med vids several times and now Im reading first aid on my weak subjects but ill be honest with you its BRUTAL reading first aid like so painful I feel like I dont get anything out of it should I keep going or just spend time doing questions. Also a last thought I feel like I overthought a lot of questions on UWSA2 which is why I scored 249 instead of low 250s after reviewing and think its because of Amboss honestly. Since NBME questions are usually straight forward (vague but they dont try and trick you) and UWorld and Amboss try and trick you whats the best mindset/approach going into the exam. Is it more do you know it or not or more trying to trick you questions
 
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Deecee2DO said:
Guys im burning out HARD rn. Exam on monday and I have zero focus or motivation. It took me like an hr to do 5 anki cards I cant even think my heads all foggy lol. Any tips for the last few days? Ive watched Pathoma chapter 1-3 four times and did pepper deck on them. Watched all dirty med vids several times and now Im reading first aid on my weak subjects but ill be honest with you its BRUTAL reading first aid like so painful I feel like I dont get anything out of it should I keep going or just spend time doing questions. Also a last thought I feel like I overthought a lot of questions on UWSA2 which is why I scored 249 instead of low 250s after reviewing and think its because of Amboss honestly. Since NBME questions are usually straight forward (vague but they dont try and trick you) and UWorld and Amboss try and trick you whats the best mindset/approach going into the exam. Is it more do you know it or not or more trying to trick you questions
Click to expand...
For right now, I'd stop doing all Anki cards expect your newest. Do the absolute minimum the day before, and instead plan out what you're going to bring, what you're going to eat etc. Remember you know this suff. Lastly, look over small things, like the neuroembryology, anything that you wouldn't expect to show up
 
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Deecee2DO said:
Guys im burning out HARD rn. Exam on monday and I have zero focus or motivation. It took me like an hr to do 5 anki cards I cant even think my heads all foggy lol. Any tips for the last few days? Ive watched Pathoma chapter 1-3 four times and did pepper deck on them. Watched all dirty med vids several times and now Im reading first aid on my weak subjects but ill be honest with you its BRUTAL reading first aid like so painful I feel like I dont get anything out of it should I keep going or just spend time doing questions. Also a last thought I feel like I overthought a lot of questions on UWSA2 which is why I scored 249 instead of low 250s after reviewing and think its because of Amboss honestly. Since NBME questions are usually straight forward (vague but they dont try and trick you) and UWorld and Amboss try and trick you whats the best mindset/approach going into the exam. Is it more do you know it or not or more trying to trick you questions
Click to expand...

Right there with you dude, the burnout is so real. Did the free 120 this morning, was happy with my result, and now all motivation to do anything is gone. We're almost there though!
 
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Thesimplelifeofamyloid said:
For right now, I'd stop doing all Anki cards expect your newest. Do the absolute minimum the day before, and instead plan out what you're going to bring, what you're going to eat etc. Remember you know this suff. Lastly, look over small things, like the neuroembryology, anything that you wouldn't expect to show up
Click to expand...
Word thats a good idea. Any advice as far as approach to the questions on test day? Did the questions seem more “tricky” UWorld/Amboss that make you second guess or more know it or not NBME type
 
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Deecee2DO said:
Word thats a good idea. Any advice as far as approach to the questions on test day? Did the questions seem more “tricky” UWorld/Amboss that make you second guess or more know it or not NBME type
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I thought it was closer to NBME, but not quite that the more I think. Expect for the potential for both the answers and the questions to be vague. Mentally prepare for the familar to be presented in an unfamilar way. Be okay with not being 100% sure with your answers. Watch your timing!!!
 
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Thesimplelifeofamyloid said:
Mentally prepare for the familar to be presented in an unfamilar way. Be okay with not being 100% sure with your answers. Watch your timing!!!
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Totally agree with this^^

Deecee2DO said:
Guys im burning out HARD rn. Exam on monday and I have zero focus or motivation. It took me like an hr to do 5 anki cards I cant even think my heads all foggy lol. Any tips for the last few days? Ive watched Pathoma chapter 1-3 four times and did pepper deck on them. Watched all dirty med vids several times and now Im reading first aid on my weak subjects but ill be honest with you its BRUTAL reading first aid like so painful I feel like I dont get anything out of it should I keep going or just spend time doing questions. Also a last thought I feel like I overthought a lot of questions on UWSA2 which is why I scored 249 instead of low 250s after reviewing and think its because of Amboss honestly. Since NBME questions are usually straight forward (vague but they dont try and trick you) and UWorld and Amboss try and trick you whats the best mindset/approach going into the exam. Is it more do you know it or not or more trying to trick you questions
Click to expand...
So like I mentioned before my form was heavy on embryology. The last days coming up to my exam I carefully re-read the Physiology & Anatomy section of each organ system which actualy did save me a couple of questions that I would otherwise not be so sure about. Also Rapid Review saved my ass because I had forgotten that Aspergillus is catalase + (wink, wink).

So moral of the story is just try to see as many things as possible, mainly your weak areas, and don't care about the other stuff you're good at. Ain't no way you're forgetting them in 4 days.
 
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Deecee2DO said:
Guys im burning out HARD rn. Exam on monday and I have zero focus or motivation. It took me like an hr to do 5 anki cards I cant even think my heads all foggy lol. Any tips for the last few days? Ive watched Pathoma chapter 1-3 four times and did pepper deck on them. Watched all dirty med vids several times and now Im reading first aid on my weak subjects but ill be honest with you its BRUTAL reading first aid like so painful I feel like I dont get anything out of it should I keep going or just spend time doing questions. Also a last thought I feel like I overthought a lot of questions on UWSA2 which is why I scored 249 instead of low 250s after reviewing and think its because of Amboss honestly. Since NBME questions are usually straight forward (vague but they dont try and trick you) and UWorld and Amboss try and trick you whats the best mindset/approach going into the exam. Is it more do you know it or not or more trying to trick you questions
Click to expand...
Off point but what anki deck do u use ???
And good luck on monday
 
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Deecee2DO said:
Guys im burning out HARD rn. Exam on monday and I have zero focus or motivation. It took me like an hr to do 5 anki cards I cant even think my heads all foggy lol. Any tips for the last few days? Ive watched Pathoma chapter 1-3 four times and did pepper deck on them. Watched all dirty med vids several times and now Im reading first aid on my weak subjects but ill be honest with you its BRUTAL reading first aid like so painful I feel like I dont get anything out of it should I keep going or just spend time doing questions. Also a last thought I feel like I overthought a lot of questions on UWSA2 which is why I scored 249 instead of low 250s after reviewing and think its because of Amboss honestly. Since NBME questions are usually straight forward (vague but they dont try and trick you) and UWorld and Amboss try and trick you whats the best mindset/approach going into the exam. Is it more do you know it or not or more trying to trick you questions
Click to expand...
Same I’m so over this!!! I take the plung Saturday!
 
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Deecee2DO said:
Guys im burning out HARD rn. Exam on monday and I have zero focus or motivation. It took me like an hr to do 5 anki cards I cant even think my heads all foggy lol. Any tips for the last few days? Ive watched Pathoma chapter 1-3 four times and did pepper deck on them. Watched all dirty med vids several times and now Im reading first aid on my weak subjects but ill be honest with you its BRUTAL reading first aid like so painful I feel like I dont get anything out of it should I keep going or just spend time doing questions. Also a last thought I feel like I overthought a lot of questions on UWSA2 which is why I scored 249 instead of low 250s after reviewing and think its because of Amboss honestly. Since NBME questions are usually straight forward (vague but they dont try and trick you) and UWorld and Amboss try and trick you whats the best mindset/approach going into the exam. Is it more do you know it or not or more trying to trick you questions
Click to expand...

I felt that way too a week before. I took it easy and just did UWorld to stay in shape and rested at night.

I'm not aiming as he as you, obviously.

But my UWSA2 and nbme said 230 and I got 230.
 
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