Awesome score, great work! Can you elaborate on what test taking strategies you focused on in your studying? I have been at a plateau on my scores for a couple of weeks and I think it is due to test taking >> knowledge gaps
Of course! This is kind of a long post that really deserves more space than what I have here, but...
Please keep in mind this is my personal strategy, everyone has different strengths. I had not been using a strategy until step 2 CK – I had relied on my knowledge base for step 1 and shelf exams. While this is an optimal
foundation for the USMLE exams, it is
not the element of test-taking that
optimizes your scores. Since I’m new to this strategy, it’s not perfect and any added thoughts are welcomed, but I feel like this really upped my game allowing me to increase from ~83rd percentile on step 1 to ~93rd percentile on step 2 CK.
My general headspace during the entire exam centered around three questions:
1. What are the test-writers
asking me?
2. What are the test-writers
telling me with the stem?
3. How are they trying to
distract me – ie which information is erroneous?
Approaching each, individual question:
1.
Read the last line of the vignette for the question.
2. If Q is straightforward --> skim the answers and choose the most obvious. If this isn’t possible, proceed to step three. If you have time or aren’t confident, again proceed to step three.
3. Read the vignette QUICKLY.
Don’t get bogged down. I feel this applies more to UW than the stems of NBME; usually NBME doesn't waste space and every word carries meaning, but I have noticed occasional exceptions. On the other hand, UW really gives you the full run-down of the entire DDx that is designed to mislead you.
4.
ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS SELECT AN ANSWER BEFORE MOVING ON. DO NOT PASS GO. DO NOT COLLECT $200. DO NOT FLAG AND COME BACK WITHOUT CLICKING AN ANSWER. ALWAYS CHOOSE AN ANSWER.
5. Re-read step 4.
Miscellaneous Strategies:
*I believe these are highly examinee-specific in their benefit vs harm. However, these were the real game-changers for me.
-I allowed
60 seconds per question. If I was not finished reading, I selected the best answer in the last ~5 seconds and moved on. This alots ~20 minutes for review at the end of the block.
-
Flagging/notes: If I was really uncertain or answered a question in the last 3-4 seconds of the 60 seconds allotted, I flagged the Q. If I was sort-of sure, but also paranoid and wanted to review the question again, I wrote a quick 4-5 word note as to why. Upon review, I prioritized the FLAGGED questions, then reviewed the questions with notes as time allowed.
-
Building stamina: Always perform timed exams. Do your best to do 40-Q blocks. I wish I had done a few blocks in a row, then reviewed them all at the end to better simulate a testing environment. For me, the time burden of reviewing Q’s was minimal as I had completed a first pass of UW during 3rd year. If you are someone who really needs to spend time reviewing, I am not your best resource for optimizing stamina while balancing review time.
-
Logic vs. intuition in answering tough questions: I air on the side of logic, but this brings the pit fall of overthinking. IMO the intuition approach is really only applicable when you have no clue as to what's happening -- I think it reflects a comfortable, ego-pleasing way to gloss over a knowledge gap that is better ameliorated with better content prep. I feel like that's a controversial opinion and I realize that, so plz don't @ me.
-
Testing anxiety: This is a real struggle for me. It’s also a HUGE topic, but here’s my approach. I developed a “reset” strategy for myself to employ during both test prep and the actual exam when I started to freak out a little – for me, this reset involves looking away from my screen, taking a few deep breaths, and stretching in my chair while trying not to look like a weirdo. It really helped that I practiced this prior to test day and worked well for me. Find your thing and practice it
before the exam, so you’ve conditioned yourself to at least minimally overcome that anxiety. Use break time to check in with yourself and intervene as needed.
Choose what works for you and PRACTICE THEM. PM's welcomed if you want additional information. I'm far from an expert but would love to help in any way possible!
