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please help! question about step 2 ck
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1) It will be like it was for Step 1.
The only surprise is that the test has audio questions (as mentioned in the Step 2 orientation material)... so be aware of that... while the UWorld qbank does not.
The free questions that they give you in the orientation material are helpful to do.
2) I took a 10 minute break after 4 sections and then did the other 4 sections. Take a break when you get tired of looking at a computer screen or if your concentration wanes. You can blow through the tutorial (however I would test your headphones during that) to gain extra break time.
3) Call prometric and ask them about bringing ear plugs. They give you those space-age headphones to wear.
4) You should bring healthy food like bananas, almonds, maybe some sweets. I had a good breakfast, ate a banana for lunch, and then ate supper at home.
5) Just do whatever you usually do to survive and stay awake. You don't want to change too many things before the test (like start getting jacked up on coffee if you have never done that before, etc).
Overall, if you chill out and relax, the day will go better than if you do not over-analyze things.
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1) did you find the questions to be longer than USMLE world?
Yeah, maybe a little longer but not substantially, it shouldn't affect you much or change your study strategy at all.
2) when did you take a break? after how many sets of questions?
There were a few blocks that I didn't take breaks between, just sat there for a few seconds to zone out and take a breather, but I took a couple 5-10 minute breaks and a ~25 minute lunch break.
3) are we allowed to bring ear plugs?
...I dunno, I didn't use them...but I doubt you're allowed to. They could be wireless headphones for all they know. They don't let you take ANYTHING into the room other than your locker key and driver's license. But I do know that you're provided with big orange traffic controller earmuffs.
4) what snacks did you bring?
Banana, Snickers bar, Red Bull, Mt. Dew, and a lunch of a sandwich and chips.
5) how did you manage to stay awake the whole time?
Stay awake? Are you serious? This is a serious licensing board exam that required a lot of toil and studying and prep and time and is pretty difficult, you're worried about falling asleep? I'll give you the benefit of the doubt and assume you meant "how did you manage to stay sharp the whole time" and to that I'd say....it's hard. Take breaks when you need them (and don't be afraid to take one if you feel fatigued at all because another block will be rough if you're fatigued), have some sugary/caffeinated/energy snacks/drinks available, wash your hands & face if you need to feel refreshed, remind yourself that this is serious and important.
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I haven't taken ck yet, but here's what I did for step 1 to stay awake and fully alert as I had the same worry: pop 2 excedrin as it'll help with the headache and the caffiene will keep you going without the bloat of cups and cups of coffee during the day. Get some 'stay alert' gum. I got mine off of amazon.com and it worked like a charm after my lunch break 😉 During the test I also just sucked on some hard jollyrancher candy, as I popped out of the room after every block to use the restroom and move around. I still had a good 20 mins of break-time left at the end of the test day as my lunch (rice and chicken) was only 10-15 mins because I felt so rushed (couldnt help it). Remember to have a goood breakfast in the morning. I also had a cup of coffee that morning, but no beverages the rest of the day as I have a small bladder 😳 Hope this helped and Good luck!
