Seven-block simulation day?

[HatWobble]

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Does anyone else plan on doing a seven-block simulation day, just to get a feel for what the pace of a full exam day will be like? I was planning on doing an NBME + Free 150 four days before my test. I'd get up at the same time I'd have to get up on exam day, eating a bagged lunch like I would on exam day, practice taking break time like I'd need to, getting an idea of the right amount of caffeine to drink, etc. I did something similar when I took the MCAT and I think it helped.

 

[THH]

The generally SDN consensus seems to be "no." Our school had us take a full length practice exam and honestly I don't feel like it did much for me. Other than confirming that yes, it is possible to sit there for 8-9 hours straight and do questions, and no, it is not fun.

 

[001100010010011]

I did both Kaplan 7 block exams. Wasn't worth it.

 

[oingoboingo]

I vote no as well. Doing just one NBME is painful enough - I find that after I do that, it's hard for me to study for the rest of the day and I can't afford to lose any study time at this point. Plus on test day there should be plenty of adrenaline to keep me going through the day so having sat down and done 400 questions a few days earlier won't really make a difference.

 

[Donald Juan]

I don't plan on doing it myself, but I don't see anything wrong with it. If you're concerned at all about stamina or getting into the game-day mentality, then go for it. User Modeselektor here said he did nothing but 8 blocks followed by 3 days of reviewing them (and reviewing FA and pathoma) and it worked out for him. Something like that shouldn't really mess up your study schedule, either. It still comes out to 2 blocks/day + gives you plenty of time to study on top of it.

Again, I don't think it is necessary, but if you're worried at all about it, then it's definitely not gonna hurt to give it a try one day.