Shelfs - realistic feedback for how you are doing?

[swtiepie711]

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Are NBME Shelf Exams actually a good indicator of how you are doing? Is there any data or does anyone have any info/thoughts on how shelf scores relate to actual Step 1 scores? Thoughts?

 

[njaqua]

They are suppose to be retired Step 1 questions. However, I've been wondering lately if they are really reflecting the Step 1 content since supposedly the licensing exam is changing to include less buzzwords. It seems like the NBME exams are sometimes easier than the lecture exams.

Are NBME Shelf Exams actually a good indicator of how you are doing? Is there any data or does anyone have any info/thoughts on how shelf scores relate to actual Step 1 scores? Thoughts?

 

[njbmd]

Those shelf exams do not reflect the content of the current integrated USMLE. They are useful in terms of how well you mastered your coursework but not very indicative of how you will do on Step I. You need an integrated resource for Step I which is not how the shelfs test.

 

[Law2Doc]

Are NBME Shelf Exams actually a good indicator of how you are doing? Is there any data or does anyone have any info/thoughts on how shelf scores relate to actual Step 1 scores? Thoughts?

Actually many people find the time restriction and the way the questions are worded to be biggest hurdles of some of the shelf exams, often moreso than the material itself. As a result I would suggest it is not a great indicator of anything other than how well you have mastered this format of testing. Most med schools don't shelf exams prior to third year, and thus if your school does, you will be graded only against a small fraction of those taking Step I. So the scores don't really reflect how you are doing with respect to the pack, just with respect to a small handful of schools, who may or may not be representative of the larger group. You need to learn how to get through this kind of test because it is a format you will see throughout your career. But I'm not sure I would get too comfortable based on shelf scores.

 

[TIGIBedHead]

Actually many people find the time restriction and the way the questions are worded to be biggest hurdles of some of the shelf exams, often moreso than the material itself. As a result I would suggest it is not a great indicator of anything other than how well you have mastered this format of testing. Most med schools don't shelf exams prior to third year, and thus if your school does, you will be graded only against a small fraction of those taking Step I. So the scores don't really reflect how you are doing with respect to the pack, just with respect to a small handful of schools, who may or may not be representative of the larger group. You need to learn how to get through this kind of test because it is a format you will see throughout your career. But I'm not sure I would get too comfortable based on shelf scores.

I've felt pressed for time especially on most of the shelf exams. Are you suggesting that there are less time constraints on the boards? That would be lovely.

 

[Law2Doc]

I've felt pressed for time especially on most of the shelf exams. Are you suggesting that there are less time constraints on the boards? That would be lovely.

You have significant time constraints, but most people finish Step 1 I think. I'm not sure the same can be said for some of the shelfs.

 

[bjackrian]

Those shelf exams do not reflect the content of the current integrated USMLE. They are useful in terms of how well you mastered your coursework but not very indicative of how you will do on Step I. You need an integrated resource for Step I which is not how the shelfs test.

I disagree with this, at least for basic science shelf exams and step I. I had a lot of very similar questions (and some that were not similar at all). I do agree that you need an integrated source for step I because some of the questions really are a "tornado of integration" to quote someone from the USMLE board, but I think that there is some relationship between performance on shelf exams and USMLE.

 

[TheTurdBurglar]

For what its worth I usually scored between 85-95 on most of the shelf exams as an M1/M2 except for a 99 in anatomy and a 98 in BS and ended up with a 267/99 on step I. There were several students in my class who also avg in the 80s on the shelf exams but still managed 260+, so no I do not think it is a good indicator. Good luck and god speed.

 

[Vizsla]

For what its worth I usually scored between 85-95 on most of the shelf exams as an M1/M2 except for a 99 in anatomy and a 98 in BS and ended up with a 267/99 on step I. There were several students in my class who also avg in the 80s on the shelf exams but still managed 260+, so no I do not think it is a good indicator. Good luck and god speed.

wowzers

 

[mTOR]

^what he said!!!!!

 

[lankysudanese]

For what its worth I usually scored between 85-95 on most of the shelf exams as an M1/M2 except for a 99 in anatomy and a 98 in BS and ended up with a 267/99 on step I. There were several students in my class who also avg in the 80s on the shelf exams but still managed 260+, so no I do not think it is a good indicator. Good luck and god speed.

congrats on a continuous stellar performance. on a side note: any correlation between your clinical shelf scores and Step II score (if either of those are available).