Should I still take the exam if...

[CuriousGeorge2]

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I haven't passed any practice tests thus far? Last practice exam was around a 150. I have my exam in about 2 weeks and at this point, there is still material I am seeing for the first time. I delayed a rotation to get an extra few weeks, but at this point there is no more time left. I know a failed step 1 is a huge drawback and at this point it seems a certainty...Any suggestions at this point?

 

[RapplixGmed]

DO NOT take the step 1 if you are not passing your practice tests. Right now, you still have a clean slate but if you fail step 1 or get a close to failing score, many doors will be closed to you forever.

Talk to your academic advisor or dean. If you already are significantly delaying, take a year off to study (and do something else like a light half-year research project so you can explain the year off).

 

[da8s0859q]

DO NOT take the step 1 if you are not passing your practice tests.

Completely agree. Take another NBME form if your last one was some time ago, see where you are, and plan accordingly.

Your only concern with Step -- in the opinion of a guy who takes his own in a couple weeks, anyway -- should be whether you're going to get the score you want. Don't go in there without firm evidence that you'll pass it comfortably.

 

[MilkmanAl]

Even when you're at the lower end of the scoring spectrum and have a ton of room to improve, a 40 point jump in 2 weeks is pretty monumental, and that's what you need just to pass. A sub-200 score closes many doors, as noted, and you won't even be considered at 40%+ of programs with a failing Step 1 score on your record, regardless of how you do in subsequent attempts. Just to reiterate, push your test back as far as you need to get it right the first time around. Absolutely do not take it where you currently have it scheduled.

 

[drizzt3117]

I haven't passed any practice tests thus far? Last practice exam was around a 150. I have my exam in about 2 weeks and at this point, there is still material I am seeing for the first time. I delayed a rotation to get an extra few weeks, but at this point there is no more time left. I know a failed step 1 is a huge drawback and at this point it seems a certainty...Any suggestions at this point?

how is that possible? Are you in the Carib? Obviously don't take the test if you're going to fail.

 

[XRanger]

How long have u been studying? what's your study strategy/material?

Delay it if you think you're going to fail. I think it's better to pass with low score than to fail then pass with good score

 

[officedepot]

Obviously you just plain have not put the work in required to pass especially even at this point since you are still seeing new material. Anyone going to any US school should at the very least be able to get a passing score. Step 1 is not something you can study for just a few hours a day. You need probably 6 weeks of at least 10-12 hours a day of good studying. No partying. Very limited going out. etc. Study every single day.

However, if you have yet to even come close to passing despite after taking extra time be prepared to be dismissed by the school, unless you get one more shot with taking a Kaplan course or something. The school is not going to just give you tons of time off since it ultimately hurts their bottom line and because you have not proven yourself in the least to them. It is a harsh reality that you'll have to face at some point. There are other careers besides medicine out there.

 

[DrDrToBe]

Obviously you just plain have not put the work in required to pass especially even at this point since you are still seeing new material. Anyone going to any US school should at the very least be able to get a passing score. Step 1 is not something you can study for just a few hours a day. You need probably 6 weeks of at least 10-12 hours a day of good studying. No partying. Very limited going out. etc. Study every single day.

However, if you have yet to even come close to passing despite after taking extra time be prepared to be dismissed by the school, unless you get one more shot with taking a Kaplan course or something. The school is not going to just give you tons of time off since it ultimately hurts their bottom line and because you have not proven yourself in the least to them. It is a harsh reality that you'll have to face at some point. There are other careers besides medicine out there.

A bit harsh, aren't we? Lots of schools give students tons of extra time to prepare since it's in everyones best interest that students do well. Clearly, this student needs more time to prepare. OP, if possible do as another previous poster suggested and take the year off, and try to get a research position or something. Schools tend to be more more willing to allow you more time to study in the beginning than if you take it and fail. Don't take it until you are certain you'll do well. You also need to work your butt off, I don't know how much you've been putting in, but clearly you need to either be putting in more time or seriously evaluate the way you're studying. Good luck!

 

[CuddyMD]

.

 

[CBG23]

I don't think PDs will look too kindly upon this...

 

[ArcGurren]

A score of 150 is failing and therefore no matter what you're aiming for, it's unacceptable. Delay your exam until at the very least you can get a passing score.