Should I take Step 1 before or after May 11th 2015?

[kg508bc]

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Basically picking my test date now and I can choose either option. Are these changes they are making going to make a real difference? The number of questions doesn't really worry me (46-->44), it's the possibility of new weird questions about topics I've never seen.

I heard something about quality of safety science....where would I read that?
Or maybe it would be better to take the new version and just get curved with everyone else (just have to wait till july for scores)

I've looked around, but haven't seen much discussion about this.
So if anyone can help me out with any reasons to pick either scheduling option I'd really appreciate it. Thanks!

 

[FAstudent]

I'm wondering the same thing... I want to know is it going to be harder to score high after the changes?

 

[BlueJay25]

I am in this same dilemma, and decided to book before May 11th. I'd rather not be a guinea pig for the new step 1 scores. Also, from what I realize, because they wont release scores until July, it means that those writing in mid-late June will have the feedback about the new questions/changes of those who wrote in May and therefore probably score better, reducing the curve. Take all of that with a grain of salt, but for what it's worth I've booked for a date right before.

 

[carnelian]

I thought the only change is the number of questions? From what I've read, the distribution of questions and topics they cover should be the same. Safety science/quality improvement topics were introduced last year I think, so they'll show up regardless of whether your exam falls before or after May 11. Haven't researched extensively about it, so correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[seminoma]

Will how you prepare for the exam change based on when you take it? Probably not. So don't worry about the "changes" being made.

 

[Transposony]

NEVER chase the exam.
Take it whenever you are prepared enough to get your desired score.

 

[seminoma]

I'm still confused/amused that people think more time means harder or different questions. The same question pool in less time won't necessarily be easier. Overthinking is a huge issue for a lot of people and more time means more opportunities to overthink.

 

[dlop]

Hi! i plan on taking my test in the next couple of weeks...
Has anyone taken step 1 since may 11th and experience "the change"? I'm curious !!!