step 1 breaktime clarification

[JayZee]

according to nbme we get 45 min total break time that doesn't count against us. we can take a break after every section if we wanted...if we have enough breaktime or if we finish a section early....

if we exceed 45 min we get docked time from our last block?

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[missbonnie]

according to nbme we get 45 min total break time that doesn't count against us. we can take a break after every section if we wanted...if we have enough breaktime or if we finish a section early....

if we exceed 45 min we get docked time from our last block?

it's 1 hr if u skip the 15 min tutorial (which u should)

 

[shocker]

Great question. I was wondering if I finish sections early, will that be added to my total break-time.

Example: I take a 100 questions and finish in 1.5 hours, do I get 30 minutes tacked on to my total break-time. And if so, can I take an hour long break if I want to around noon?

Thanks for any clarification you may be able to provide.

 

[JayZee]

it's 1 hr if u skip the 15 min tutorial (which u should)

thanks missbonnie...

shocker, i'm pretty sure you can tack on unused block time to your break time...
anybody sure?

 

[JayZee]

😕

 

[acab]

From the moment you type in your code, the clock starts ticking...and you're given 8 hours total. So you can skip the tutorial (add 15 min to your break time, making it a total of 1 hr), and you need to finish 7 blocks, each of which within 1 hour. So if you finish a block in 50 min, you can add the remaining 10 min to your total break time. In other words, each block has to be done within 1 hour, and any extra time gained from finishing a block before the hour expires can be used for breaks only.

 

[LaurieB]

One other thing I noticed on the test was that if you finish a section early, that gets added to your break time and then you get a screen that lets you decide if you want to take a break or continue. If your time runs out, you go directly to the next block so be sure to end the block at least a few seconds beforehand if you want to take a break. Just a little something to know.

 

[hrq]

Anyone have any good ideas of what to eat during the breaks so that you don't go hungry but also don't get tired?

 

[Flobber]

Along these same lines... what are you allowed to take in with you? Wouldn't eating during your breaks distract other test takers? I can't imagine popping a bag of chips and making the little hissy noise of opening a pop every 40 minutes...

Do you get to go out for lunch, or do you have to stay in the exam place until the exam is done? Thanks...

 

[missbonnie]

I haven't taken it yet but friends who have said you can't bring ANYTHING with you into the test room..and if you bring an extra piece of clothing you HAVE to wear it..i.e. u can't hang it on the chair - yeah ******ed I know. So it would seem that it would be best to wear something you can zipper for optimal temperature control.

As for eating, I 'm a big fan of powerbars - like eat a piece during breaks to keep the glucose going. I probably won't leave the exam room after every block maybe every 2 blocks) because I hear there can be traffic jams because you have to sign OUT & IN everytime (yeah can they make this any worse?).

Most centers will let you leave for lunch but I did hear of at least once center where you could NOT leave the building (this was in the bay area in cali). PLus u might run of time, so I think it's best to try to bring as much food for yourself as possible...

bonnie

 

[RustNeverSleeps]

I haven't taken it yet but friends who have said you can't bring ANYTHING with you into the test room..and if you bring an extra piece of clothing you HAVE to wear it..i.e. u can't hang it on the chair - yeah ******ed I know. So it would seem that it would be best to wear something you can zipper for optimal temperature control.

As for eating, I 'm a big fan of powerbars - like eat a piece during breaks to keep the glucose going. I probably won't leave the exam room after every block maybe every 2 blocks) because I hear there can be traffic jams because you have to sign OUT & IN everytime (yeah can they make this any worse?).

Most centers will let you leave for lunch but I did hear of at least once center where you could NOT leave the building (this was in the bay area in cali). PLus u might run of time, so I think it's best to try to bring as much food for yourself as possible...

bonnie

Personally, I recommend signing out after every session. I did the first two blocks back-to-back, and after that took a 10-15 minute break every session from then on. I was perfectly fine with breaktime -- even with taking 6 breaks (including a longer one at the lunch) I still had an hour of break time left at the end of the day. So in other words, unless you are slow at these kinds of tests, there is plenty of time for breaks, even if you get caught in a sign-in line. (By the way, there were no lines when I signed in or out. When I took the exam in late May, there was only one other person taking Step 1, and the vast majority of the other test-takers were taking the GRE, which is shorter and doesn't have the opportunity for as many breaks.)

The test is long and stressful, so don't underestimate the importance of getting up, stretching your legs, having a snack (or a caffeinated beverage). You have to be in that room for a long time, so it is nice to leave every hour or so. 👍