Step 1 Changes

[rickjamesbtch]

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Does anyone have any information regarding the "new question set" changes to Step 1 that have taken place after May 25, 2011? I have read a few opinions, but they seem to be a bit drastic and overboard. Could some of you give a realistic opinion please? Also, does anyone know what the changes where suppose to be?

 

[fahimaz7]

No one knows anything other than the fact that they made immunology it's own subcategory.

 

[kaleerkalut]

Was this ever confirmed?

Also, does making Immunology its own category mean that there will be more Immunology questions now?

Thanks.

 

[12six]

Took it on Friday and did not feel that Immuno was highly stressed or anything. If it was, I certainly didn't notice it. That said, that's only the one form which I took, and of course there are loads of other Q's. Just adding my 0.02

 

[justaregularmed]

The question draw just has to fall into those huge categories so there is absolutely no telling what you're going to get with any good certainty.

 

[mastamark]

Was this ever confirmed?

Also, does making Immunology its own category mean that there will be more Immunology questions now?

Thanks.

Just took it today and yes immuno was HUGE. Along with Hematology, pharmacodynamics/kinetics, a little renal and a bunch of anatomy(xrays and images). Very few slides, very long stems. Graph central. Tons of things I thought would "definitely be on there" as mentioned in many circles was not on there. I think I had one of those heavy experimental tests, I must have because most of the Qs I remember were not in FA, in fact it was even hard google'ing them ha! That doesn't make me feel good as I will be judged on less 🙁

But yes, my test was pretty much based in immuno, heme. I would say 2/3s in some way or another. I was hoping for more cardio and respiratory. I think all of my neuro and anatomy was in the form of x-rays/CTs.

I was actually shocked when I walked out. I took all the NBMEs, been through Uworld twice and Kaplan once. This was a new breed of questions. I don't know how I did overall, but I don't know if I got the "ones to get." Go over your First aid with a fine toothed comb, they asked me some really picky stuff. You know, the cell marker that's 3 rows down from the third from the bottom in the book?

Good luck all. I just hope I did okay.

 

[justaregularmed]

I mean its entirely possible to get 241 questions related to immunology in some way, its also possible to get 0. Just luck of the draw.

 

[jfgavina]

They can't just change everything in the examination without stressing out what they are putting more emphasis in. That would be unfair for everyone taking the exam in the post 25th may period...

 

[deleted387928]

I had some questions I felt were "experimental" type yesterday. It was probably less than 5 or 6 total though... no reason to change your entire approach.

 

[mastamark]

I had some questions I felt were "experimental" type yesterday. It was probably less than 5 or 6 total though... no reason to change your entire approach.

I agree with not changing approach. After getting some much needed sleep I woke up feeling a little different. I still felt I had heavy experimental loads, but there's no way to prepare for those anyhow. According to their site those are not graded anyhow.

It did emphasize immuno for me very heavily, even across systems, but you never know what you will have. They are good with tying these subjects together as evidenced by the NBMEs. You may find yourself thinking, "how is this a neuro question?"

Forgive the 2:00 am rant. Keep doing your thing and don't expect anything in particular to avoid surprise on test day. I guess for most people that's common sense, for me not so much.

 

[kaleerkalut]

I agree with not changing approach. After getting some much needed sleep I woke up feeling a little different. I still felt I had heavy experimental loads, but there's no way to prepare for those anyhow. According to their site those are not graded anyhow.

It did emphasize immuno for me very heavily, even across systems, but you never know what you will have. They are good with tying these subjects together as evidenced by the NBMEs. You may find yourself thinking, "how is this a neuro question?"

Forgive the 2:00 am rant. Keep doing your thing and don't expect anything in particular to avoid surprise on test day. I guess for most people that's common sense, for me not so much.

Would you mind posting the link to their site that states that those are not graded? Sorry, I just don't know where to look. Thanks again 🙂

 

[mastamark]

Would you mind posting the link to their site that states that those are not graded? Sorry, I just don't know where to look. Thanks again 🙂

http://www.usmle.org/General_Information/bulletin/2011/score.html

There ya go. It's down toward the middle of the page somewhere.

"Some examination materials are included in the USMLE to enhance the examination system and to investigate the measurement properties of the examinations. Such materials are not scored. "