Step 1 Crossroads: What To Do

[Step1TooSoon]

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My test date is Feb. 29th and I'm at a crossroads/having a mild panic attack. . . I am currently doing DIT lectures and about 40q from USMLEWorld daily. . DIT will be done by Feb 5th and thus I will have 3 weeks (10 hours/day) exactly to study from there. . . On the 40 questions of world I average about 55-60% (first time). . .. . I am hoping for at least a 230 hopefully 240ish. . . I have a couple questions. . .

1. Is this feeling of being completely overwhelmed and that this isn't possible normal?

2. As I go through DIT should I be using it as a general overview/first time through first aid reference or should I be studying/memorizing as I go along? . . (I've been using it as a general overview so a lot of the stuff I am not retaining/memorizing necessarily. . . but I am getting a good first overview.)

3. Is the three weeks enough time to do all of that memorization/synthesize everything? Or have I put myself into too much a hole by just using these first two weeks with DIT as a general overview?

4. How many questions should I aim to do in a 4 hour span and then in those last three weeks?

4.What should I do for the last three weeks of studying and how should I do it? (I.E. Focus on what first, how many questions a day, etc.)

thanks

 

[Transposony]

1.Yes, the feeling is absolutely normal. It only tells you that you are human and your adrenals etc are working fine.
2. Whatever approach you are taking (DIT in your case)--give it your 100% there is no point doing anything half-hearted for this exam.
3. That's all depends on your background knowledge/ your individual style of studying....so difficult to comment.
My suggestion is to test yourself by NBME 6, 7,11 or 12 (at least two of those) when you finish DIT. That way you will know where you stand in terms of your desired Step 1 score.
Last three weeks, I suggest just reviewing everything you have done so far including Behavioral sciences, Biostats, Genetics and HY facts, slides, diagrams, pictures and going through FA once.