Step 1 in 2.5 weeks, What to do from now on out?

[omarsaleh66]

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Hey guys, My step 1 is in 2 weeks. So far, I've done:

1) the Appleton Lange book (69%),

2) 30% of Qbank - at 65%, I stopped doing qbank cuz the kaplan server keeps freezing on me. So i started on NMS

3) Started NMS today - so far 5 tests, 68%


Can any of u guys give me some feedback on where I stand (realistically) and what I need to do in these last 2 weeks? I plan on taking those 2 NBME tests and looking at First Aid starting pretty soon.

I havent touched any review books yet cuz these questions are taking so long. Any advice. I need a 220 atleast on step 1 to meet certain cutoffs so just letting u know my goal.

later

Omar

 

[HiddenTruth]

Hey guys, My step 1 is in 2 weeks. So far, I've done:

1) the Appleton Lange book (69%),

2) 30% of Qbank - at 65%, I stopped doing qbank cuz the kaplan server keeps freezing on me. So i started on NMS

3) Started NMS today - so far 5 tests, 68%


Can any of u guys give me some feedback on where I stand (realistically) and what I need to do in these last 2 weeks? I plan on taking those 2 NBME tests and looking at First Aid starting pretty soon.

I havent touched any review books yet cuz these questions are taking so long. Any advice. I need a 220 atleast on step 1 to meet certain cutoffs so just letting u know my goal.

later

Omar

yo buddy, what you doing, get busy with FA and BRS path/phys. and whatever other sources u are planning on using. I would do like 50-100 q's daily, and then just spend the rest of the time reading FA (or whatever other sources u are using), and then maybe foccus more heavily in the lat few days again on q's--for what my comments are worth. Good luck bro.

 

[omarsaleh66]

U are right. Im gonna knock out these review books from now out and do only 50 a day. Doesnt look like I am gonna do qbank. Ill finish up NMS and do the NBME exams and just take the damn thing.

I will let u know how it goes. Thanks

 

[streetdoc]

U are right. Im gonna knock out these review books from now out and do only 50 a day. Doesnt look like I am gonna do qbank. Ill finish up NMS and do the NBME exams and just take the damn thing.

I will let u know how it goes. Thanks

wishing good luck!
streetdoc

sorry i can't help with your plan...i''m in the same boat.

 

[Badboyofmed]

U are right. Im gonna knock out these review books from now out and do only 50 a day. Doesnt look like I am gonna do qbank. Ill finish up NMS and do the NBME exams and just take the damn thing.

I will let u know how it goes. Thanks

From someone who got a 100 on a certain subject (inside joke),

I would start First Aid ASAP, there's a lot of one word hints (not buzzwords) that might make the difference between getting a question wrong vs. right.
Ex: Thymoma-Autoimmue (such as Myastenia Gravis)....

 

[omarsaleh66]

wishing good luck!
streetdoc

sorry i can't help with your plan...i''m in the same boat.

Where did the time go? gluck to u too!!

 

[omarsaleh66]

From someone who got a 100 on a certain subject (inside joke),

I would start First Aid ASAP, there's a lot of one word hints (not buzzwords) that might make the difference between getting a question wrong vs. right.
Ex: Thymoma-Autoimmue (such as Myastenia Gravis)....

hahah, I wish I was in the same position again. This test is a whole different beast. Poor planning on my part. Yeah man Starting First Aid today!!
One thing I did do was kinda look at First Aid thru out my 2 years of med school so I hope it comes back fast.

thanks

Omar

 

[Pox in a box]

From someone who got a 100 on a certain subject (inside joke),

I would start First Aid ASAP, there's a lot of one word hints (not buzzwords) that might make the difference between getting a question wrong vs. right.
Ex: Thymoma-Autoimmue (such as Myastenia Gravis)....

Mature defense: Humor.

 

[Pox in a box]

hahah, I wish I was in the same position again. This test is a whole different beast. Poor planning on my part. Yeah man Starting First Aid today!!
One thing I did do was kinda look at First Aid thru out my 2 years of med school so I hope it comes back fast.

thanks

Omar

Omar, read the First Aid thoroughly and try to memorize the key associations. Then finish up QBank before you get back to your other sources. Last day or two, read through FA again. Good luck. We're all rooting (not as in a newborn's favorite behavioral science trick) for you.

 

[streetdoc]

Omar, read the First Aid thoroughly and try to memorize the key associations. Then finish up QBank before you get back to your other sources. Last day or two, read through FA again. Good luck. We're all rooting (not as in a newborn's favorite behavioral science trick) for you.

POX, what makes me think you are studying Behavior sci at the moment????
streetdoc
--finally done with phys!!! on to Biochem

 

[Long Dong]

POX, what makes me think you are studying Behavior sci at the moment????

Yeah pox gots some serious behavior sci tie ins.

But yeah omar, hit the FA hard and do the qbank, forget the nms I think it sucks a$$.

 

[omarsaleh66]

Yeah pox gots some serious behavior sci tie ins.

But yeah omar, hit the FA hard and do the qbank, forget the nms I think it sucks a$$.

Long Dong clean out ur mail box. I gotta ask u somehting.

later
Omar

 

[Pox in a box]

POX, what makes me think you are studying Behavior sci at the moment????
streetdoc
--finally done with phys!!! on to Biochem

At the moment I'm a pox, in a box. And this pox is going to sleep (1, 2, 3-4, REM...). Study memory for REM. I didn't get a lot accomplished today and have to get caught up in the morning.

Good night to Mr. SANDman.

Serotonin
Acetylcholine
Norepinephrine
Dopamine

 

[omarsaleh66]

A friend of mine took step 1 yesterday and told me, that the 3 most represented things that were on there were:

1) U have to know path, so he recomended maybe looking at BRS path or RR

2) First Aid for everything else, pharm was all drug-drug interactions

3) Goljan audio

he said that these 3 things prolly helped him the most when he took his exam. Many of u all ready know this, but for those of us who only have 2 weeks left and are freaking out, these are some things to focus on I guess.

Im dropping everyhting and doing First Aid pretty much. Also I got a hold of Tommyk notes, they are pretty good. Any thoughts on Tommyk notes? They pretty much pimp u on the concepts of First Aid.


EDIT: I think u can get Tommyk notes off ebay or for free at valuemd.com




later

 

[omarsaleh66]

Just took the NBME 1 exam today. Got a 550 that correlates w 230. The real thing is 2 weeks from today. All weekend I've been doing a little bit of everything. Still havent started First Aid.

1) But one thing that really helped on this test was Goljan Audio. Ive done 6 lectures of Goljan and I got atleast if not more 5 q straight from what he taught. So defineitly good stuff.

2) Read the first 20 pages that covers biostats from Behavorial Science Platinum Vignette book. Covers the most highest yield biostats in 20 pages in a painless way. I hate biostats, and never really understood it until last night when i read these 20 pages.

3) HY Molecular Bio is great. Ive read about 33% of it and i was able to answer alot of these questions easily where before I was scared to death anytime I saw some genetic question. This book is really easy to read and man, big thanks to Bigfrank and the rest for recommending this one.


4) All u guys freaking about qbank. I thought this NBME was easier; either u know this or u dont. Not crazy ass questions like qbank.


PS- Streetdoc, clean out your mailbox!

ok, hope it helped. Thanks for the support
Omar

 

[Pox in a box]

Just took the NBME 1 exam today. Got a 550 that correlates w 230. The real thing is 2 weeks from today. All weekend I've been doing a little bit of everything. Still havent started First Aid.

1) But one thing that really helped on this test was Goljan Audio. Ive done 6 lectures of Goljan and I got atleast if not more 5 q straight from what he taught. So defineitly good stuff.

2) Read the first 20 pages that covers biostats from Behavorial Science Platinum Vignette book. Covers the most highest yield biostats in 20 pages in a painless way. I hate biostats, and never really understood it until last night when i read these 20 pages.

3) HY Molecular Bio is great. Ive read about 33% of it and i was able to answer alot of these questions easily where before I was scared to death anytime I saw some genetic question. This book is really easy to read and man, big thanks to Bigfrank and the rest for recommending this one.


4) All u guys freaking about qbank. I thought this NBME was easier; either u know this or u dont. Not crazy ass questions like qbank.


PS- Streetdoc, clean out your mailbox!

ok, hope it helped. Thanks for the support
Omar

That's good news bro. I know you've been working hard. I still recommend reading First Aid at least one pass through to make sure you nail the high yield facts.

 

[omarsaleh66]

Thanks Pox, defineitly,there were so many questions straight out of FA, i just couldnt remember cuz i looked at it so long ago! i gotta get thru FA atleast 2X!!!

later

 

[HiddenTruth]

No doubt, Omar. Don't let us down--that's a solid score. I'm almost willing to put money that you will get that or higher on the real thing. 😉, so better not let us down! Good luck bro

 

[greenpink]

🙁
Sorry to be a bother, but I'm so frustrated and not sure what to do.
I'm in the same position as Omar in terms of taking step in about 2.5 weeks. Actually I'm taking it in 3 weeks.
Here's what I'm doing:
FA, BRS, HY, Qbank (50 to 75 q per day), then FA again at night to review -- all based on a systems based schedule that I've been doing for almost 2.5 weeks.
I can't get past 70% on Qbank. Even if I take a test based on the material I studied that day. ggggrrrrr. What am I doing wrong? I want to do really well on the boards. My dream would be a 240.
Help!!
You guys are wonderful. Always great posts that are interesting and helpful.
thanks.

 

[Pox in a box]

🙁
Sorry to be a bother, but I'm so frustrated and not sure what to do.
I'm in the same position as Omar in terms of taking step in about 2.5 weeks. Actually I'm taking it in 3 weeks.
Here's what I'm doing:
FA, BRS, HY, Qbank (50 to 75 q per day), then FA again at night to review -- all based on a systems based schedule that I've been doing for almost 2.5 weeks.
I can't get past 70% on Qbank. Even if I take a test based on the material I studied that day. ggggrrrrr. What am I doing wrong? I want to do really well on the boards. My dream would be a 240.
Help!!
You guys are wonderful. Always great posts that are interesting and helpful.
thanks.

Are you floating too much in one day (this to that to questions to books to that to this)? Maybe you should focus on one or two things to get accomplished for the day. Your Qbank score will probably increase with your knowledge base so don't worry about that. Some of the questions are insane and no matter what you study, you're probably not going to get right the first time. Just learn that material and move on.

 

[omarsaleh66]

No doubt, Omar. Don't let us down--that's a solid score. I'm almost willing to put money that you will get that or higher on the real thing. 😉, so better not let us down! Good luck bro

Hey man, thanks alot; good luck to u too. Holler at u on IM. peace

 

[Ramoray]

Hey o, in the nicest way.. shut up! i can sense nerves in this post and dude form reading your posts all year you have abs nothing to wrry about. I suggest hibernating, playing ps2, drining some beers for 2 weeks and i dont doubt you will awaken and bust out a 260. Honsetly i think you have doen all the right prep all year, worked hard and i dont think what you do over 2 weeks will matter because you have built the solid knowledge for a high score so i would just do what YOU believe you are weak at because i know from tests in general, if i go in not knowing somethign or feeling weak, no matter how low yield, it increases my nerves because i keep thinking ill see that material. Its all about confidence at this poitn ( and FA🙂 ) but ya bust out brs and fa and i am sure your golden. Good luck over the next 2 weeks and i look forward to your score coming in encouraging all of us with a great number!

 

[omarsaleh66]

Hey o, in the nicest way.. shut up! i can sense nerves in this post and dude form reading your posts all year you have abs nothing to wrry about. I suggest hibernating, playing ps2, drining some beers for 2 weeks and i dont doubt you will awaken and bust out a 260. Honsetly i think you have doen all the right prep all year, worked hard and i dont think what you do over 2 weeks will matter because you have built the solid knowledge for a high score so i would just do what YOU believe you are weak at because i know from tests in general, if i go in not knowing somethign or feeling weak, no matter how low yield, it increases my nerves because i keep thinking ill see that material. Its all about confidence at this poitn ( and FA🙂 ) but ya bust out brs and fa and i am sure your golden. Good luck over the next 2 weeks and i look forward to your score coming in encouraging all of us with a great number!

LOL, yeah man, Im trying to play PS2 (NBA 2k5) a little everyday w my little brother and watch the playoffs for breaks.

U are totally right, there really isnt much to do now except just see things for recall purposes or confidence boosters. Im just glad that Im not taking the test when u and Hidden are taking it, jk.

 

[omarsaleh66]

Whats up peeps

Just took the NBME 2. I got a 600. 50 pt improvement from last week. I am using Goljan audio, HY histology, and HY molecular Bio. Sorry I hope not to annoy anybody but I just want to post what is helping me in the last week so maybe it will help u guys who are taking it soon.

NBME 1 said my behavorial science was low so I did the Beh Science qbank questions and it helped dramatically.

I read the First Aid Embryo section so far, and am working on Platinum Vignettes for Anatomy and Embryo and HY Neuro (thats all i plan on doing for Anatomy)

HY histology and HY Molecular Bio defineitly helped. ALOT. Thanks bigfrank, mattie 13

Platinum Vignetets for Biostats (20 pages) thats all u need.

ok bros, Got 1 week left, gotta hit up rest of First Aid, path, pharm, phys, micro and immuno. Gluck to all and thanks. I would never be able to know what to do if it wasnt for u guys. Next week will decide if I do ear-nose-throat at Harvard or or look at ears, noses and throats in Harvard, Loiusiana. (joke u guys)

Holler

 

[streetdoc]

Whats up peeps

Just took the NBME 2. I got a 600. 50 pt improvement from last week. I am using Goljan audio, HY histology, and HY molecular Bio. Sorry I hope not to annoy anybody but I just want to post what is helping me in the last week so maybe it will help u guys who are taking it soon.

NBME 1 said my behavorial science was low so I did the Beh Science qbank questions and it helped dramatically.

I read the First Aid Embryo section so far, and am working on Platinum Vignettes for Anatomy and Embryo and HY Neuro (thats all i plan on doing for Anatomy)

HY histology and HY Molecular Bio defineitly helped. ALOT. Thanks bigfrank, mattie 13

Platinum Vignetets for Biostats (20 pages) thats all u need.

ok bros, Got 1 week left, gotta hit up rest of First Aid, path, pharm, phys, micro and immuno. Gluck to all and thanks. I would never be able to know what to do if it wasnt for u guys. Next week will decide if I do ear-nose-throat at Harvard or or look at ears, noses and throats in Harvard, Loiusiana. (joke u guys)

Holler

WHHHOOOAAA!
what did i say...240+?!! you're doing awesome. keep it up and report back 🙂
explain these platinum vignettes? not the clinical vignettes i'm guessing?
i'm looking to take the NBME practice friday. which do you suggest starting with, since you're now the expert?
you're going to feel great in a few days.
streetdoc

 

[kcumbDO]

NBME 1 610
NBME 2 630

Hoping now for a >240 on USMLE in 2 days

 

[omarsaleh66]

WHHHOOOAAA!
what did i say...240+?!! you're doing awesome. keep it up and report back 🙂
explain these platinum vignettes? not the clinical vignettes i'm guessing?
i'm looking to take the NBME practice friday. which do you suggest starting with, since you're now the expert?
you're going to feel great in a few days.
streetdoc

Hey thanks alot; These platinum vignettes are written by Adam Brochert. He writes alot of the Step 2 stuff. Its less reading and more high yield. for ur NBME exam, I guess start with the first 1. I thought the second one was harder. Anyways glcuk.

later

 

[omarsaleh66]

NBME 1 610
NBME 2 630

Hoping now for a >240 on USMLE in 2 days

Hey there, I think u are set. gluck and let us know how it goes. Im sure u will do fine.