Step I Taking the exam early.....crazy?

Started by bbpiano1
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bbpiano1

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So I know a lot of people who think about moving test day to a later time, but I've been studying pretty routinely for the past couple of months and feel pretty good about the test. I'm worried that taking a full 5 weeks in May/June will just burn me out.

Now my strategy is to take 25 days and just cram the tiny details I have forgotten. Has anybody else done this? ...because my friends think I'm crazy for taking the test earlier than I had planned?

bb

P.S. I am judging preparedness by q-bank percentage (~70% correct).
 
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there is no rule that says you have to study X amount of time, so i say if you are ready and confident, go take that sucker and get it over with!
 
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Take at least 2 NBMEs and call me in the morning.

If your scores are consistent (and you're happy with them) take the exam ASAP.

Don't just rely on Qbank percentages. I've seen people score well above average on Qbank only to do very average on the real deal.
 
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I agree with the posters above about taking an NBME or two--NBME scores are much better predictors of step 1 scores than any question bank. I also found that it was very important while studying for step 1 to do my best to avoid my fellow classmates because talking with them was more stressful than helpful. If you think you'll be ready, then take the test and get the beast out of the way--its your studying, your score, and your decision, not your friends'. I had one classmate who moved up his test date based on NBME performance and his own feeling of comfort with the material, and he rocked the test and never regretted moving his test date.
 
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Thanks for all the responses. I guess I try the NBME's. I was putting them off because I thought 1) if I did poorly, I'd get depressed or 2) if I did really well, I become a bit too complacent. I think I'll do the NBME a week before my new test date, and if all goes well, take it them.
 
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I took 3 weeks to study -- the usual at my school is between 4 and 5 weeks, so while I was on the shorter end it really didn't work out that much shorter than my peers. I had to be efficient and couldn't waste a week putzing around or something, but I had a good plan going in and I stuck to it fairly well. I didn't do any boards-directed studying before that 3 week time (although I did reasonably well in my classes). However you decide to use your time, I think it's just important to have a plan of what your schedule will be, what resources you're going to use, and also know what to do if things aren't working out as well as you had hoped (know the deadline for rescheduling your exam, etc). NBME's are good if you are concerned you might be on the borderline or if you have a specific goal in mind. I didn't take an NBME, but I was fairly confident I was not going to fail (and my only real goal was to pass).
 
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I moved mine up to 10 days after we get out of class(originally was scheduled for ~30) because I've already taken the CBSE and NBME 3 and done very well on them, so I figure move it up and get it over with.
 
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I might move mine up as well if I do well on NBME 2 and 3. Many people I have spoken to told me that they peaked 1-2 weeks before the actual exam.
 
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bbpiano1 said:
So I know a lot of people who think about moving test day to a later time, but I've been studying pretty routinely for the past couple of months and feel pretty good about the test. I'm worried that taking a full 5 weeks in May/June will just burn me out.

Now my strategy is to take 25 days and just cram the tiny details I have forgotten. Has anybody else done this? ...because my friends think I'm crazy for taking the test earlier than I had planned?

bb

P.S. I am judging preparedness by q-bank percentage (~70% correct).
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I think you're one of the few SANE people in medical school. Take it early and enjoy your Summer! :horns:
 
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