Terrible UWSA2 exam in 5 days

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apete67

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So straight to the point - got a disastrous 196 on UWSA2 today and my exam is in 5 days.

Im a DO student so whats best for me at this point?

Take it this winter break after first half of rotation while studying everyday until then? Would you still be able to remember the details of step 1 content well if you take it in winter break?

I have heard some schools have their students take step 1 after rotation but im not sure if its applicable in my case since my school may not set up our rotation schedule to accommodate taking step 1 in the winter break of 3rd year.

I feel like I know more stuff than whats reflected on my score but I need to do what is best for me in this stressful situation.

Any advice helps!!

Thank you.
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N = 1, but I actually scored closer to UWSA 1 than 2 (I scored nearly 30 points lower on 2, 6 points away from failing). When I took 2, I was burnt out and really did a terrible job. You lose something like 4 points for every question you miss on those exams. I almost delayed my exam because of it...

My scores were all over the place so when I took the exam, I didn't really know what to expect, but it all worked out. I had to take it, and if I failed, I failed (I didn't want to do anything competitive). I am a firm believer that a large part of it is purely luck and strategy. When talking to friends, nothing really predicted their scores either. Some scored 20 points above UWSA2, some scored between UWSA1 and UWSA2, some didn't even take practice exams and scored well. What you score depends on a variety of factors. Keep studying and best of luck. Don't let these exams define you.
 
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^ It is true that one bad score doesn’t define you. Let’s say that you get 20 points better and get a 216. Is a 216 even worth taking Step 1? Probably, but there’s differing opinions on that. It’s best to make sure to take Step when you’re 100% ready for it.

We only have 1 data point. How were your NBME’s and UW1 for completeness sake?
 
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Hey thanks for replying.
I didnt take a whole lot of nbmes - took one nbme 2 weeks ago and got a 194.

I havent take uwsa1 yet.

I plan on taking one more exam 3 days before the scheduled step 1 and im wondering which is a better prediction test that i should take to decide if i want to take step 1 or not? Nbme (newer ones like nbme 24) or uwsa1?
 
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based on the info I have right now you are at risk of failing. The variability in uwsa 2 predictive ability is probably +-20. If you end up on the wrong side of that variability you will end up failing.

At this level I would rethink the purpose of taking step 1 as a DO student. Failing step one will put you at a disadvantage if the rules surrounding disclosure change. Barely passing it is not going to open up many doors either. It seems like a lose lose situation at this time. Delay, take it after third year if you have to , it is likely the most important test you will take in your life.
 
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I think you should delay. I have a few DO friends who were in the same boat, and they delayed their step exam to be during November so they could have more time. There's no point in rushing it and taking it now if you don't feel ready.
 
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hungrydoc710 said:
You sound like someone who would probably be better off just taking and focusing on COMLEX
Click to expand...

This. COMLEX is a painfully easy exam compared to step. If you’re this far into dedicated for step and still struggling to pass just doing COMLEX may be a good choice.

Have you taken an COMSAE?
 
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I would not recommend taking the test at all. In my experience, studying during 3rd year for anything is much more difficult than first year. I would just take comlex and be done. Failing USMLE would send your app in flames, and getting even a 110 would not help much considering you passed comlex. I would eat the money lost and move on. I think this is best for your overall wellbeing as well. Stressing about Step 1 in 3rd year knowing you have to make a big jump is something I wouldn't wish on anyone
 
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Definitely delay the exam. From my understanding, the more you drift away from the mean, the less predictive test scores are and thus the greater the margin of error. So you 're definitely risking it here. Coming from the other end of the spectrum, my UWSAs overpredicted by 19 and 15 points. I was aware that this was obviously an overprediction but just trying to make point my point here with n=1 like everyone else. The best way to assess your progress would be to do as many NBMEs and both UWSAs and see where the trend is. If your goal is to pass, I'd aim for a 210-220 mean, so even at your worst day you end up in the low 200s.
 
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crazyboi1993 said:
I would delay it, I thought both UWSA1 and UWSA2 were very predictive of my actual score

UWSA1: 250
UWSA2: 251

Actual score: 251
Click to expand...
Since there is usually a distribution of scores in comparison to the same uswa score, some people will score the same, others will score above , and some will score below.

On average uswas are overpredictive

I scored 12 points below my average of uswa 1 and 2.

The point is that OP is close to failing and can't afford that uncertainty.
 
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I hope I'm being helpful and not derailing here but I'm in a very similar boat...

First pass Uworld= 50%
Free 120= 69%
UWSA2= 200

Last NBOME= 476 2 weeks ago

Thoughts?
 
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