Step I Test taking strategies (not for content)?

Started by secants
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secants

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Hey guys,

So there are tons of threads on how to dominate the content of Step 1 but not so much on how to actually take the test so wanted a place where people can maybe chime in with advice.

These are some of the things people have told me:

-with a long passage, read the last line 1st then always read from beginning and in full

-only read question once

-always paraphrase after each sentence in question and think of an answer before you look at the choices

-never change answers on anything except “marked” q’s

-only check answers of questions marked for review

Other things:
-Skip the tutorial to add an extra time to your break
-People feel the last block is harder but usually it's because you're burned out from doing the prior 7, so take a minute break or so.
-if you ingest caffeine, make sure you time your bathroom breaks accordingly
 
Hey guys,

So there are tons of threads on how to dominate the content of Step 1 but not so much on how to actually take the test so wanted a place where people can maybe chime in with advice.

These are some of the things people have told me:

-with a long passage, read the last line 1st then always read from beginning and in full

-only read question once

-always paraphrase after each sentence in question and think of an answer before you look at the choices

-never change answers on anything except “marked” q’s

-only check answers of questions marked for review

Other things:
-Skip the tutorial to add an extra time to your break
-People feel the last block is harder but usually it's because you're burned out from doing the prior 7, so take a minute break or so.
-if you ingest caffeine, make sure you time your bathroom breaks accordingly

I'm liking this thread a lot! I've heard timing your bathroom breaks is a great idea.
 
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What about the Arrow Patho-Physio type questions?

Yup .. that too, it really worked good for me , most of the time even if you answer them on the spot you mark them hoping you come back to them and check ur answer if u have extra time , so by doing it that why u save time and better chance of getting them right .
 
i don't think you have to skip the tutorial, just zap through it really quickly to make sure the sound works on your machine. you'll still get the remaining 14:30 or whatever attached to your total break time.
 
quite the bump

Whenever I see “bump” I think of Ft Lauderdale and booty bump. Just saying

good test taking strategies include
  • doing UW1 and UW2.
  • Skip the tutorial
  • time your breaks
  • spend no more than 45 secs on each question during UW

The actual Step 1 exam flies when you prepare beforehand.