thaverford's USMLE Step 1 Experience

[thaverford]

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Let me start by saying I took the Step on June 1st, and do not have my score yet.
***I will update this thread with my score as soon as I get it.***

However, I produced a writeup of my study plan and experiences for the benefit of others. I hope this helps others in the future. I like to call it my 3 phase plan to demolish the Step 1!

Also, I've been on SDN for awhile now, but I created a new account to remain anonymous.

See attachment for my study plan.

edit: just added a couple things to the guide and re-uploaded.

 

[tony05]

Thanks for sharing, appreciate it. Your experience and Phlostons write up sure provide some great consolidated information about test taking strategy which is helpful!

 

[HoboCommander]

Thanks I enjoyed that. It was helpful. What was your experience with the actual exam?

 

[thaverford]

I found Pholston's write up to be very helpful in my preparation.

I added my experience to the document (can't believe I left that out!) *facepalm*

Overall, I thought it went well.

 

[HoboCommander]

Wow thanks. This is gold. You are like the Lannister of this forum.

 

[angrygunner]

In your file it says "My scores are calculated using the average of <b> 3 online score correlators </b> or the estimated Step score given by the NBME or UWSA exams."

Where do you find said "online score correlators"?

 

[angrygunner]

Also, how did you score 214 at 5months away from the test, when you haven't finished the MS2 curriculum yet? Did you only do the 46-quesiton sets using modules you've already completed?

 

[MDSlacker]

Any reason you didn't do NBME form 15? That's the newest one so I would assume it is most representative of the exam.

 

[thaverford]

Score correlators were medfriends, clinical review, and a chart on a blogspot blog. Just google the name and "usmle score correlator" and they'll come up.

As far as the score on my Kaplan diagnostic, it surprised me too. No, I wasn't finished with MS2 curriculum, but I had been through most of Goljan and pathoma at that point, as well as some of Kaplan qbank. I think these things gave me the upper hand on the diagnostic. In other words, it wasn't a true baseline score.

 

[thaverford]

Oh, and I didn't actually know about form 15 until a week out from my test, didn't want to plan another practice exam so I left it out.

 

[InFactotum]

This was excellent, thanks. Now if I could take a time machine and travel back a year! Especially good that it was concise, flexible and discussed question strategy.

 

[carrizo]

Wow. This has got to be the most comprehensive Step write-up i've ever seen. Thanks for this. Speechless. I hope you met your goal, be sure to let us know...

 

[Anastomoses]

That is a fantastic write up. Saved it. But you said it might be surprising that you started studying for step after M1...but don't most students start then? Or is that unusual?

And now I'm excited to get our score back...er...I mean your score. Can't wait!

 

[rahuliooo]

I found Pholston's write up to be very helpful in my preparation.

I added my experience to the document (can't believe I left that out!) *facepalm*

Overall, I thought it went well.

Any specific subjects you want to highlight to focus the most? I have heard about the three P's, but not quiet sure if that is something to believe in? In addition, have you noticed any new set of material because, last month they have added new sets of questions in the Q-pool.

thanks

 

[thaverford]

Score came in today: 251

Im very pleased!

Heres my updated plan:

 

[Phloston]

I really like the way you've consolidated your plan for easy reading. Congratulations on your progress and finally being done with Step1!

 

[Anastomoses]

Super! Congratulations!