The last 3 blocks...

[FutrPharm]

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For those of you have taken the test, did you find it difficult to get through the last three blocks?

I've done a few practice exams, and after 4 blocks I'm usually not too tired... but then again, that's only a little more than half of the real deal.

However, I'd imagine you're sort of in "the zone" by the time you get to the last three so it probably isn't too bad (at least that's what I'm hoping).

Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

 

[ClockworkDoc]

I didn't have much of a problem with the extra 3 - just make sure that you take adequate breaks. My score may have suffered a little due to fatigue, but I expect that to be fairly universal.

My breaks:
block 1 - 30 sec
block 2 - 5 min
block 3 - 30 sec
block 4 - 30 min
block 5 - 10 min
block 6 - 30 sec

 

[jackets5]

I took a 5 min break or so after every block and and 35 mins for lunch. Im a quick test taker and my blocks ranged from taking 40-50 mins or so per so i had a little extra time.

 

[Sol Rosenberg]

I had this same question, and what I ended up doing was NBME7 + the Free 150. 4 + 3 = 7.

Although the Free 150 questions are easier than the NBMEs, IMHO, I just wanted to see how I would hold up after a full day of NBME-practice-test beating (verdict = pretty well 🙂 )

 

[anony mouse]

If your worried about burnout I would definitely recommend a quick break between each section, followed basically the same plan as jackets above and felt pretty fresh. Excessive caffeine intake probably helped as well 🙂. If you can finish a section or two early (and feel good about it) it is money to be able to bank the time for extra break.

Also - I didn't do a full length practice, didn't leave the exam wishing I had.

 

[allymunro]

My break before the last 3 tests ended up being rather unusual but absolutely perfect. I decided to leave the center to get some fresh air and happened across a free organ recital in a church in the same block that had 20 mins left. It was wonderful to listen to beautiful music for a short while and then head back in feeling refreshed and keen to get going!

Not sure I'd have been able to plan it though! 🙂

I also didn't do a full length practice and was glad I hadn't. Its just so different on the day.

 

[FutrPharm]

Thanks for all the advice guys.

This pretty much confirmed my suspicion, which was that on the day of the test you'd probably be so amped up that it really doesn't matter.

I'm strongly considering gunning through the first two blocks and then taking a break between each block after that. Anyone tried this?

 

[Twptophan]

I made some iced coffee the day before and brought it with me to the test center. I took a gulp before starting the 5th block and another before starting the 6th block. I hadn't had caffeine for a few days prior to the exam so I was sensitized and it helped pull me through.

 

[Texas4508]

I recently took Step. I had it all planned out on when to break, but threw it all out the window when I was in there. I ended up breaking a lot less than anticipated because I felt pretty amped up just being in there. My advice: if you are clear-headed and moving along well, dont break just to break.

 

[rem6775]

Just think back to how you handled tests like the MCAT. You should know how often you need breaks, and just follow accordingly. I am not a big-fan of breaks, so I took only one after block 5 for about 5 minutes and then finished the last two. But I've always been like that, so you just need to find your happy place balancing breaks and blocks.

 

[mq123]

I get very tired and sleepy after lunch, so I'll be taking small breaks every 2 blocks or so for ~5 minutes and have quick snacks. It all depends when I get into the flow. If I'm going strong, I'm probably not going to take a break after a block just because I planned it....