Using test banks effectively without good foundation

[topsurgeon2010]

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I have ALWAYS made the mistake of not doing enough practice questions (for SAT, MCAT, etc.). I always tell myself that I want to learn the material well first and then do practice questions but in the end I never end up getting through most of practice questions due to lack of time--and then I always score lower than expected. I do not want to make the same mistake again for Step 1 and even though I recognize this as an issue for me I still cannot get myself to take practice questions--I keep pushing it back saying that I am going to learn the material well first and then take practice questions. I feel like I am setting myself for the same mistakes I made in the past. Any advice on how I can use practice questions without a proper foundation in knowledge? How do you guys effectively use step 1 test banks? I'd really appreciate any help. Thanks!

 

[lakerfan38]

This is what I do.For each system: I watch pathoma. Take notes. Read pathoma 2-3x for that section. Read BRS and Go over First aid. Then I do usmleRx and Kaplan Qbank for that system. So now i'm 68% through usmleRX and 58% through Kaplan Qbank getting high 60%-low 70%. It was horrible at the beginning, but now i'm just used to it.

 

[zebalong]

This is what I do.For each system: I watch pathoma. Take notes. Read pathoma 2-3x for that section. Read BRS and Go over First aid. Then I do usmleRx and Kaplan Qbank for that system. So now i'm 68% through usmleRX and 58% through Kaplan Qbank getting high 60%-low 70%. It was horrible at the beginning, but now i'm just used to it.

I do something smiliar - prior to an exam when that info is in my head i just dive into questions. I use pathoma and BRS too but not necessarily right before i do the qbank - usually i do pathoma/BRS throught my course (we are systems based) then save the qbanks for right before the test. I think in OPs case though, sometimes you just need to do a quick review and then just jump in. Part of using a qbank is to learn in a more active fashion - so don't feel the need to completely master everything before doing one. But it does help to have a solid foundation so that the questions seem at least somewhat familiar to you.

 

[secants]

Is the BRS for the details that Pathoma leaves out? Is it superior to using RR instead?