When do you take the NBME?

[Poopy]

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hey guys,
when's the best time to take the NBME prior to step 1? One monthe before, maybe a couple of weeks???

 

[trouta]

I think it depends why you are taking it. I wanted reassurance so I took mine a week before the real exam. I got a decent score on it which made me feel good about my studying.

But if you are using it to see where you are weak or to get a good feel for the exam you might want to take it earlier.

 

[care bear]

i just came online to see what people had to say about this exact question! i'd love to see more responses. . .
not wanting to take any chances, i'm thinking of taking it about 3 weeks prior to the exam (my study time is 7 weeks). . .long enough that hopefully i should definitely be getting a passing score and if not i can make some real serious changes. . .but not so close to the exam that it doesn't really help to take it. . .i also don't want to get overconfident if i take it and get a great score; i want to be 'scared' enough to study a lot, right up until the exam. . .thoughts?

 

[lealf-ye]

i just came online to see what people had to say about this exact question! i'd love to see more responses. . .
not wanting to take any chances, i'm thinking of taking it about 3 weeks prior to the exam (my study time is 7 weeks). . .long enough that hopefully i should definitely be getting a passing score and if not i can make some real serious changes. . .but not so close to the exam that it doesn't really help to take it. . .i also don't want to get overconfident if i take it and get a great score; i want to be 'scared' enough to study a lot, right up until the exam. . .thoughts?

man, I have exactly the same feeling. 👍 👍 👍

 

[missbonnie]

We were told to take one now to assess where we're at and to see where our weak spots are (you get a performance profile by subject I believe). I've been avoiding taking it, but I think I will take one within the next week.

I was planning on taking at least 1 more (if not 2) throughout my studies to gauge myself.

bonnie

 

[Catalyst]

how many NBME exams are available?

 

[trahuidio]

I take my boards in mid June which gives me 6 weeks to study uninterrupted without classes.

 

[Paws]

We were told to take one now to assess where we're at and to see where our weak spots are (you get a performance profile by subject I believe). I've been avoiding taking it, but I think I will take one within the next week.

I was planning on taking at least 1 more (if not 2) throughout my studies to gauge myself.

bonnie

This sounds right to me, I was also thinking of doing this. I am getting in the groove with study:questions, repeat. It seems to really be getting my brain into endless question mode.