when to take step 1?

[BoxingTheStars]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Is there any kind of strategy on when to schedule step 1? I overheard some classmates say your score depends on the people that take it around the same time as you... that the "smarter" people took it earlier so not to take it too early. Is any of this true or just hearsay?

 

[JAWSCIENCE]

The hardcore people at my school took it latest because they wanted the longest amount of time possible to study.

In addition my school started third year a full two weeks later than a school very close by. So "later" for one school might be "early" for another. Therefore you can't really know when the smart people are taking it.

Take it when it fits your schedule and you feel prepared. It's better to spend time studying than trying to figure out when the bulk of the nations smart medical students are taking the exam

 

[McGillGrad]

There is no difference in scoring when it comes to 'when' or 'where' you take it. Of course, there is a bit of chance when it comes to your random set of questions, but that is what everyone deals with.

Take it when you are ready, and you can tell by how your are doing in your practice NBME or UW exams.

 

[MDpride]

There is no difference in scoring when it comes to 'when' or 'where' you take it. Of course, there is a bit of chance when it comes to your random set of questions, but that is what everyone deals with.

Take it when you are ready, and you can tell by how your are doing in your practice NBME or UW exams.

We have to register now for boards and we haven't started studying yet.

so practice exam seems distant.

in this case, we just pick convenient date before rotations start?

 

[McGillGrad]

Since you can change your date for free (when you do it 5 business days before the date) then set the date for the earliest you THINK you will be ready and then move the date if you feel you need more time.

We have to register now for boards and we haven't started studying yet.

so practice exam seems distant.

in this case, we just pick convenient date before rotations start?