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Which NBME is most accurate for Step 2?
- Thread starter DrMed2009
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Hey, Dr. Med.
I took two NBME's for Step 2 (the first two tests), and scored the *exact* same on both of them. I haven't received my real score yet, but I felt like it was exactly like the NBME's.
I really doubt there is a large variation between the various tests, so I'd just take any of them. Eenie meenie minie moe!
On another note, in my opinion you should have taken an NBME at least a week before your exam. In any case, take the practice exam, and if you don't pass it with a comfortable margin, then I'd advise you to push back your date...even if it costs you an arm and leg (since you have less than five business days). [Actually I don't think it will cost you an arm and leg...I think something like $160 or so, which is not bad...but I'm not sure, so look into it.]
Only take the exam after you've done decent on the NBME. It's the most accurate assessment of how you'll do on the real thing, so don't take the real thing if you are failing the NBME.
Good luck.
I took two NBME's for Step 2 (the first two tests), and scored the *exact* same on both of them. I haven't received my real score yet, but I felt like it was exactly like the NBME's.
I really doubt there is a large variation between the various tests, so I'd just take any of them. Eenie meenie minie moe!
On another note, in my opinion you should have taken an NBME at least a week before your exam. In any case, take the practice exam, and if you don't pass it with a comfortable margin, then I'd advise you to push back your date...even if it costs you an arm and leg (since you have less than five business days). [Actually I don't think it will cost you an arm and leg...I think something like $160 or so, which is not bad...but I'm not sure, so look into it.]
Only take the exam after you've done decent on the NBME. It's the most accurate assessment of how you'll do on the real thing, so don't take the real thing if you are failing the NBME.
Good luck.
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Everyone on this board seems to recommend #2 - predicted 20 points lower than my real score .. n=1 though
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I think if you do them close to your test, the most accurate would be 2 and 4.
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How many weeks of studying did you have after you took it? Twenty points is a huge difference. Do you attribute it to your added studying after the NBME, your better performance on the real thing (i.e. taking it seriously), or do you think the NBME under-reports scores in general? I hope it's the last one haha.
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I took the real deal 3 days after the nbme - just went over a few particularly weak sections according to the nbme. Don't know why there was such a discrepancy - probably the latter of your explanations - fwiw the nbme exams were spot on for my Step 1.
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So, should I take 2 or 4? I'm about 2 weeks out from my exam.
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I remember posts like this from last year with Step I. Essentially all the NBME exams are standardized and should be used to estimate your strengths and weaknesses not necessarily your score. Cherry picking one that "best" estimates is not a good idea just, do one randomly and improve on your weaknesses based on the chart with the bars don't get to caught up with the number unless your converted score is close to failing. I think most users have also trended by doing all four, you may know things more things on one exam than the other, and this may inflate you "predicted" score. That is why I would not cherry pick.
