Wisdom of taking NBME practice test early?

[PowderPhan]

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So our academic advisor wants us to take one of the CBSSA exams early with the logic being that we'll get a good idea of what we're weak on and where to focus our boards prep. I also think that there's a little bit of 'scare the hell out of ya' in there to jump start the process.

I was wondering what people thought of this approach and if anyone else is following this route...


I feel that without even a little bit of review the exam won't be able to really differentiate between where I'm strong and where I'm weak, since I'm sure that I'll be able to recall my most recent blocks and not remember everything about classes I took last year, though I did very well in them and feel with a some review could bring to the surface stuff that I learned cold.

Am I wasting a valuable resource by taking it early?

Any comments or advice is appreciated.

PP

 

[mesoderm]

So you have a pretty good grasp of where you stand with your classes. You need to know where you stand with the boards. So yes, it is worthwhile to take the NBMEs.

 

[mountainman123]

Our school paid for us all to take one at the end of first year and then again this December before we start studying for boards. I think it was a good thing. I got a 170 correlated score the first time and a 210 on the one in December that I took more serious. I am halfway through board studying now and I took another NBME exam yesterday to see if I progressed and I did significantly and I now know where I am weak and where to put more focus. I would take it now and then again later to see if what you are doing is working and also to kick you into high gear studying. Taking it made me feel more comfortable and less scared that I will not pass.
So, in short- take it, it will help you see where you stand and how much you have to put into it to get the score you want.

 

[YouDontKnowJack]

i think it's worthwhile..... only because it kicks your ass into gear.