hamburgerface
Forum Newbie
Topics: 3
Posts: 6
|
Just had my exam, figured I'd share on the experiene with others to make sure that you guys are more prepared than I was.
When you get to your test center don't be suprised if things look pretty dangerous, I heard that its not uncommon for the NBME to try to instill some fear in you before you begin.
Before you start the first level make sure you that you take in your surroundings. I nearly missed the metal garbage can lid that ended up saving me later on. Anyways, as expected you are dropped in an empty alleyway with a knife throwing cyclops, and you cannot bring any weaponry of your own. You are warned that he has 8 knives and will start throwing without provocation. Well I was on my toes and quickly made a dash for the garbage lid, which I used to deflect the first 5 or so tosses. This allowed me to get within hands reach of him, and I have to say that all it took to defeat him was a simple leg sweep and a rudimentary chop to his adam's apple. I finished with like 8 minutes to go, and sustained only a small puncture wound on my right thigh.
As you know, you are not told in which exact order you will begin your levels, so be prepared. Even though I thought I was ready, I clearly wasn't fully ready for the lights to get shut off. The dark level can really suprise you. Luckily, I had spent much time trainging while blindfolded, and at sometimes I would also train while suspended underwater. This REALLY helped me out. I can safely say that I was engaged by at least 19 swordsmen, and probably needed a good 55 minutes to dispose of them. Flailing your arms wildly will NOT help you in this round, and I recommend sticking to FA's suggestion of waiting to be approached before launching your attack. I finished the level with nearly 80% splenic function remaining, and only 1 shattered fibula. Pretty lucky I guess.
My experience in the third level was pretty interesting, as I was transported into what looked like an open street market in Nepal. It took about 5 minutes to get my bearings, but when I did, I noticed the medallion salesman right away. DO NOT waste your time choosing a medallion, as he is just going to give you a plain slate one and steal 100 dollars from you. As expected, after doing this he vanishes into thin air and you are forced to follow a brightly colored bird until you meet with him again. This took nearly 30 min, but I definitely was most prepared for this part.
Well, the final level was not as easy as one would expect. As was hinted at in the goljan hy notes, you should definitely wear your hiking boots and bring a backpack. First, the old monk (previously the slimy medallion salesman) asks you some questions regarding your future intentions. I'm guessing this is to gauge your worth to even complete the challenge. Well, be honest, and I'm sure that he'll be civil. At one point I noticed he was picking his nose, but I avoided making judgement. After the brief conversation, he gives you a glass of water and instructs you to go retrieve a special dagger at the other end of what seems like an obstacle course. The monk will tell you that you mustn't spill a drop, but I've learned that all you need is nearly 90% of the remaining water. WARNING: there is no floor underneath the course, you can test this out for yourself, but trust me, its not there, if you fall, you will not stop falling for quite some time. Also, it is advisable not to attempt to use the rope bridge, it seems like a shortcut, but the kid before me went and I'm pretty sure that he finished the level minus a couple limbs. Well, I deftly jumped from block to block, ducked under the spinning blade, chose the correct grail cup and managed to get to the dagger only bleeding from 1 eye. Use the water to douse the flames surrounding the dagger, take it out, and stick it in your backpack (thanks goljan, I saw a few kids try to carry it back through the course and stab themselves). YOUR'E DONE!!! Congrats.
Either way...GOOD LUCK everyone....figured i'd lighten the mood
|
|
| |
| |
