happy5
Forum Junior
Topics: 10
Posts: 24
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Hi all  ,
I will be taking the Step 1 on June 28. At 10 days out, even though I have studied almost two months for it, I'm a nervous wreck... so any help or suggestions are truly appreciated it. Sorry if the post seems long.
At the moment I'm currently in the Kaplan Intense Prep, and before that I studied for nearly a month from the First Aid and the Pathology BRS. The Intense Prep ends on June 25, kinda close to the test date, but my upper classmates suggested I do this, since most of the review will be fresh in my mind. The worst thing I could do was to wait 3 or 4 weeks after the reviews to take the test, since I'd probably forget all of it and be mentally fatigued by then. The plan is, finish the review close to the test, cram the First Aid on the remaining days, and then take the damned thing.
My question is, what can I do in these last 10 days to improve my Qbank score and my chances of passing the test? I've been doing Qbank everyday (with very few exceptions, and even then I still do some questions), always 50 random-questions at a time, but my Qbank score is always on the 56% range, going as low as 52% on some days and 58% on others. I have always read that an average Qbank score of at least 60% on random questions is desirable, and I just can't get that score up.
So, what are your suggestions? The only section of the First Aid I have not read and digested forwards and backwards is the Pathology section, on account that I read from the BRS. By the way, Pathology is the last subject of the Intense Prep, so I might actually feel better towards the end of the review. As for the lectures, I'm not even following the Kaplan books, I just follow the lecture with the First Aid.
What I plan on doing is the following:
1) Read more pathology from the First Aid.
2) Do the Goljan pathology high-yield notes with the comprehensive, 150 question pathology examination.
3) Do an NBME-diagnostic test tomorrow (or the day after), and another one 2-4 days before the test (the one from USMLE.org).
4) Pray to the gods, or to the devil, whichever replies first (that's a JOKE by the way!)
I'm even contemplating skipping the last day of the Intense Prep so I have an extra day to review, but I don't know if this is a wise decision, considering that it is Pathology.
Thanks for reading this far. If anyone has any advice, please share. I'd really appreciate it.
Peace,
J.B.
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| MaxPower
Forum Newbie
Topics: 0
Posts: 2
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Think about why you are getting the Qbank questions wrong. Do you not know the material? If so, you just need to find a way to remember things better. Try reading different sources. I personally found that First Aid was not great for learning since it was just lists of facts, but was good for review. I liked having something to read (Rapid Review Path & Biochem, High Yields, BRS). Then I would review First Aid and go for the memorization. Look at what kinds of questions you are doing the worst in and focus on those.
Do you have trouble integrating things, but you know the facts? Then I suggest you try some different question banks. WebPath (google for it) is good, so are the Rapid Review programs that come on their CDs (and are probably floating around somewhere here). Klatt/Kumar's Review of Pathology is also excellent but goes into a little more detail than you need. I don't think BRS Path should be the extent of your path studying, since it leaves out a lot of info that helps you integrate facts.
If you have the time, try listening to Goljan while you study a subject. If you use Winamp and the Pacemaker plugin, you can speed his voice up 25% and cut down the time it takes to listen to him. He really helps integrate pathology with histology, biochem, etc.
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| mjl1717
Forum Hero
Topics: 958
Posts: 5,465
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Read more Path from First Aid??? First Aid is Ok to review.
As Max Power is implicating, for path Id say a BIG book is best.
Focus on your weaknesses. One more thing know Downs syndrome right side up, upside down, and at acute angles!
___________________
Smell the coffee! "Is That an Osler move??"
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| happy5
Forum Junior
Topics: 10
Posts: 24
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Thanks for the advice. Already listened to Goljan during my course work - thanks to his material I passed Pathology and Pathophysiology. And at 9 days out, studying from a big book is out of the question.
I already know the material, just need to recall it faster and remember some mnemonics - First Aid is perfect for that. Another curious thing, I get wrong some path/pharm stuff on Qbank (the usual difficult questions) but consistently answer correctly the hardcore micro/inmuno and genetics questions!
Today I did the 2005 NBME 150 sample test (three 50-question blocks) and averaged 29 correct responses on each. How can I translate that into a NBME score? You know, like 189/250 or so, or pass or fail, etc. My goal is just passing, not breaking 240, so I'm pretty sure I can get it together in 9 days.
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