pmax2
Forum Newbie
Topics: 2
Posts: 3
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Hi:
I have been a silent observer for the past 6 months. I just found out from my school that I didnt pass step 1. They advised I got a 178. I have been pretty sad since they will now pull me out of my rotations and ask me to take the test again. I studied for the test for 2 months, doing kaplan online lectures, first aid, goljan lectures, Q-bank (46-68%) with on average around 52%. I am not sure what I did wrong. However, on my nbme exams, I was getting around the same score (178 to 186). I am not that good of a test taker.
So my biggest question is, how can I judge my performances now. I mean I dont want to fool myself taking exams and getting a higher score because I remember the answer on some of the questions I have done. For anyone that has taken the exam twice, can you please mention any advise you may have.
Does anyone know how this affects me when I apply to residency programs? Does this mean I cant apply for most of the specialties now?
I know this is sort of a long post, but there are so many thoughts going through my head right now and so many questions that I wish I knew the answers to.
Thanks again.
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| Summer.Thunder
Forum Elite
Topics: 71
Posts: 180
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i haven't atken it yet. however i have been home "studying" for the last few months. i planned to take it in august. then i spent lot of time online playing. and i always get nervous whenever i read someone's failing stories. i hope that i won't fail.
i can't image what i will be like if i fail it the first time. it is tough. some people have taken the exam three times. some passed, some probably never will.
i think that you should go take a course, such as kaplan, etc. that will keep you motivated to study with others etc.
i am studying home alone. i hope that i will pass the first time. but if i fail, i will take a course.
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| klimt
Forum Guru
Topics: 27
Posts: 605
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Just don't lose heart, pmax2. Focus on your weaknesses. Read the materials again, and do as many q as you can. Especially the q you got wrong in the first place. Go over the explanations again. It's not important the scores during the preparation, but the understanding of the concepts.
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Traveler, there are no roads. Roads are made by walking.
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| klimt
Forum Guru
Topics: 27
Posts: 605
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So pray to God and best of luck!!!
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Traveler, there are no roads. Roads are made by walking.
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| oldkidontheblock
Forum Guru
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Posts: 960
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Do NBME and see your weaknesses. Then strengthen them. Mostly people avoid to read their weak areas and do the ones they know better. So this will tell you where you are good and where you need improvement. Also your score report will be a help.
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Malcolm Forbes: Victory is sweetest when you've known defeat
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| doctre
Forum Newbie
Topics: 2
Posts: 17
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keep your head up.178 is close to passing.I just found found out that I passed.This was my 2nd attempt.Got exact same score as you on 1st attempt.198 second time.Did nbme and scored 195,form 2.1st time did goljan very little questions and didnt even complete 1st aid.This time did 1st aid 4 times and 3000+ questions in 6weeks and got a passing score. Keep your study material limited and master it.Make sure you have a good understanding of the material and do lots of questions.I know your feeling,its not a good one but hang in there study hard and you will make it.I have 2 friends that are on the board at different hospitals.Sure they look at step1 scores,but alot of the programs are looking hard at step2 scores as well.Plus alot depends on your interview.I know guys with great scores having a hard time getting a residency and guys with not so good scores getting a residency they wanted.So what Im trying to say is keep your head up and take care of your part and things will fall into place.Good luck
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| Cedrick
Forum Fanatic
Topics: 322
Posts: 2,042
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Been there done that
move on and overcome
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| redj
Forum Newbie
Topics: 0
Posts: 5
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I just took step 1 for the 4th time! My scores were 167, 181 and 181. I'm waiting on my current test score now. I've done qbank about 4 times total and any other questions I could get my hands on. I'd say you are very close to passing and just need to solidify concepts and identify and work on weaknesses. Also, first aid is a must, especially the anatomy, pharm, and immuno sections.
Even though I did most question banks more than once, I found them helpful even if it was just a reminder about a certain topic. You will probably remember some questions, but I would still review the answers and make sure you know the material There were certain questions on my real exam that I think were directly from the Kaplan lectures/questions. You can pass this exam!
I'd think about how much time you have available come up with a reasonable schedule and stick to it. I did the Goljan tests and questions as well. For me, I think initially I had the facts, I just wasn't integrating the information. Goljan was certainly helpful there. He may be discussing a path topic but he will integrate biochem or pharm in his discussions. I used BRS physio and path to review my weak spots and followed up with Goljan to make sure I knew the info.
It's easy to get caught up in all the "what if.." scenarios. Right now your focus has to be passing this exam. Most of my friends have graduated now and every resident and progam director I've talked to has told me this will not be a deciding factor if you're a decent student and did well in clerkships. You may not get a neurosurgery spot at Harvard but you will get into a program.
Believe me, I know what you are going through. It's depressing and irritating but you have to get past this exam.
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| oldkidontheblock
Forum Guru
Topics: 61
Posts: 960
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I have failed thrice and now again in the business after 10 years...Yes I don't want to be in Harvard Neurosurgery department. I will be happy to practise as a Family Physician in NY or a Paediatrician there. I think I can make it...Inshallah.
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Malcolm Forbes: Victory is sweetest when you've known defeat
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| dawadoc
Forum Newbie
Topics: 0
Posts: 1
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Hi,
Don't loose hope. Try listening to Goljan audio in your free time and review the material you've seen already. Don't waste time buying new books, that is not as helpful as looking over a complete set of notes/etc. that you have been exposed to already.
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