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Kaplan Qbank USMLE



Author81 Posts
  #26

Congratulations!


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“When a person really desires something, all the universe conspires to help that person to realize his dream.”

  #27

Thanks, everyone. Gosh where do I start? My mind is still reeling!

I kept thinking of some really STUPID mistakes I made. I had told myself I won't make them on exam day, but I still did. [e.g. I got confused with the % numbers for 2SD and 3SD, can you believe!!! ] After recalling a couple more, defense mechanism of Suppression is in full force!grin

Ok, so how was my day? Let me start with the previous evening. I had a very light and spice-less dinner, coz I didn't want anything upsetting my system. I have read loads of people on here, stating that they couldn't sleep, and were downing sleeping pills, blah blah. I was determined to stay away from all that. But I wondered if I'd fall asleep. I had decided bed-time would be 10 pm, come what may, and wake-up at 6 am. I eventually got in to bed at 10.45, but I was asleep in less than 2 mins. I ended up waking up at 5.15 am. I felt rested though, so grabbed those minutes to leaf through FA a little more. Quick shower and rapid b'fast later, I left home at 7.45. Surprizingly, I was at Prometric by 8am.

The center was quite good, in the sense that the staff were brisk and efficient in their work. I did not face any problems/delays on their account. I was actually allowed to start my test by 8.30m. Oh, before this, let me mention that they give you a locker key soon as you enter to store your stuff, and as soon as I received mine, it was - guess what number - yes, 13!rolling eyes I went, Ooohhhh nooooo. This guy next to me offered helpfully, 'You could ask for another one', but I decided to believe that locker numbers will have no effect on my performance. And, ultimately, I don't think it did.


Edited by paheli on 02/28/08 - 07:40 PM

___________________
Prepare as if you're the worst, Perform as if you're the best! As you dream, so you manifest. So, DREAM BIG!! When you face hardship, remember, God never gives you more than you can handle. Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadows.

  #28

One thing about the test I noticed right off, don't believe when people say that UW resembles the USMLE test interface. Trust me, UW is EXACTLY like the test interfacenod, down to the color, the lay-out, the font, size. The only minor diff that I found was that the 50 qn numbers did not fit in to one screen on the panel on the left, but you had to scroll down a bit to see it all, like you do in Qbank. Otherwise, I could only realize that I was at Prometric, when one of the other examinees coughed, or the proctor came to reset the camera, which happened to be positioned right next to me.

I had carried a jacket, a shawl, and a pair of socks [don't laugh!cool], and I was worried if my stuff would fit in the locker, but thankfully, the lockers [yes, even No. 13!] were generously sized, and my big bag fit in comfortably. This was important since I did not feel cold till B6. And then, only slightly, so I only used my socks.


___________________
Prepare as if you're the worst, Perform as if you're the best! As you dream, so you manifest. So, DREAM BIG!! When you face hardship, remember, God never gives you more than you can handle. Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadows.

  #29

I've read people syaing they tackle the first 2 blocks in one go, then take breaks after 1 or 2 blocks depending on how they feel. Well, I went for a break after every block. Just for a sip of water/coffee, or a bite, and, oh yes, the loo. Verrry important!grin


___________________
Prepare as if you're the worst, Perform as if you're the best! As you dream, so you manifest. So, DREAM BIG!! When you face hardship, remember, God never gives you more than you can handle. Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadows.

  #30

I'm now beginning to wonder if I have taken this exam too lightly, coz after the first or second block, I was so totally cool about it, I'm wondering if I was complacent. I just kept answering as if it was another UW block.

The biggest difference in answering a UW block, and a block on the real test is the attitude we have while answering. If I couldn't answer a qn on UW, I'd merrily mark a letter, move on, and tell myself I'll read it when I get to the answers. But, on Step 1, you can't do that at all. I felt this desperation to get it right. I wanted so bad to mark the right answer, except for the fact that I didn't know what they heck they were talking about. That's why I mentioned Suppression. It really helps.

I'll add that I was expecting the real test to be easier than UW, in fact counting on it. But, unfortunately, it wasn't. It was the same difficulty level for me, and had the same sort of qns that I had no clue about on UW. So, I'll advice you, Don't depend on things to get easier on the test. In fact, count on them to be tougher.You can't afford this illusionary safety-net.


___________________
Prepare as if you're the worst, Perform as if you're the best! As you dream, so you manifest. So, DREAM BIG!! When you face hardship, remember, God never gives you more than you can handle. Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadows.

  #31

I'm really sorry, guys, for this mammoth post. Just that I haven't written in quite a while, I'm itching to express myself.....somehow.

I am not comfortable talking about how I prepped just yet. Not until I can confirm that it worked. Maybe I'll post about it in 3 weeks time [if people are still interested]. If anyone has their test real close, please PM me, and I'll get back to you. But, do take my words with a fist of salt - it's untested yet.


___________________
Prepare as if you're the worst, Perform as if you're the best! As you dream, so you manifest. So, DREAM BIG!! When you face hardship, remember, God never gives you more than you can handle. Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadows.

  #32

Congratulations Paheli, and thank you for posting and sharing your experience.grin WOW!, Finally!, Hurrrrray!.....


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leave the old behind—leave behind old behavior, old thinking, old words.

  #33

oops i missed it... good luck for the score..


  #34

yes,sure paheli,will be waiting for more detials after ur score report(if u want) smiling face all the ebst for scores!now relax and have fun!


  #35

hi paheli ....will be waiting for ur score and praying for you dear !!! good luck .....

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where there is will, there is always a way !!

  #36

Hey!!! congrats now that it is over and good luck keep your fingers crossed its just a matter of time you will have other problems not including step1 sticking out tongue,so enjoy while you can


  #37

" If you are still interested " Are you kidding me?! raised eyebrow

I'm glad you feel good about your performence. Congratulations on taking it. I hope you do well. Ill be waiting for your prep thread when EVER that is. wink


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2008 Step 1 Study Plan Discussion ........ My Blog

  #38

hye paheli

yup i have got strong sense of confidence and happy feeling after reading ur post,yes my friend u DID IT and score would be rocking grrreat toonod, all best wishes and prayers


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Living each day as a preparation for the next is an exciting way to live. Looking forward to something is much more fun than looking back at something—so lets do it together

  #39

hey paheli..im also keeping my fingers crossed for unodnod
GL

  #40

Good luck Paheli, you will do fine, just stay strong and focused. grin


___________________
2008 Step 1 Study Plan Discussion ........ My Blog

  #41

Hi Paheli,
this all sounds a little like the attitude I´m taking it right now. Have my test on Thursday. Did Kaplan, UW, NBME and all three books of First Aid. Feel like I did plenty. What do you think?
I wish you bets of luck for your score! I´m sure it will be great! Now, pray for me.
Thanks!

  #42

Thanks, guys, for the confidence in me. I need it!

Anne, all the very best. You seem to have done exactly what's recommended. Yep, am definitely praying for you everyday until Thursday. Alles Gute, meine Freunde! smiling face


___________________
Prepare as if you're the worst, Perform as if you're the best! As you dream, so you manifest. So, DREAM BIG!! When you face hardship, remember, God never gives you more than you can handle. Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadows.

  #43

Danke! Thanks for speaking germanwink

  #44

And the story ends with 215/89.

It's not the perfect score, but it's good enough for me to improve up on.

Thanks a million for you folks who have held my hand to help me reach this day. It's something I can't repay to you, but something I can pass on......to someone else.

I'm here right here to answer any more specific qns. Now you know how much weight my words and opinion carry.

God bless. smiling face


___________________
Prepare as if you're the worst, Perform as if you're the best! As you dream, so you manifest. So, DREAM BIG!! When you face hardship, remember, God never gives you more than you can handle. Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadows.

  #45

Congrats! you did it!nod


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"Bindu ki maa, Jab Jab jo jo hona hai ,tab tab so so hota hai." from Padosan.90/85/pass

  #46

Thanks, fara. It's nice to be back in touch with you after ages! How have you been? [We've all been wondering!]


___________________
Prepare as if you're the worst, Perform as if you're the best! As you dream, so you manifest. So, DREAM BIG!! When you face hardship, remember, God never gives you more than you can handle. Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadows.

  #47

Congratulations!!!


___________________
2008 Step 1 Study Plan Discussion ........ My Blog

  #48

Thanks, p4a99. Your wishes throughout meant a lot to me. smiling face


___________________
Prepare as if you're the worst, Perform as if you're the best! As you dream, so you manifest. So, DREAM BIG!! When you face hardship, remember, God never gives you more than you can handle. Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadows.

  #49




___________________
2008 Step 1 Study Plan Discussion ........ My Blog

  #50

Hey congratulations! Well done.smiling face

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Step1 267/99. Step2 269/99. CS pass. ECFMG certified. Match 2009. MAY THE FORCE BE WITH ME (The one they call the strong nuclear force!)







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