The "Shelf" Exam today...

[JTP73]

As to be expected? Any thoughts?

[skidoc42]

As to be expected? Any thoughts?

Got most of em' wrong...so yea! About what I planned on! :-P

skidoc42 ;)

[JTP73]

Got most of em' wrong...so yea! About what I planned on! :-P

skidoc42 ;)Even so... my competitve nature makes it difficult to sit there filling in circles realizing that I know far to little to be sitting there taking the exam. For three mos worth of study, to be tested on only 25/200 (estimate) makes me wonder when it is that I am going to have the opportunity to learn the 175 that I wasn't supposed to know. Can anyone vouch for the effectiveness of these exams? I know both sides have their arguments; but has anyone, over the progression from semester 1 to semester 5, started to feel more confident as they have taken the shelf each semester?

I realize the 1st one establishes a baseline to measure the others from, and I hear those who have walked before me continually suggesting to start studying for Step 1 from day one. But after having taken the 1st shelf, I am even more uncertain about where I should spend my time.

For example, according to my estimate, there were (maybe) 25 questions that were covered somewhere during the 1st semester -- that leaves 175 for the next four semesters -- which means the pace has to pick up a bit to ensure that everything is covered by the time Step 1 takes place. Or, the bigger question, should I simply be studying other subjects on my own time as well?

[2cents]

Once you take path, and physio the questions will be much easier

[Junito]

Once you take path, and physio the questions will be much easier

I agree. The test was difficult, but doable. This one was a bit more difficult than the last one I took. I just got tired after the 97th question. Can't wait to get done with the real thing...aka Step 1.

[MDTOB]

As you progress through the Basic Sciences, you will definitely see your Shelf Exam results increase! I couldn't believe my score the first time I took it. Then just last semester, I was pretty satisified with my results!

However, it is still quite challenging! Even when you have taken Physio, Biochem, Genetics, Pharm, and Path, many of the questions make you realize how important it was to pay attention to some of the finer details (i.e. Buzz Words)!

Good luck!

[Nimmuk]

Remember that first semester classes are low yield, including anatomy in the USMLE exam. It get better when you have seen path, pharm, physio ect.

[caymanmd]

I just finished taking step 1 3 weeks ago. I would say that the shelf exams are similar to the real thing as are the NBME exams online. Dont worry too much if you feel you are doing so-so on them early on. Ill tell you, Path, Pharm and Physio are the biggest yield. So once you cover them, you will gain points for sure. And some of the other subjects require a strong review even if you have taken them. Thats what the board sem is for. I hadnt had a chance to review any old subjects until after 5th term was over. And it all came back. And yes there are some topics that need a bit more detail than we get at smu. To give you heads up, vaccines as well as bacterial and viral genetics are hy. Also molecular bio is pretty hy. Those were the main things i was lacking after finishing smu. They hit everything else pretty solid. Im just chilling around now so if anyone has questions about smu in general, let me know. And good luck for final in both maine and cayman!!

[charger5001]

It was challenging but I felt well prepared. I just have to tie some loose ends and review some material I have forgotten.