http://www.valuemd.com/ Exam experiences, tips, and strategies from recent USMLE Step 1 test takers en Sat, 21 Nov 2009 01:46:54 GMT vBulletin 60 http://static.valuemd.com:81/images/misc/rss.jpg http://www.valuemd.com/ http://www.valuemd.com/usmle-step-1-exam-experiences/186635-inspiration-all-longshots.html Mon, 09 Nov 2009 22:48:36 GMT

Hello all,

Just wanted to share my experience with everyone...

I was a failure during my undergrad in North America....finished with a honours degree; however, it was a struggle. Took the MCATs after third year...got a 23 O....what a disaster. Didn't really care to study for it so I expected a score like that. I failed two classes in my last semester of undergrad and had to take summer school to complete my bachelors. I finished with a 2.5 GPA average during undergrad. I took a year off to work but felt like I needed more in my life. So I decided to pursue medicine. As a result of my undergraduate marks, my only choice was to come to the caribbean.

Arrived at medical school and still hadn't learned the concept of studying.I was one of those kids who sat in the back who didnt care. I was distruptive at times. Basically, I was the student people loved to hate. I passed all my classes in first semester with marks in the low 60's. There were people who failed, however, I came as close to failing out of everyone who passed. I went home for break and heard of all these amazing things people were doing and I felt like I was falling behind in life. Previously, I was content with mediocrity and barely scraping by; however, now, I wanted more. I was thirsty for success. When I arrived back on the islands, I was determined. I locked down and studied. The effort paid dividends. I went from near the bottom of my class and finished at the top of my class. Being successful was a definite high. I was recognized by the profs at my school and was appointed to numerous committees and positions. Things were finally turning around. Again, in third and forth semester, I continued to study and again finished at the top of my class and lead some committees. I was again recognized by teachers, profs and students and was given a few awards upon leaving the islands.

Now step 1 came around. Everything previous didnt matter unless I did well on this test. Not just for my family, my friends or my school....but for me. I began to question whether my success was a fluke or did I actually have some potential. I had nightmares of my previous failures during undergrad. I did not want to fail. For the next 6 months, I locked down. The most I did was watch movies (downloaded of course just like all my usmle prep material...hoo-rah for pirating.)

Preparation time: 6 months, independant (no review courses)

Resources: Kaplan Pharmacology, Kaplan Anatomy, Kaplan Biochem, HY Mol Bio, Rapid Review Pathology (plus goljan audio), BRS Physio (plus kaplan videos), BRS Behavioral (plus Kaplan Videos), HY Histology, Primal Pictures neuroanatomy software, Kaplan Microbiology, Langman Embryology, Goljan slide set, first aid 2008

Qbanks: -Usmleworld - 79% first time through (100% completed)
...reviewed it 3 times
-Rapid Review pathology, pharmacology, histology, biochemistry,
anatomy, microbiology, usmle CD
-Kaplan Qbank
-Kaplan 2000 q's
-Pretest for pathology, pharmacology, histology, biochemistry,
anatomy, microbiology
-Robbin's pathology book mcq
-Robbin's CD
-Goljan HY (2x)
-TommyK HY
-Kaplan Physiology qbank
-pharmacology2000 website
-wikitestprep - 84% average..100% completed

Simulated tests: UW self assessment 1 (2 weeks out) - 256
UW self assessment 1 (1 weeks out) - 258
NBME 1 - 168/200
NBME 2 - 190/200
NBME 3 - 188/200
NBME 4 - 194/200
NBME 5 - 188/200
NBME 6 - 189/200

NBME were downloaded...didnt do them online

Actual USMLE Score: 258/99

If I can do it, trust me, u can do it too. Just put in the time and effort and the results will come....i believe in all of you...also, its never too late to turn around your life. If you've had disappointing times, try not to dwell on the past...it will only blur your vision of the future. My best wishes are with all of you.. ]]> USMLE Step 1 Exam Experiences longshot http://www.valuemd.com/usmle-step-1-exam-experiences/186635-inspiration-all-longshots.html http://www.valuemd.com/usmle-step-1-exam-experiences/186587-how-does-score-say-240-250-equate-99-a.html Sun, 08 Nov 2009 23:05:36 GMT

Hi,

I read on the usmle world website that there are 336 questions, and from reading ppls scores a 99 is around 240. So does that mean you can get 96 questions wrong and still get 99? I'm most likely wrong so can someone kindly explain or direct me to a thread that explains this.

Thanks. ]]> USMLE Step 1 Exam Experiences naseeha http://www.valuemd.com/usmle-step-1-exam-experiences/186587-how-does-score-say-240-250-equate-99-a.html