Please do NBMEs EARLY

[stateofequilibrium]

I've been reading a lot of people posting how they just take the first NBME within a few short weeks of their expected test date and start freaking out about how low they scored. Everyone should be taking the first NBME early on in their studies to see where they stand. The NBMEs are a tool to help diagnose how you will perform on the real thing!

You should use it to focus on your weak spots, then after some more studying, take another one. Repeat again with your weakest distributions, and then take another one. Repeat the procedure. By the time you've taken all of them, hopefully some time before you take the real USMLE, you should have a strong understanding of exactly where you stand, what you need to do, and whether to postpone or take the exam.

So please! Take the NBMEs seriously as a learning tool, and not as a last minute evaluation!

[Ella]

This needed it's own thread. Excellent advice!!

[samsong28]

Really a Great advice.thanx

[MDXRS22]

Thanks SOE

[aniketshriwas]

hi is it cool to take a nbme and say, study for a month and take it again to access ones peformance. i mean there are only 4 forms. and is it useful to re-take a form to check progress.
i took a couple forms a while back and honestly dont remember ANY of the questions....
please let me know what you guys think

thanks in advance!!!

[flickingoffidioticdrivers]

well-said!

[sly2009]

Thank you SOE...You have my vote

Excellent advice..

[BrotherMan]

I took my first one three weeks before my exam to gauge my performance. The week before I took another one and my performance was the same. I ended up with a score close to my predicted scores. I highly recoommend that people take these things about a month before their exam to see where they stand in terms of preparedness.

[IMG SURVIVOR]

I will just make this a sticky.
Go over your first read and then do a NBME, after that go over your weak areas and then do another NBME.

[macel472]

Hi! I am an IMG, and started Kaplan Center Prep in July 8. I am almost done with my videos (immunology & behavioral science left). Is it about time for me to purchase USMLE World? or should i go for NBME first? Please help... got no one to ask in the center coz i'm the only one there preparing for step 1. Your advice will be greatly appreciated. Thank you!