Tips for usmle step 1 Test Format 350 questions

Tips for USMLE Step 1

Test Format

• 350 questions

• 7 sections of 50 questions at 1hr each (one section does NOT count).

• 8hrs total time. 45min of break to distribute.

• Add 15min to break if you skip tutorial (recommended).
• Finishing a section early adds remaining time to break.

• Register by Dec & ideally schedule for mid-June.

• Need 3-4mos of hardcore study time.
• Register online at www.nbme.org - schedule 3 mos elgibility
• Eligibility period with NBME, Scheduling Permit with prometric.

Types of Questions

Meaning of Scores

• Passing score was raised from 174 to 182 in May 2003.

• Average is usually ~215 and each standard deviation is ~20 points (theoretical max 300 but curve exists).

• Mean & SD for your specific test will be given with your score.

• If normal distribution, 68% of values are within 1SD and 95% are within 2SD.

• Two digit score (1-99) does NOT equal percentile.

Meaninglessness of Scores

• Be careful judging advice based on scores (target, styles).

• Set a realistic goal for your needs and abilities (stepping stone).

• Competitive residences include Ophthalmology, Orthopaedics, Neurosurgery, Emergency Medicine, Radiology, etc.
• Also competitive to go to top 10 programs or desirable geographic locations in ANY field.
• Usually breaking 1SD is sufficient.

Creating a Goal

• Different studying strategies based on goals:

• Passing the test (master core high-yield info)
• Breaking 1SD (high-yield plus know some low-yield)
• Breaking 2SD (high-yield plus lots of low-yield info)

• Risky if you create an unrealistic goal.

Creating a Goal

• How do you know what goal you can achieve?

• Honoring classes is sometimes unrelated.

• People who did well in classes may do poorly on Step 1 and vice versa.
• Luck component (many different test versions; different score distributions & curves)

Diagnostic Exams

• Free Kaplan diagnostic test (% correct x3) = Starting point

• Can realistically increase score by 10% raw score max (or 30 points max) each month.

• NBME diagnostic test 1-2mos before test (evaluate progress & effectiveness of study plan).

• Adjust studying in final month based on diagnostic.
• Only use First Aid or other general source in final week.

• Check-out testing site (can walk around inside).

• COMMON SENSE: Sleeping & Eating (physical = mental)

Kaplan or NOT?

• Boxers or Briefs?

DEPENDS!!

• DEPENDS!!

KAPLAN or not

• Pros:

• Keeps you on track
• Extrinsic motivation
• Proven record
• Skilled teachers
• Geared towards achieving a good score

• Cons:

• Expensive
• Not unique or individual preparation
• Geared towards passing or 1SD
• Stifling towards additional independent study

General Study Strategy

General Study Strategy

• Choose books for content review

• Format your comfortable with/used in M2 classes
• High yield without extraneous info
• Class notes NOT BEST SOURCE
• Don’t spend too much time on anatomy, Biochem, Behav. Sc.
• Emphasize ACTIVE reading - Ask questions to reinforce what you’ve learned

• Gradually work questions into study plan

• Start w/ 1 block of 50 q and inc q week
• Read explanations carefully - write down wrong answers
• Constantly reassess strengths and weaknesses

Content Review

• Consensus “must read” books

• Micro Ridiculously Simple
• Constanzo BRS or Physio text
• BRS Path
• Pathophysiology for Boards and Wards
• Pharm Cards

Question Review

• Kaplan Q-Bank

• 2000+ questions: excellent stratification by subject, organ system, etc..

• NMS question book

• Blackwell’s free test online

• NBME tests(2)

• Robbins question book