INVISTA NO SEU SUCESSO:
A user shares their experience studying for Step 1 using B&B, First Aid, and Anki flashcards but found their approach ineffective for UWorld questions. They propose a new strategy focused on doing UWorld questions systemwise, reading explanations thoroughly, and supplementing weaker areas with resources like Pathoma. They also plan to take older NBMEs and the Free 120 to assess readiness and may repeat UWorld in random, timed mode if needed.
Commenters offer additional suggestions such as Dirty Biochem, Sketchy for microbiology and pharmacology, and Mehlman PDFs for reinforcing weak concepts. The consensus emphasizes the importance of doing UWorld systemwise first and switching to random mode later to mimic exam conditions, with NBME 29-31 and the Free 120 being used to predict readiness.
A student shares their recent Step 1 exam experience, mentioning that the question stems were unusually long, and the answer choices seemed very similar, making it difficult to choose the right one. They ask if others had similar experiences and what specific topics to focus on in preparation.
Replies confirm that ethics questions tend to have close answer choices, and some found pharmacology and physiology confusing. Many suggest focusing on NBME anatomy and high-yield resources like Mehlman for topics with vague answer choices. The general sentiment is that students should prepare for the possibility of facing long question stems.
The original post asks which resources might artificially inflate NBME scores, specifically questioning the impact of Mehlman guides, which some claim contain actual NBME questions.
Respondents clarify that Mehlman PDFs do not inflate scores, as they focus on high-yield concepts rather than specific NBME questions. Users agree that resources like UWorld, First Aid, and Sketchy are critical for success and will naturally increase NBME scores by expanding one’s knowledge base.
This user inquires whether NBME exams 1-25 are still relevant or if they are outdated for current Step 1 preparation. They ask if exams 20-25 are worth completing and what other high-yield resources to focus on closer to the exam date.
The main recommendation is to take NBME 20-25 for practice but reserve NBME 29-31 and the Free 120 for later, as these are considered the most predictive of actual Step 1 performance. Many advise revisiting incorrect UWorld and NBME questions to reinforce learning, as well as reviewing high-yield resources like Mehlman.
A student is debating whether to move their exam date from October 21 to October 11. They have completed 26% of UWorld with a 68% average and scored 75% on NBME 30. They worry about burning out with over three weeks left but also feel they could use extra study time.
The majority of commenters suggest pushing the exam up, reasoning that the user’s scores are high enough to pass, and extra practice might not add much value. However, a few recommend sticking with the original date to allow for more UWorld practice.
The poster seeks advice on the ideal sequence for completing NBME exams. Should they be taken in order or is there a more strategic approach?
Most responses suggest that NBME 25-31 be done in order, with NBME 29-31 and Free 120 saved for last, as they are most predictive. The focus should be less on sequence and more on understanding and reviewing all concepts thoroughly, regardless of which exam is taken.
This user is confused about whether they should rely on the iMD app for Step 1 prep instead of UWorld, questioning if iMD is updated regularly and comparable to UWorld.
The general consensus is that while iMD may help some students, UWorld is still the gold standard for Step 1 preparation due to its regular updates and comprehensive question bank. Most recommend sticking with UWorld for reliability and avoiding potential risks with other apps.
A user anxiously asks when they will receive results for their Step 1 exam taken on September 25th, worrying after a year of preparation.
Replies note that results typically come out two to three Wednesdays after the test date. Others offer support and encouragement, saying the user is likely to pass and should relax during the waiting period.
A student asks whether foundational or clinical pharmacology is more important for Step 1.
Responses clarify that foundational pharmacology is the primary focus for Step 1, as the exam tests more on basic mechanisms than clinical application. Foundational knowledge forms the core of pharmacology questions in Step 1.
A user points out a contradiction between Pathoma and UWorld regarding the adenoma-carcinoma sequence. Pathoma states that the KRAS mutation causes polyp formation, while UWorld says it causes adenoma growth.
Commenters generally trust UWorld as it aligns more closely with exam-style questions and feedback from previous test-takers. Most recommend sticking with UWorld’s explanation for exam prep.
A user is struggling with CT scan questions for Step 1 despite having basic anatomical knowledge of structures like the IVC and aorta. They ask for resources to improve their performance on these types of questions.
The top recommendation is Dirty Medicine, which offers two highly praised videos on CT scans that simplify the process of identifying key structures. These videos are noted for helping students understand the intricacies of CT interpretation and boost their confidence in approaching related questions.
A student with 66% on UWSA 1 asks how predictive the UWSA 1 and 2 scores are for Step 1. They also wonder if they should postpone their exam based on the score.
Commenters agree that UWSA exams are not highly predictive, with large score variations compared to actual Step 1 results. The consensus is that NBME exams are much more reliable predictors. If a student scores 65% or more on NBMEs, they are generally in good shape for the real exam. One user mentions that UWSA scores can fluctuate significantly, making them less reliable for predicting outcomes.
A student using Medical Bootcamp asks if they also need to invest in UWorld to pass Step 1, due to financial and time constraints. They are planning to complete 3-4 NBMEs in addition to question banks.
The feedback strongly favors UWorld as the gold standard for Step 1 preparation. Users highlight that UWorld’s question bank is comprehensive and covers high-yield topics extensively. While Medical Bootcamp is considered useful for practicing long question stems, the recommendation is to use both if possible. If forced to choose, students should prioritize UWorld for its proven effectiveness.
A user seeks advice on mastering immunology for Step 1, expressing difficulty in retaining key concepts.
The most recommended resource is Mehlman’s Immunology PDFs, which are praised for their concise, high-yield explanations. Others suggest using UWorld in combination with Pathoma Chapter 2 and First Aid to build a strong foundational understanding of immunological principles. This approach is considered effective for getting through difficult immunology questions.
A user who has completed six systems in UWorld with a 70% overall score asks if they should continue using Mehlman PDFs for other systems they haven't covered yet. They plan to use Mehlman’s Yield Arrows closer to the end of their preparation.
Most responses encourage doing as many Mehlman PDFs as possible, since they contain key high-yield concepts that frequently appear on NBMEs and USMLE Step 1. Yield Arrows are also highly recommended for final review, but focusing on the PDFs for each system early on is considered a good strategy to reinforce weak areas.