INVISTA NO SEU SUCESSO:
The Step 1 exam is a pivotal milestone for medical students, and navigating its challenges requires effective study strategies and resources. Many students find themselves struggling with low scores on UWorld, a popular question bank. For instance, one user reported starting with scores in the early 60s but experienced a decline to the 30s and 40s despite consistent study. The use of First Aid (FA), Pathoma, and Boards and Beyond (BnB) videos alongside UWorld in tutor mode was highlighted, but the user sought additional guidance. A key piece of advice offered was to view UWorld not just as a scoring tool but as a learning resource. By focusing on understanding and filling content gaps, rather than fixating on scores, students can better prepare for test day.
Another common concern is mastering specific topics like ethics and biostatistics. One recommendation for improving in these areas was to utilize resources like Randy Neil and Dirty Medicine for epidemiology and biostatistics. For ethics, a unique strategy suggested was to try recognizing answers based on ethical principles without reading lengthy questions fully, as the principles tested remain consistent across scenarios. This approach can help in quickly identifying the correct responses during the exam.
For students facing scheduling challenges due to unforeseen circumstances, such as family emergencies, it’s essential to communicate with the appropriate authorities. In one instance, a student needed to reschedule their exam due to a family tragedy. The advice provided was to contact the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) and follow their procedures for extending eligibility periods, which might involve providing proof of the emergency. Additionally, managing the logistical aspects, such as cancelling or rescheduling the Prometric appointment promptly, can prevent additional fees.
These discussions highlight the importance of leveraging various resources and strategies tailored to individual needs. From using specific study aids like FA, UWorld, Pathoma, and AnKing decks, to addressing scheduling and personal emergencies, the collective experiences shared by peers can provide valuable insights and support to students preparing for the Step 1 exam.
The poster is struggling with declining UWorld scores despite studying consistently. They started with scores in the 60% range, which have since dropped to the 30-40% range. They use First Aid along with Pathoma and Boards and Beyond videos and are seeking advice and study tips to improve their performance, as they are feeling anxious with their exam approaching in November.
Responses emphasize using UWorld as a learning tool rather than focusing on the scores. One user shared their experience of never scoring above 50% but felt well-prepared by identifying and filling content gaps through UWorld. Another commenter, a tutor, offered paid services to help with exam preparation.
The poster is struggling to answer ethics questions correctly and is looking for effective study resources for ethics and biostatistics.
Key suggestions include using RandyNeil and Dirty Medicine for biostatistics and epidemiology. Additionally, one user suggested a unique approach to ethics questions: trying to recognize the ethical principles being tested without reading the entire question. This method involves identifying common themes like acknowledging concerns or using open-ended questions to gather more information.
A user inquires about the expected release date for the June 10th Step 1 exam results.
The general consensus in the comments is that results are expected next week at the earliest. One commenter who took the exam on June 2 mentioned receiving their results, suggesting a timeline for when others can expect their scores.
The poster is dealing with a family tragedy and needs to reschedule their Step 1 exam. Their eligibility period ends on June 30th, and they need advice on how to extend it.
Advice focuses on contacting ECFMG to extend the eligibility period. Users recommend logging into the ECFMG account to find the extension option, which requires a fee of $100. It's also advised to cancel the Prometric appointment to avoid additional fees. Commenters stress prioritizing family and well-being over the exam during this difficult time.
The poster is stressed about their Step 1 results from June 6 and needs help figuring out how to check them.
Users share step-by-step instructions on using the FSMB Uniform Application to check results. They explain navigating through the application, selecting "Doctor of Medicine," choosing a state, and accessing "Examination History" to see results. Commenters celebrate their successful results and guide others through the process, ensuring accuracy and providing support to relieve anxiety.
The poster recently completed their first offline NBME (#26) with a score of 60% and is seeking advice on how to improve their score in time for the exam scheduled for August 6th.
Responses suggest focusing on reviewing UWorld incorrects, taking additional NBMEs, completing the Free 120 questions, and doing UWSAs if time permits. Other recommended resources include Mehlmann's PDF notes, First Aid, and Pathoma to address weak areas. Users emphasize the importance of revisiting UWorld notes and considering tools like Anki for efficient review. Personalized advice from a tutor was also offered, indicating the value of targeted guidance.
An IMG with 8 weeks of dedicated study time has only completed 10% of UWorld and is debating whether to aim for one or two passes of UWorld and if their study materials are sufficient.
Advice highlights that two passes of UWorld might be challenging within the timeframe, so prioritizing high-yield topics and creating a structured study schedule is recommended. Resources like Mehlman PDFs are mentioned for identifying high-yield content. The combination of Boards and Beyond, Sketchy, First Aid, UWorld, and AnKing is deemed comprehensive and adequate for preparation.
The poster, who recently failed Step 1, is looking for advice on what steps to take next and when to retake the exam.
Commenters suggest determining weak areas by reviewing NBME and Free 120 scores. They recommend engaging in study groups, revisiting essential resources like First Aid, and considering a tutor for personalized assistance. Sharing personal experiences, users emphasize resilience and the potential for significant improvement with focused study strategies.
The poster is confused about the musculoskeletal system despite using Boards and Beyond and First Aid and seeks suggestions on whether to use Mehlman High Yield MSK alongside UWorld questions.
Responses recommend Bootcamp as a superior alternative to BnB for MSK, with some users finding it less time-consuming. Creating a free account on Bootcamp’s website provides access to helpful PDFs, while the videos require a paid subscription. Users confirm that Bootcamp complements UWorld questions effectively.
The poster is devastated after failing Step 1, despite feeling the exam was doable. They are seeking advice on whether they can retake the exam and when.
Comments provide emotional support and emphasize that retaking the exam is possible. Users share similar experiences of failure and subsequent improvement, advising a review of study materials and proper scheduling of breaks to manage stress during the exam. Resources like First Aid and study groups are recommended for structured preparation.
The poster celebrates passing Step 1 and provides instructions for checking results using the FSMB Uniform Application, expressing relief after a long wait.
Users confirm using the FSMB Uniform Application to check results, detailing the process: selecting a state and accessing the "Examination History" section. They share their success stories and validate the accuracy of the FSMB trick. The community offers detailed guidance on navigating the FSMB website, ensuring others can check their results accurately and share in the collective relief and joy.
Access the FSMB Website: Go to the FSMB website at FSMB.org.
Navigate to the Uniform Application: Find the section for the Uniform Application.
Select "Doctor of Medicine": When prompted, choose "Doctor of Medicine" as your application type.
Pick a State: Select any state (e.g., Alabama, Alaska) to proceed.
Check "Examination History": Continue through the application until you reach the "Examination History" section, where you can see the results of your exams.
The poster is experiencing burnout after completing two NBMEs and UWSA 1 with decent scores (NBME25: 75%, NBME26: 76%, UWSA1: 81% or 248). They are feeling unmotivated and considering whether to focus on FA, NBME, and Free 120 or to finish the remaining 10 blocks of Amboss incorrects.
Recommendations include continuing with the remaining NBME forms and revising First Aid thoroughly. Focusing on high-yield materials and practice questions to address specific weaknesses identified during previous assessments is advised.
The poster inquires if it is true that Step 1 results will be released that night, amidst growing anxiety and confusion about checking results.
Users confirm that results are out on FSMB but note issues with only seeing the date and exam name. The method involves navigating to the Uniform Application section, selecting "Doctor of Medicine," choosing a state, and checking the "Examination History" for detailed results. This trick has been verified by non-US IMGs who successfully viewed their results.
The poster seeks advice on what high-yield information to write on their test sheet for the exam, being a week away from testing.
Comments suggest that nothing specific is required if one has prepared well, but writing down formulas for sensitivity, specificity, or any other tricky concepts that might be hard to recall under stress could be helpful.
The poster is looking for the best resources to use along with First Aid to improve retention after previously failing Step 1, despite using multiple resources and scoring well on practice tests.
Advice emphasizes using active recall and spaced repetition techniques, specifically through Anki (AnKing deck). Incorporating Mehlman videos and doing more practice questions (NBME 28-31, Free 120) are recommended. Additional tips include leveraging various modalities like videos and flashcards, and focusing on high-yield sections of First Aid.
An older IMG (2017 graduate) with a green card is contemplating whether to continue pursuing FM or pathology after failing Step 1, expressing concerns about job prospects.
Comments unanimously encourage perseverance. Users emphasize not giving up on dreams and seeking advice from advisors. They share personal experiences, stressing that continuous effort often leads to success and fulfillment. With a green card, making connections and leveraging opportunities in the US is highlighted as advantageous.
The poster is a June 7th test-taker asking if the Step 1 scores might be released a day early due to Juneteenth, having heard rumors about it.
Response confirms the rumor but notes no official announcement. The suggestion is to monitor for early releases, especially for IMGs, as the scores might indeed come out earlier due to the holiday.