INVISTA NO SEU SUCESSO:
Preparing for Step 1 requires strategic use of high-yield resources like UWorld, NBME exams, First Aid, and Mehlman PDFs, as well as targeted repetition through tools such as Anking Decks. Practicing under timed, exam-like conditions is emphasized, with NBME forms 30 and 31 and Free 120 being closest to the real exam. Candidates are advised to focus reviews on incorrect answers from NBMEs, while using visual aids and flashcards to reinforce key concepts like biostatistics, ethics, and confidence intervals. Managing anxiety and building stamina through exam simulations and rest is critical for optimal performance.
Scores above 60% on NBMEs and Free 120 indicate readiness, though consistent preparation and simulation are more predictive than exact benchmarks. Strategies like skimming the last sentence of lengthy stems or using diagrams for quick references were shared for better time management. Frequent topics include biostatistics, pathology, and clinical ethics, making tools like Randy Neil videos and Bootcamp anatomy reviews particularly valuable. While anxiety and score fluctuations are common, trusting preparation and focusing on weak areas are essential to success.
Opportunities to improve preparation include leveraging free trials like Osmosis, using offline NBME forms under strict conditions to save costs, and emphasizing active recall with QID-specific Anki cards. Community advice stresses the importance of tailoring study methods to individual needs, balancing revision with mental health strategies, and entering exam day with confidence built on rigorous, reflective preparation.
Resources:
UWorld (UW) - Recommended for question practice and exam simulation.
NBME Exams - Key for self-assessment and determining readiness; forms 25-31 discussed.
Free 120 - Frequently referenced as a realistic Step 1 practice resource.
First Aid (FA) - Highlighted for reviewing weak topics and key concepts.
Mehlman PDFs - Popular for high-yield content, especially biostatistics and genetics.
Anking Deck (Anki) - Suggested for targeted reviews, using QID-specific unsuspensions.
Bootcamp and Pathoma - Recommended for content review, especially in anatomy and pathology.
Amboss - Compared to UWorld for biostatistics practice.
Osmosis - Free trial links shared as supplementary material.
Randy Neil Videos - Used for biostatistics and ethics reviews.
Scores and Metrics:
NBME Scores - Scores ranged from 55% to 76%; fluctuations noted.
Free 120 Scores - Scores between 60%-66% discussed as benchmarks.
UWSA (Self-Assessments) - Scores considered less reflective of the actual exam but useful for practice.
Passing Thresholds - Pass marks mentioned include 61% (~197/280) and 70% as a “safe zone.”
Methods and Approaches:
Timed Testing - Practicing under exam conditions is critical for success.
Targeted Review - Focusing on NBME incorrect answers and FA sections for gaps.
Exam Simulation - Recreating test-day conditions with strict timing and short breaks.
Spaced Repetition - Using Anki or reviewing incorrect questions repeatedly.
Quick Skimming - Reading the last sentence of long question stems first.
Mental Health Strategies - Counseling for anxiety, ensuring adequate rest, and self-care during prep.
Opportunities and Tips:
Use Newer NBME Forms - Emphasis on forms 30 and 31 as closest to exam content.
Free Resources - Utilizing Osmosis links or Mehlman PDFs to supplement study plans.
High-Yield Areas - Ethics, biostatistics, and confidence intervals are frequently tested.
Visualization Aids - Creating diagrams or flashcards for key pathways and concepts.
Challenges and Solutions:
Forgetfulness - Normalized and mitigated through consistent repetition and active recall methods.
Anxiety Management - Tackling test-day nerves with preparation and professional help.
Exam Timing - Skimming strategies for lengthy vignettes to maximize time efficiency.
Post 1: STEP1 advicee!!!! help
The poster is worried about timing issues during the USMLE Step 1 exam, especially when tackling long question stems. Despite being close to the exam date, they struggle with distractions caused by unnecessary information in the vignettes and are seeking advice from recent test-takers about managing time and identifying key details.
In the comments, users provided practical strategies such as reading the last sentence of the question first to focus on critical information and save time. A recent test-taker shared that Step 1 often includes lengthy vignettes (e.g., resembling SOAP notes) and suggested skimming the vignette after identifying the main question. Another commenter reinforced the importance of adaptability and practice with timed blocks, emphasizing that the exam’s format requires both speed and accuracy.
Post 2: Cant break 70% on NBME
The poster is an IMG preparing for Step 1 and is frustrated about struggling to surpass 70% on NBME exams. Despite improving scores over several months, they express doubts about their readiness, with the exam just two weeks away. Their main challenges include test anxiety and difficulty deciding between two answer options.
Commenters addressed the pressure surrounding the 70% benchmark, noting that while 70% is commonly perceived as safe, scores above 60% are statistically sufficient for passing. Advice ranged from managing test anxiety to simulating exam conditions by practicing with UWorld in a timed, randomized, non-tutored format. Other suggestions included focusing on ethics and biostatistics and revisiting weak areas from NBMEs. Emotional support was also a common theme, encouraging the poster to trust their preparation and tackle their anxiety to ensure peak performance on test day.
Post 3: What Anking cards should I prioritize if I have less than 3 months before Step 1?
The user is planning to take Step 1 in three months and is unsure how to effectively use the Anking deck with limited time. They have been inconsistent with Anki during classes and are debating whether to prioritize Pathoma and Sketchy-tagged cards or shift focus entirely to qbanks for spaced repetition.
The single comment suggested unsuspending cards linked to UWorld question IDs for incorrect answers to create targeted review decks. This minimizes redundancy by ensuring they focus only on critical gaps in understanding while aligning their study method with high-yield concepts tested on qbanks.
Post 4: Exam Results
The poster tested on November 6 and is anxiously awaiting their results. They are curious about when the results will be released, with commenters speculating based on personal experiences.
The discussion focused on permit disappearance as a potential indicator of result readiness. Some users noted that the “print permit” option disappearing from the Interactive Web Services (IWS) portal often precedes results being posted. However, experiences varied, leaving the group in suspense about when they might receive their scores.
Post 5: Amboss vs UW biostats
The user is two weeks away from testing and struggling with biostatistics. After completing one round of UWorld biostats months ago, they are debating whether to review UWorld again or try Amboss for more practice questions.
A commenter recommended revisiting UWorld biostats, emphasizing its relevance to the real exam, and supplementing it with Mehlman files for high-yield review. They also encouraged following their Facebook page for additional tips, reflecting a collaborative approach within the community.
Post 6: Uwsa
The poster is deciding which UWorld Self-Assessment (UWSA) to take, as they can only complete one. They seek input on which test aligns most closely with Step 1.
Comments largely dismissed UWSAs as being less reflective of the real exam compared to NBMEs, though some users shared mixed preferences (e.g., UWSA3 feeling slightly better than others). Most commenters emphasized concept repetition across all UWSAs and suggested focusing on NBMEs for accuracy.
Post 7: Ideal way to review NBME
The poster is looking for time-efficient methods to review NBMEs while identifying weaknesses and optimizing their study approach.
Commenters suggested reviewing NBMEs under timed conditions and then analyzing each block the same day for momentum and retention. Another user advised customizing the review process based on individual weaknesses and habits, highlighting the importance of using practice exams as a diagnostic tool.
Post 8: NBME / Step 1
The poster shares their NBME scores, ranging from 61%-68%, and asks if they are ready for their Step 1 exam in a week.
Responses included encouragement to take Free120 and revisit incorrect answers on NBMEs. While the scores suggest readiness, commenters emphasized test-day stamina and the importance of reviewing recent NBMEs to refine weak areas. Emotional support and optimism were recurring themes, with commenters expressing confidence in the poster's ability to pass.
Post 9: URGENT, Exam in 6 days
The poster, with NBME scores between 60%-68%, asks if they are ready for their exam in six days.
Commenters reassured the poster, suggesting a final review of Free120 and NBME images while emphasizing the importance of addressing incorrect answers. A sense of urgency was matched with optimism, reinforcing the poster's preparation and encouraging confidence for exam day.
Post 10: Help!!!
The poster is feeling burned out with inconsistent NBME scores (ranging from 58%-69%) and is debating whether to reschedule their Step 1 exam in 10 days.
Comments highlighted the mental toll of burnout, with some users suggesting postponement to allow time for recovery and additional preparation. Others shared motivational advice, focusing on the importance of final revisions, especially with high-yield materials like Mehlman files and NBME incorrects. Emotional support and empathy were central themes, as the community rallied to boost the poster’s confidence.
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Post 11: 65yo woman dies 6 months after onset of severe headaches...what's your diagnosis?
This post posed a diagnostic challenge based on a brief clinical presentation: severe headaches over six months leading to death, suggestive of a brain tumor. Without additional details, respondents debated whether the diagnosis was a meningioma or glioblastoma, emphasizing their pathological and clinical differences.
Comments highlighted key differentiators: meningiomas are typically extra-axial, well-circumscribed, and can compress brain structures without invading, while glioblastomas are infiltrative, intra-axial, and necrotic. Several users agreed on meningioma as the better choice given the slower progression implied in the case. The thread became a detailed study of tumor pathology, featuring insights about necrosis, calcification, and gross appearance, resembling an NBME-style explanation.
Post 12: Step 1 studying Advice
The poster, struggling after performing poorly on a practice test, is unsure whether to focus on video resources like BnB or UWorld question practice. They feel disconnected from medicine after a long academic gap and find passive learning ineffective.
Commenters recommended prioritizing active learning through UWorld, using resources like BnB or Bootcamp for targeted reviews of weak topics. A common theme was the importance of engagement and efficiency, suggesting the poster avoid video-heavy methods if they struggle to focus and instead focus on practical applications through question-based learning.
Post 13: how close is uwsa 3 to the real deal, @recent test takers?
The poster is stressed after a poor performance on UWSA 3 and seeks reassurance about its comparability to the real Step 1 exam.
The consensus in the comments was that UWSAs are harder than the real exam and not entirely reflective of its style. Users emphasized focusing on NBME exams and Free 120, which more closely resemble Step 1 in format and content. While UWSAs can offer valuable practice, overemphasis on their scores can lead to unnecessary stress, as their question design often aims to challenge rather than emulate the exam.
Post 14: NBMES
The poster inquired about differences between offline and online NBME versions, noting that offline questions seem shorter.
Commenters clarified that the content is the same but stressed the importance of simulating real exam conditions while taking offline forms. They advised strict timing and avoiding answer checking to ensure an accurate assessment. For those constrained by finances, this approach can still be effective if done diligently. The thread provided practical tips for recreating test-like settings, particularly for resource-limited users.
Post 15: TAKING STEP 1 IN 2 WEEKS
An IMG poster shared their progress and practice test scores (averaging ~66%) and asked whether to reschedule their Step 1 exam in two weeks. They plan to review flagged UWorld questions, NBMEs 30/31, and UWSA2 but feel unsure about their readiness.
Comments advised focusing exclusively on NBME exams and First Aid in the final two weeks. Some recommended aiming for at least 65% on NBMEs 30 and 31 as a threshold for readiness, while others suggested using Anki for weak areas. Emotional support and practical guidance underscored the importance of confidence and trust in their preparation.
Post 16: result ? tested on 11th
This post reflects the anxiety of waiting for Step 1 results, with users speculating that those who tested on November 11th may receive results on November 27th.
Comments provided reassurance and shared similar timelines, fostering a sense of community. While no definitive answers were offered, users supported each other during the waiting period, emphasizing patience.
Post 17: results in dec
The poster asked whether December results are delayed due to the holiday season.
Comments clarified that delays might only affect exams taken late in December, with users sharing their expected result timelines. The thread reinforced the idea that early December exams should follow typical result schedules.
Post 18: Results? Tested 7NOV
The poster, anxious about results after testing on November 7th, asked when to expect their scores and permit disappearance.
Comments focused on permit disappearance as an indicator of impending results, with users noting it typically happens by Monday before results day. The discussion highlighted shared nerves and mutual encouragement, creating a supportive thread for those awaiting results.
Post 19: Did every nbme in offline, am I doing right
The poster completed all NBME exams offline under strict conditions and scored between 68%-72% but is now regretting the lack of detailed score reports. They sought reassurance about their decision.
Commenters emphasized that exam-like conditions are key, and many shared similar success stories using offline NBMEs. While some highlighted the value of score reports for identifying weak areas, others reassured the poster that their consistent scores suggest readiness. Emotional support and practical advice about UWSAs and Free 120 were prevalent.
Post 20: How to read CT MRI for step 1
The poster requested quick tips for interpreting CT and MRI images for Step 1 with limited time to prepare.
A commenter advised focusing on the clinical question stem, as imaging questions often rely on stem details for elimination. They suggested understanding basic concepts like blastic vs. lytic lesions, calcification, demyelination, and fractures and leveraging anatomy knowledge to identify key pathologies. The response underscored that detailed radiology expertise is unnecessary for Step 1 success.
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Post 21: 2 weeks free for OSMOSIS
The poster shared a referral link for two weeks of free access to Osmosis, inviting others to use and share it. This resource could be useful for Step 1 prep, as Osmosis offers educational videos, notes, and flashcards.
The single comment humorously suggested using temporary email generators to obtain unlimited free access, reflecting a workaround rather than direct feedback on the utility of the platform itself.
Post 22: Help with Anatomy
The user asked for recommendations for high-yield anatomy resources besides 100 Concepts, which they found overwhelming. They also questioned if First Aid anatomy is sufficient for Step 1 preparation.
The sole response recommended Bootcamp, implying its utility for focused, high-yield anatomy revision.
Post 23: Time for results
This post captures the anxiety surrounding Step 1 result release timelines, particularly for those who tested on November 3.
Comments indicated that permit disappearance on the ECFMG portal is a common predictor, with results expected the following Wednesday if the permit disappears on Sunday or Monday. Many users shared their personal timelines, speculated about results, and reassured each other during the waiting period.
Post 24: Keep forgetting UW :/
The poster, with an April exam date, expressed concern about forgetting content from UWorld despite steady progress. They sought advice on improving retention.
Comments reassured them that forgetting is normal and emphasized the importance of repetition through flashcards, notes, or annotating First Aid (FA). One user suggested creating visual aids like algorithms or diagrams and placing them in frequently seen locations for passive review. The tone was supportive, encouraging the poster to trust their preparation.
Post 25: Freaking out
The poster, after completing Step 1, is panicked over numerous silly mistakes during the exam, which they felt was significantly harder than Free 120. They wondered if others felt similarly but still managed to pass.
Comments empathized with the poster, with many sharing their own post-exam anxieties and eventual success. Users advised focusing on self-care during the waiting period rather than obsessing over perceived mistakes. Others encouraged them to trust their preparation and reminded them that Step 1 passing thresholds allow for errors.
Post 26: Need help
The poster asked about completing the application process, specifically the definitions of graduation date (final year result date) and medical diploma issuance date.
The sole response clarified that the graduation date typically corresponds to the final exam date, while the diploma issuance date should match the date listed on the medical diploma. This response provided direct, actionable guidance for the application process.
Post 27: Got 63% on free120, HELP!
The poster, with fluctuating NBME scores (54%-67.5%) and a 63% on Free 120, asked whether to delay their Step 1 exam scheduled in a week. They noted challenges with memory-based mistakes and confusion between answer options.
Comments suggested postponing the exam to review NBME mistakes, focus on content gaps, and improve confidence. Users recommended taking UWSA2 for additional assessment if no NBMEs remain. The discussion reflected mixed emotions, with some emphasizing readiness despite lower scores and others supporting a delay for further preparation.
Post 28: NBME spoiler
The poster asked for clarification on why CD4+ T cells do not kill in a specific scenario.
Comments offered detailed immunology insights:
CD4+ T cells require MHC II for activation, while CD8+ T cells target MHC I-expressing cells.
Natural killer (NK) cells attack when MHC I is absent, often seen in tumor or virally infected cells.
The absence of MHC markers in the question stem ruled out CD4+ activity, leaving NK cells as the correct answer.
The discussion, bolstered by references to First Aid, provided a high-yield review of immunology concepts, particularly for tumor and immune cell interactions.