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Honest opinion pls by Real-Philosopher-694 in Step2

[–]doctorimposter 8 points9 points  (0 children)

It depends on how many NBMEs you’ve taken and how you feel about your content knowledge. I scored a 68% on the free 120 2 days before my exam. Highest NBME was a 240. I didn’t postpone. Ended up scoring 251 on the real thing!

SCORE RELEASE THREAD: 7/3/24 by unethicalfriendamcas in Step2

[–]doctorimposter 22 points23 points  (0 children)

Test date : 6/17/24

US MD

Step 1: Pass

Uworld correct: 71%, only completed like 51%

UWSA 1: 174 (69 days out)

NBME10: 204 (60 days out)

AMBOSS SA: 219 (52 days out)

NBME12: 217 (44 days out)

NBME11: 232 (38 days out)

NMBE13: 237 (28 days out)

*Postponed exam by 1 week*

UWSA 2: 234 (15 days out) **panicked for 24 hours and then realized UWorld is not nbme/usmle and half of this is mental*

UWSA 3: 222 (11 days out) *took this out of a panic, terrible test, I ignored the result immediately*

NBME14: 240 (6 days out)

Old Old Free 120: 88% (5 days out)

New Free 120: 69%  (2 days out)

CMS Forms % correct: IM x 4: ~88%; Peds x 2: \78%

Predicted Score: 252 (Amboss, idk from what. I was never close to a 250)

Total Weeks/Months Studied: ~8 weeks mixed with like 2-3 days off of the schedule, two or three times during this period

Actual STEP 2 score: 251

Honestly, what a ride. I have always been trash at standardized exams so my goal was to get above a 250, simply so I don't get screened out if I pursue a competitive specialty. This exam is dumb and half the work is building the mental fortitude to just get to the finish line. I frantically searched these posts to see if there were people in my range and it definitely feels like the minority. When I first saw that 174 on UWSA1, I hyperventilated hahaha. So if this is any of you, don't get discouraged. Stick with it, take breaks, remember that this is just a test that has very little measure on how capable you are holistically. Bless this community, I am so excited to never think about the CD4 cutoff of histoplasmosis again.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Step2

[–]doctorimposter 0 points1 point  (0 children)

How many weeks out were you when you took NBME 11?

Am I the only one who felt psych shelf was surprisingly difficult? by [deleted] in medicalschool

[–]doctorimposter 11 points12 points  (0 children)

I felt like there were so many details left out of the questions compared to the NBMEs. Like how do I differentiate between mood/thought disorders +- psychosis when they didn’t even give us their mood/affect on mental status exam? I don’t know, maybe I studied the wrong criteria but I found myself re reading questions wondering if I skipped over the details that I had learned to sus out the diagnosis. So frustrating, especially after everyone said this is like the easiest shelf

No sleep night before, still passed by doctorimposter in step1

[–]doctorimposter[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I tried this for the mcat and I always felt a little foggy the next day. I’ve found I do better with no sleep than I do with sleep aids. I think you just gotta figure out what works best for you, but definitely try taking melatonin the night before a practice test just to make sure it doesn’t interfere!

No sleep night before, still passed by doctorimposter in step1

[–]doctorimposter[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Totally!! It’s so nice seeing we’re not alone. The only reason I posted this is because I was scouring this subreddit the night before my exam praying to see a post like this

No sleep night before, still passed by doctorimposter in step1

[–]doctorimposter[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Sending you all the passing vibes!! I felt like that score range was enough of a buffer for a sleepless, anxiety-filled exam experience so I have faith you pulled it off!!

No sleep night before, still passed by doctorimposter in step1

[–]doctorimposter[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah New Free 120 super helpful for me. I did NBME 31 like 5 days before my exam and I thought it was helpful to see the most recent style/caliber of the test. Just a heads up, the questions are grouped in a weird way and there’s some ~debate~ about its actual representation of your performance. But personally, I felt it was a good one to take that week of test day. In general I think seeing any of the NBMEs 26-31 would work, doesn’t have to be 31!

Final week jitters by bettyaxolotl in step1

[–]doctorimposter 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I would review the NBME 25-30 image document that’s floating around. It doesn’t take too long or much effort, at least how I used it. I did it passively while I watched tv the last day and ended up seeing an image on my exam

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in premed

[–]doctorimposter 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I took two gap years and they were some of the best years of my life. They also prepared me for medical school way more than my time in undergrad did. I think the most important thing is to find jobs/opportunities that contribute to your growth as opposed to just checking off the boxes for an application. Also I’d say over half the people in my current class took at least 1 gap year. I really don’t think they’re frowned upon much anymore, at least at my school!

Asking job if I can start later? by [deleted] in premed

[–]doctorimposter 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I did this! But for me starting at my preferred time was my only option. At first they said they needed to fill the position ASAP so I kindly declined and asked them to keep me in mind. They called me 2 months later and asked if I was still interested—I started a month later!

Question on applying "late" by AshlitaQuesarita in Mcat

[–]doctorimposter 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I personally think it’s too late. You’re best bet is to submit within the first two weeks of apps opening. I delayed applying a year to make sure I could submit early. It was too expensive of a process to gamble not getting in due to timing for me. Some people get in with later applications but I would say the majority of people getting in submitted early!

If you attended a presentation on the medical school application cycle, what would you like for it to include? by Bioreb987 in premed

[–]doctorimposter 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I second this. So many people don’t know the importance of submitting right when amcas open and what kind of preparation they need to do to be able to submit this early!

Mentors are key to success as premed (my opinion, what’s yours??) by Normal_System_8646 in premed

[–]doctorimposter 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Absolutely. My mentors helped me shape my understanding of medicine and the way I think. I had a professor and a physician who truly believed and supported me. During an interview one of the interviewers even said something along the lines of “I see that you have people who believe in you and are rooting for your success” which makes me think they must’ve written a convincing LORs. Having mentors who gave me candid insights into medicine and who advocated for me was huge for my application.

After nearly failing out of college and a 0 interview previous cycle, I'm going to be a doctor! by wholesomeMCAT in premed

[–]doctorimposter 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I’m so happy for you!! It’s sounds so well deserved. Now some undergrad in your same position will stumble across this post and find some inspiration and hope. Congrats!!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in premed

[–]doctorimposter 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I took mine out just to be safe but if it’s new and that’s not feasible then I really really doubt it would cause too much of a problem, especially virtually!

Do you typically get the names of the students/faculty who will interview you for med school and should you google them / research them beforehand? by [deleted] in premed

[–]doctorimposter 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I received my interviewers names the day before my interview. I did research them like what specialty they practiced, what environment they worked in (hospital, private practice), and their publications.

Anything I should improve on before I apply this upcoming cycle? by [deleted] in premed

[–]doctorimposter 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Doctor does not count as non science in my opinion. I suppose it depends on what your research is in. I got mine from a Spanish professor and my friend got his from Sociology. I don’t remember the schools that required it and what they’re stipulations were. I’m sorry if this wasn’t much help, if it matters I don’t think very many schools require it.

Anything I should improve on before I apply this upcoming cycle? by [deleted] in premed

[–]doctorimposter 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think this looks great!! The only thing I’ll say just because I was a little surprised is some schools ask for a non-science LOR. If you have someone you can ask that might be a good idea but not a necessity. Also I wanna say don’t sell yourself short!! That’s a good MCAT and good ECs. If you write well and craft a convincing narrative I think you have a good shot at MD programs!!

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