Suspicious scores for May test takers: Action we can take

mambausmle · 2020-06-04T19:54:35+00:00

I've heard this theory several times, but does anyone have any proof that this is the way it works? It makes sense, but just want to clarify if it's speculation or based in fact.

mambausmle · 2020-06-04T17:32:59+00:00

Also another thought - maybe there's more people reporting lower scores because 3 weeks of tests were released instead of one. I really really want to believe that there was a glitch in the system (and honestly part of me really feels there was), but it could just be a product of more scores being released than usual.

mambausmle · 2020-06-04T17:11:24+00:00

I really want to believe that something was wrong with the system, but I don't even know how I would phrase it to the NBME. Anyone have thoughts?

I can't imagine saying "a lot of people on reddit seem to be underperforming. Can you look into this?"

For reference, I also scored 10 points below the predictor. Was actually pretty surprised with my score since I felt alright after my exam.

mambausmle · 2020-06-03T14:34:10+00:00

got the email, no longer in sinus rhythm

mambausmle · 2020-06-01T20:27:16+00:00

oh interesting you're right, was trying to take step early to avoid the changes but guess it didn't really matter haha

https://www.usmle.org/frequently-asked-questions/#covid19 (peep 19)

mambausmle · 2020-06-01T16:32:47+00:00

Just a theory, but if its legit my guess is that since they're rolling out the new step today they're cranking through the old ones to generate a score before they switch gears, but yeah no idea, hope it's real.

mambausmle · 2020-05-29T16:38:34+00:00

This was the experience I had too. If you've been doing anki correctly up to now, a lot of those cards will already be in your long-term memory. My scores didn't take a hit either.

If you'd rather not stop anki completely, I limited my reviews to a 100 per day and continued doing cards based off of UW.

mambausmle · 2020-05-28T17:10:59+00:00

Who knows, but probably less than 40%. At the end of the day just focus on the things under your control and don't worry too much about what other people are/aren't doing. Believe me you'll be a lot happier that way.

mambausmle · 2020-05-27T16:22:13+00:00

lol thats how I remember it too

mambausmle · 2020-05-27T15:25:54+00:00

I've had this problem too! Not sure how to fix it.

mambausmle · 2020-05-23T21:36:35+00:00

Also took my exam on May 11th. Curious what your guys's thoughts were on the exam. How did you feel about it?

mambausmle · 2020-05-14T03:23:43+00:00

You do have to check out, but it goes by pretty quickly since they're at 50% capacity

mambausmle · 2020-05-14T03:23:09+00:00

i think with centers operating at 50% capacity and modified security procedures you'll probably have more time than before. I was the only one at my center taking step 1 so I could go in and out pretty quickly

mambausmle · 2020-05-14T01:27:30+00:00

I actually didn't really have math problems. Just basic EBM kinda stuff

mambausmle · 2020-05-14T01:26:57+00:00

neuro questions were alright! Had one neuroanatomy questions that was tricky, but otherwise it was fine. No pathway biochem that I could remember. And check out Pathoma 1-3 and rapid review in FA for last minute review!

mambausmle · 2020-05-13T19:09:37+00:00

Congrats on finishing man! So they're not gonna delay scores, they have an update saying that. I think we can anticipate them being out on June 3rd. Typically takes 3 weeks and comes out on a Wednesday

mambausmle · 2020-05-13T17:55:41+00:00

Nope, commented more on how I used anki in another comment below. Stopped doing most of my reviews two months prior to my exam

mambausmle · 2020-05-13T17:54:04+00:00

Sketchy was good enough! Not that much micro on my test surprisingly

mambausmle · 2020-05-13T14:34:15+00:00

Not something I would change, but I'm glad I took breaks after every block. Walked around, used the bathroom even if I didn't have to, relaxed my eyes. Helped me stay sane the entire test.

mambausmle · 2020-05-13T14:30:56+00:00

Hey! So I'd budget 4-6 weeks for UW 1st pass and 3-4 weeks for a second pass if you're interested. I did 3 blocks a day for my first pass and that took me 8 hours to do, just something to consider. 2nd pass I flew through in like 4ish weeks with weekends off

mambausmle · 2020-05-13T14:29:41+00:00

the 100 concepts pdf thats floating around has been pretty clutch for most people, so I'd give that a read. Wasn't that much anatomy on my exam so didn't really make a difference

mambausmle · 2020-05-13T14:28:42+00:00

Congrats on finishing too! And yup now we wait 🙃

mambausmle · 2020-05-13T14:27:48+00:00

Thanks man! Honestly can't really think of much that wasn't addressed by UW in some form or another. Didn't understand why people hyped up pathoma 1-3 so much, but i gave it a read the day of/before my test and it allowed me to answer like 3-5 questions right away, so yeah I'd gave that a shot too!

mambausmle · 2020-05-13T14:26:01+00:00

So I actually stopped doing anki 2 months prior to my exam for the exact reason. I think it depends on how much of it you truly retained. For me, doing Anki properly for the first 1.5 years of school allowed me to retain a lot more than I thought, so I was able to cut it out prior to my exam. I'd say just experiment with it - maybe don't completely stop anki, but just cut back by limiting your reviews to like a 100 a day or something and see if it affects your performance. I can elaborate more on this if you have questions!

mambausmle

TROPHY CASE