![]() As we are focusing on Step 1, you will see that you have the most tests to choose from. Your next very important step: Choose the right exam! While it sounds obvious, these exams have cryptic names like “Comprehensive Basic Science Self-Assessment (CBSSA),” so it can be difficult to decipher.Ĭomprehensive Basic Science Self-Assessment (CBSSA) = Step 1Ĭomprehensive Clinical Science Self-Assessment (CCSSA) = Step 2 CKĬomprehensive Clinical Medicine Self-Assessment (CCMSA) = Step 3Īll of the tests are $60, and come with what was once known as “Expanded Feedback” built into the package that is, you will get to see your incorrect questions after the test. Create an account if you haven’t already, and click the PURCHASE tab at the top of the screen. Thankfully, it’s much more polished and user-friendly than the former system. The old clunky NBME Self-Assessment Service (NSAS) website has been replaced with the shiny new MyNBME portal. So, this brings us to our real question: Where do I start with NBME self-assessments, and how do I use these tests as a part of my Step 1 Study Plan? These other resources can all serve a purpose (especially UWorld), but only NBME practice exams will give you assurance that you are ready to pass Step 1 and achieve your goal score. Not UWorld, not Kaplan Q-Bank, not USMLE Rx -nothing. Nothing will provide the same simulative or predictive value of an NBME practice test. Let’s not mince words: NBME self assessments are an essential part of your USMLE Step 1 preparation. Brian Radvansky contributed to this article. In my experience, the actual Step 1 exam is more similar to UWorld and the free 120 questions.Robert Meekins and Dr. This is especially true for the newer NBMEs where there is not yet well-developed answers explanations. If you don’t find a good answer online and you still can’t find one after referring to your resources, take what you can from the question and move on. Since the NBMEs don’t provide answer explanations, you’ll have the search online forums for them. NBMEs aren’t as great for learning due to the lack of detailed answers. The free 120’s that I took 2 days before my exam was the best predictor. I personally scored much higher on the real exam than I did with any of the NBMEs. However, I’m not sure if this is still true for the newer exams. NBMEs have been known to be the most accurate predictors of your score. If you do an 8-hour practice test, aim to do it at least 2-3 weeks from your exam. However, try not to do it too close to your exam (to avoid burnout). If you know this is something you’ll struggle with, then I would recommend simulating the full 8-hour exam with back-to-back NBMEs. Personally, on test day I did not struggle with stamina (except for the last block). Having studied pretty intensely for ~10 hours a day, taking an 8-hour exam is not much different. Should I take two NBMEs back-to-back to simulate an 8-hour exam? Try not to take them too close together because you may get discouraged if you don’t see a significant increase in your score. If you scheduled one each week of dedicated (starting at week 1 or 2), this would total to about 7 practice exams (5 NBMEs + 2 UWSAs) over the course of 7 weeks.Most students take 1 practice exam a week.I don’t recommend taking Kaplans or other practice exams because since they’re not superior to NBMEs/UWSA. UWSA1 slightly overpredicts and UWSA2 is generally thought to be pretty accurate. Yes! You can and should take Uworld Self Assessments (UWSA) 1 and 2.I suggest taking the newer exams (try to take all 5 new ones!) ![]() Forms 23 and 24 will be released later this spring. I took 17 and 18 when the newer ones weren’t available then took 21 and 22. Midway through my dedicated period, NBME released new practice exams (Forms 20, 21, and 22).I recommend taking your first NBME either week 1 or 2 of dedicated! Personally, I took my first NBME after I completed one pass through the material. However, you need to take one early enough in your studying to serve as your baseline score. Considering that each test costs $60, it’s not a great idea to take one when you’re not ‘ready’.Below I answered some common questions on using NBMEs for step 1 preparation. One of the best ways to gauge your progress and predict your USMLE Step 1 score is through the NBME CBSSA (Comprehensive Basic Science Self Assessment) exams.
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