The problem with uworld is I have been getting reports that it tends to inflate the score you get. I am not quite clear why this is the case, but I’ve seen it happen. I suggest you take the NBME just to be sure. A score of 211 is good enough to insure that you will probably pass, but your score might not be too high. Again it depends on your goals.

Askdoc

I read through your article, the questions, and the responses. I was wondering if you can help me out. Right before I started Kaplan, I took a practice NBME #6 (real one that I paid for), and I got a 188, then I started Kaplan, and in the middle, I took Uworld exam 1 and got 192. Then after Kaplan, I took Uworld exam 2 and got a 211. My exam is in two weeks, and I’m worried about a rumor that the second uworld exam is an inflated score compared to the first one. Could it be one because it is exam number two and everyone is more prepared? Heard anything along those lines?

On side note, I’m obviously going to take one more NMBE 5 days before the actual exam. what are you thoughts?

-S

If you research programs very well, then you will be able to get into a position even with average scores. If you have double 99′s but applied to the wrong programs, then you can’t get in. For example, Mayo clinic can fill its roster with AMG with double 99′s. So what is the chance of an IMG with double 99′s of getting a position there. You can dream but it won’t happen. There are programs that require USCE and others that require research. Then there are programs that require both and some that require neither. Apply to the programs that fit your qualifications. As to US LOR, they are effective only if the writer is famous. Or if they are well known in the community where the hospital you are applying for is located. For example, a friend of mine who is an IM in Detroit has successfully helped IMGs with average scores get positions, but only in Detroit. His LOR is not really effective in other areas. So again, get US LOR’s either from really famous doctors or doctors who are known to the hospital you are applying for.

Askdoc.

The problem with your scores is that there is still a possibility of failing. You can still pass with those scores although they would be low. Whether pushing back your exam will help depend on what stage you are in your prep. If you are plateauing already, pushing back the exam date will not help. You may go into decline. If you are not yet plateauing then yes it will help. My suggestion is to push back the exam anyway and try to see if an additional exam will push your score up. If not, then you may need to push it back for 3 months or more and find a better prep method.

Askdoc

My exam is in two weeks and I’m worried.

UWSA#1 = 204 (440) 2 weeks ago.
UWSA#2 = 216 (490) 2 days ago.

Should I be worried? Should I push my date back? I’m scared. I really want to get a 230 at least but what would these scores mean?! please help.

Congratulations on your great scores. Whether you need USCE or research depends on the particular program you are interested in applying. Some programs want USCE, some want research, some do not really care whether you have either so long as you have good scores. Having both USCE or research just means more programs who require them will consider you for interview. But in the end whether you get accepted or not is very dependent on the result of your actual interview. So important to research very well the program requirements and preference and apply to them.

Askdoc

I’m sorry to be the bringer of bad news. But 200 is as low as it gets. And I don’t see how you can pass this in 25 days. At least I don’t think I can. Your problem is that the materials you chose to study is not enough for you to pass this exam, even if you were able to retain 100% of it, which of course you can’t, since very few people can do that. If you had added at least Kaplan notes or BRS (Pathology, Physiology, Anatomy, Biochemistry) into the mix of your review, you would probably be doing better. I suggest you listen to my video on How to Master the USMLE Step 1 to understand why it is important to study the right materials first in the right amount of detail in order to do well here.

Askdoc

I am so worried and I need some advice. Please!!! I did NBME online yesterday and I got 200. I took form 7 and I felt really disappointed because some questions were nothing to do with USMLE. Another thing many people say that I need form 3 becauser this one is closer to the real USMLE. Could you please tell me if my score is really low???? I felt confident and very good before and now I’m not.

I don’t want to fail I cannot do that! but if this NBME is very predictable I’m dead! My test is on May 28th I have less 25 days in advance. I am studying 1st aid, and high yield from Dr. Goljan as well as listening to his audio lectures.

Please tell me were I am right now. Am I dead or I’m in the average score or very low? My plan is to study as much as I can and take NBME form 3 days before the real USMLE.

Thank you so much.