American Medical Student Association

The USMLE Step 1 is unlike any test you've taken before. Therefore, it's important to know how it works before you walk in the door of the testing center on test day. This article focuses on the format of the test, how it is scored, and what the rules are on retaking the test.

Step 1 is administered via a computer-based testing (CBT) software package, FREDv2, in Prometric testing centers. Most online question banks use a software platform that mimics the FREDv2 interface in order to provide a more real-life testing experience. The USMLE also offers sample materials on their Website. If you're still uncomfortable with this style of CBT, you can schedule a practice exam at a Prometric testing center for a fee through the USMLE website. You will be able to select a Prometric testing center near you when you register for either the practice or actual exam.

• You may NOT bring ANYTHING with you into the test room, except medically necessary items.
• There are 7 blocks of 46 multiple-choice questions, and you have 60 minutes to complete each block.
• Questions are randomized for content within and between blocks.
• There are several different versions of the test in any given administration cycle, so your test will likely be different from your classmates.
• Some questions will contain only a stem or vignette, others will have images associated with the stem, and a few will have video and/or audio components.
• When you finish a block, you can either take a break or move on to the next block.
• You are allotted one hour of cumulative break time at the beginning of the exam. You can accumulate more break time by finishing blocks early.
• You can ONLY take breaks between blocks (i.e., you CANNOT pause).
• If time expires before you finish a block (or the exam), the software will automatically exit the block (or session).
• Once you exit a block, you will not be allowed to go back.

Step 1 is scored on two scales: the 2-digit scale and the 3-digit scale. State medical boards receive both scores and commonly use the 2-digit score to determine if you passed for licensing purposes. The passing score on the 2-digit scale is always 75. Residency programs will receive only your 3-digit score. The 3-digit scale is set so that the mean score in a given administration cycle is approximately 220 with a standard deviation of approximately 20. This ensures that almost most scores fall between 140 and 260.

Finally, you have 6 chances to pass the USMLE Step 1. This includes incomplete attempts where you either don't finish the test in the allotted time or leave the test before you have finished. If you do not pass by your sixth attempt, you will no longer be able to register for subsequent exams. Some medical schools may require you to repeat portions of your preclinical curriculum if you fail more than once. This is to ensure that you get a solid chance to learn the material before trying again. On a related note, once you receive a passing score - your score is your score. Unlike the MCAT or the SAT, you will not be able to make subsequent attempts to improve your score. These are all reasons to make absolutely sure that you've prepared well for your first attempt.

Stress and burnout are big problems in the weeks leading up to the Step 1 exam. While stress management is important throughout medical school, it is particularly important during this time to ensure that you’re well prepared, well rested, and of sound mind the day you go to take the exam. Here are some things that may keep you from getting burned out:

Rest Your Brain

• Pace yourself at the beginning of your studying. Do not take on a schedule that is too aggressive.
• Take short breaks every hour or so. Do not study more than 8-10 hours per day.
• Take your time and enjoy your meals.
• Get plenty of exercise, but don’t wear yourself out. Moderate exercise can be a very refreshing way to start or break up your day.
• Take an afternoon off from studying at least once a week and do something fun for yourself.

Rest Your Body

• Go to bed when you feel tired. Allow yourself at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night.
• Develop a bedtime routine that promotes sleep.
• Avoid caffeine and/or alcohol too close to bedtime.
• Make sure your last meal of the day is a few hours before you plan to go to bed. If you’re hungry at bedtime, a light snack (such as celery and almond butter) can help you stave off hunger long enough to get to sleep.
• If thoughts of Step 1 make it difficult to relax and fall asleep, focus on your breathing while trying to clear your mind (a technique known as mindfulness meditation).

AMSA is pleased to announce another high-yield talk from Dr. Tao Le, the series editor for First Aid and USMLERx. This Webinar for third year medical students will cover the most useful and up-to-date information to help guide you through the residency application and interview process so you can obtain a residency position in the specialty of your choice. There will be an opportunity for a live Q&A session at the end of the talk.

ATTENTION: You can either use your computer's speakers or make a long-distance telephone call to listen to the conference audio.

Title:
First Aid for the Match by Dr. Tao Le

Date:
Thursday, May 17, 2012

Time:
9pm-10pm EST

System Requirements:
PC-based attendees:
Required: Windows® 2000, XP Home, XP Pro, 2003 Server, Vista

Macintosh®-based attendees:
Required: Mac OS® X 10.3.9 (Panther®) or newer

Space is limited.
Reserve your Webinar seat now at
https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/802336336

First Aid/USMLERx Student Rep Program

The FA/Rx Student Rep program helps AMSA chapters:

Save big $$$ on First Aid/USMLERx online courses and test banks

Distribute thousands of dollars worth of First Aid/USMLERx scholarships to students in need at their schools

Earn First Aid/USMLERx subscriptions to use or raffle as a fund-raiser

First Aid/USMLERx Friend Program

Current and past subscribers who spread the great news about USMLERx are rewarded with First Aid/USMLERx products and Amazon.com gift certificates, and will be entered into quarterly drawings for prizes, such as the Kindle Fire and iPod Touch.

For more information about either program, contact Selina Franklin at selina.bush@usmlerx.com.

Upcoming Events

March 26-April 20, 2012
HEART

July 24, 2012
International AIDS Conference Mobilization