Background: KCL Year 4 medical student
Exploration phase (Jul 2023 - Oct 2023) - This is a phase where I started my preparation, but wasn’t sure how to prepare and what to use. I wasted a lot of time exploring different resources, going down rabbit holes on Reddit threads that compare USMLE resources, and as a result didn’t do much efficient prep. I also didn’t do any revision, and mostly watched videos on Bootcamp + Sketchy Micro for learning.
Ineffective studying phase (Oct 2023 - Dec 2023) - During this time, I have finally stuck to the resources I decided to use - but I didn’t do a good job scoping the syllabus and thus left quite a few gaps that I will need to come back again to cover. I also haven’t done a baseline NBMEs so I don’t know how the questions are like, where my gaps are, and what are the topics they like to test on. From July, I have covered Neuro, Psych, Micro, Immuno, and pathological principles. Apart from micro, these are all topics that turns out to be my weakest and had to review later on.
Proper studying phase (Dec 2023 - April 2024) - This is the period where I finally started utilising multiple resources to complement each other, and see steady improvement in my score and confidence. I start doing UWorld regularly, reviewing anki flashcards, while keep learning my weaker topics using Bootcamp, Pathoma, Sketchy, some really useful Youtube channels.
Getting ready (April 2024 - Jun 2024) - This is the period where I start doing more NBMEs / self assessments and reviewing them. I have done all the initial learning - and is now consolidating the materials through practice questions. I also rewatched Pathoma Ch.1-3, which turned out to be insanely high-yield on test day.
Final cram (Jun 3rd - 9th 2024) - Reviewed NBMEs + Free 120 incorrects, NBME images (available online), Mehlmann neuroanatomy, and Pathoma Ch.1-3. Pathoma Ch.1-3 at least helped me with 5 questions in the real deal.
Prep: Made sure I got 8 hour of sleep, packed everything I needed the day before, arrived exam centre an hour early (8:30 am start).
Strategy: 2-2-2-1, taking a 10 - 15 minute break after 2 blocks. During each break, I would always rehydrate with water, go to bathroom, meditate for a few minutes, and take my snacks (nuts and broken up pieces of cereal bar). I also took one caffeinated candy during my 2nd and 3rd break (2 in total)
The question style itself is quite different from UWorld. It is a lot more like Free 120 and the later NBMEs. Another reason to see UWorld as a learning tool, rather than an exam style practise tool.
UW - completed 50%, 71% correct
NBME 27 - 64%
Amboss self assessment - 69%
Bootcamp self assessment - 74%
Free 120 - 76%