Alright all you successfully seasoned science beast conquerors, lets have it!

What was it like? Was it as hard as you thought?

What did you use to study? What books were the best?

What would you have done differently? Any advice?

Of course, you can't talk about the actual questions on the exam because you'd be banished to the pit of despair, but just generally. See if your experience was the same as others and give the newbies a heads up on what to expect!

Thanks in advance, guys!

Natura

Just passed my basic science boards!!!

Yarnell's basic science review board book was very good. Weatherby's book was terrible, plus there were a lot of mistakes in it. The best, frankly, were the USMLE books for each individual subject. Also you can practice USMLE step 1 tests online by going to their website. Their questions are significantly harder, I think, and unfortunately are much more well-written than ours. I was really disappointed with the overall quality of the questions. We had like 6 oncotic pressure questions and virtually no general anatomy questions. My guess is they will revise the test and ask much better questions the next time around.

Yeah, was there an anatomy question on there? People say to take the day before the exam off because "By now, you either know it or you don't know it." I've actually never found this to be true and cramming has done a lot for me - not so on this test because I crammed the anatomy. We all stood around on lunch break convinced that the next section would be all anatomy. Shoulda went fishing the day before... or focused on the physiology topic that had about 3 cases exclusively devoted to it. That was harsh for me.

I passed as well, but I'm used to seeing how well I did in numbers, so the graph didn't really get through to me. By the time I got my results, NCNM had already started classes. Lots of people take it more than once, so I'm happy I can do other things.

I second the USMLE materials. They know what they're doing - it's a huge industry that focuses on high yield medical topics and the psychology of learning. Best book was USMLE First Aid and I listened to Goljan's lectures. (I wish the man would make a legitimate CD because I can be an auditory learner.)

I went through the board review class and used a myriad of books - board review series are good and if you start early enough, you can work through a set of USMLE materials, highlighting your heart out... or if you study 70 hours a week for 2 months.

I started in January, (weakly), with a group, but it's 2nd year, so it's not like you're bored. You have about 5-7 other tests/quizzes each week and required lectures.

Our experience in Portland was interesting. There were a lot of people from other classes and even graduates that were taking their boards again. I can't imagine taking science and clinical boards in the same week - frightening. I went to the test site with some friends the day before and they let us stand at the entrance to the large auditorium trying to scope out the best section to sit at. They marked every other chair with a blue dot.

On test day, we buzzed about the entrance. I studied ferociously. We wondered why the roofers from yesterday still had "Do Not Cross" tape up...

We left all bags and supplies beside the check in desk, people frantically took Ginko tinctures and they examined our admittance letter & photo ID. The spokesperson began to go over the rules and possible damnation that would result if they were broken.

Then the footsteps. We all looked at each other. I was slightly amused at the fact that someone was on the roof. Seriously?? Oh yes, but then it got worse. More footsteps.

She looked up at the roof and laughed nervously into the microphone. She continued. "You will be permitted to use the restroom, one person at a time with your ID and..."

BAM!!

"...uh... your official NPLEX letter of admittance..."

BOOM!! SMACK!

I expected the Romans were coming and used improvisational sign language to convey this message to my friend, Amy. Somehow she didn't understand. The spokesperson continued as I attempted to withhold my laughter at the ridiculous nature of it all. She apologized extensively and said the situation would be remedied.

Before breaking open the test packet, the NPLEX administrator had us all take a collective breath - it was very naturopathic. Type As quivered and had uncontrolled unilateral eye flutters.

CRASH!

And with that, the test started. I felt bad for those who I knew had issues with extra sounds during exams. I'm usually only mildly annoyed by noise, but I have to say that there were a few times when I was trying to remember whatever about an organ and an amazingly loud crash would happen - as in, if it were any louder it may have hurt my ears and/or come through the roof.

By the second half the roofers were told to leave. I felt a little bad for the scowls thy received as they were only doing their job. On the other hand, students paid $400 certified mail to take a test that could make or break a residency opportunity. The second half of the test was harder material and many people were sad leaving. The NPLEX is not a feel good test.

There were some tough questions that I knew beyond a doubt because of the resources I used - www.gunnertraining.com being a major one that I am still using this year for pharmacology. I recommend that one.

NABNE is not making people who failed at that test site, (regardless of school origin), pay for it again in January. They can take it for free... but they still have to take it and pass it, so it's no joy ride.

It was something to remember, that's for sure!

Natura

KABOOM!