Hi- I was wondering if you could advise on how to find reputable explanations to the new NBME tests. I have taken 18 and 20 and I am just making a google doc with information about questions I have missed. I have found some information on 18 but very little for form 20. Also just curious on your thoughts about a 243 score on UWORLD practice test #1. I am only about 30% through UWORLD questions and was just wondering if that was a trusted score. Thanks!
top of page
bottom of page
Regarding your practice score, I find the UWSAs over-predict by up to 10 points, so in that sense I would not "trust" that score. I would focus more on your NBME scores to set your expectations, although those scores are more variable, you don't want to lull yourself into a false sense of security by relying on a practice test that inflates scores (unless you take that into account).
Unfortunately, there are no reputable explanations publicly available for the NBMEs. I would not spend time scouring forums to try to find them, as those that existed previously have been rife with errors. We advise our students agains them, and instead focus on 1:1 teaching of the concepts underlying the NBME questions a student struggles with. You're right to do all the NBMEs, but I would advise a study group or near-peer tutor over un-verified anonymous explanations!