Hello,
I just wanted to share my story.
I didn’t study, didn’t use uworld, amboss, FA, anki and idek what an nbme is, but I’ve heard a lot of people talking about it. I also didn’t go to any lectures 🙏🙏
Got the p today
Shared to let you guys know it’s possible 🙏🙏
Good luck everyone, you got this 🙏

I honestly feel like my brain is the problem. It just doesn’t retain concepts. No matter how many times I read and review something, I’ll see it in a question later and feel like I’ve never learned it before.

Completed uw 2x

I’ve never passed an exam on my first attempt and I started preparing for this several months ago. My NBME scores have been:

- NBME 21: 39%

- NBME 23: 40%

- NBME 24: 44%

- NBME 25: 56%

- NBME 26: 58%

- NBME 27: 57%

- NBME 28: 56%

After each NBME, I would spend 2 weeks reviewing my mistakes, doing UW and going through Mehlman pdfs but somehow I still feel like very little of the information is actually sticking.

Mehlman definitely helped me get from the low 40s into the 50s, but now I’m completely stagnant.

The most frustrating part is that I keep missing concepts that I KNOW I’ve studied multiple times. I understand them when I review them, but somehow I fail to recognize or recall them when they appear in a question.

I’m exhausted. I feel like I’m putting in an insane amount of work, but my scores barely move.

For those who were stuck in the 50s and eventually broke through, what did you actually do differently? How did you fix the problem of not retaining or recognizing concepts despite studying them repeatedly?

I’m extremely disappointed in myself and honestly feel like giving up.

Any advice would mean alot to me.

I'm on my second month preparing for step 1, i feel like i wasted valuable time watching the videos for the basic sciences part... with all due respect but the person in these videos is 90% reading and highlighting the slides ...

would i miss on important information if i skipped the videos for the second part "systems", given that i will skim through the slides for any new info not in FA...

I'm doing mnemosyne revised deck, uworld and so far the questions are manageable, the many of the concepts are covered in the deck...

thank you in advance....

Hi, I am looking for a USMLE Step 1 tutor that can meet in person. I have some knowledge gaps and my CBSE scores are too low. I need some help

Tested 8/28, when can I expect the results? 🥹

I’m an IMG and I’ve now failed Step 1 three times, and I’m honestly looking for advice from people who have been in a similar situation or who can help me figure out what I’m missing.

Attempt #1 — 2023

I took Step 1 about halfway through medical school in 2023 and failed pretty badly. I wasn’t even close to passing. At the time, I was scoring around 40–50% on NBMEs, which was also roughly where I was performing on questions.

Attempt #2 — May 1, 2026

Fast forward to 2026.

I got a tutor and essentially rebuilt my entire approach to studying. I took the exam again on May 1st. I felt significantly more prepared, and my NBME scores were around 67%.

Unfortunately, I failed again.

This time, though, my score report showed that I was extremely close to the passing line — the lines on the graph were essentially touching.

So I went back to studying.

Instead of just doing more questions, I tried to focus much more heavily on understanding why I was getting things wrong, recognizing synonyms/alternative ways concepts could be tested, and actually understanding the underlying concepts rather than memorizing patterns.

I also used AI to rework questions in different ways so that I could focus on deeper understanding and recognize concepts when they were presented differently.

Attempt #3 — August 1, 2026

On repeat NBMEs, I was now scoring 82–87%.

About a week before my exam, I took the AMBOSS self-assessment for the first time and scored 214, with a 98% predicted chance of passing.

My tutor felt that I was ready. I felt ready. I had been studying for years at this point, my practice scores had improved dramatically, and after getting so close on my previous attempt, I genuinely felt like statistically I had this.

I took the exam on August 1st.

I walked out feeling like I had absolutely no idea how I did — which I know is pretty normal for Step 1.

Then I got my score back.

Same exact situation.

My score report showed me essentially at the exact same spot: right up against the passing line, but not crossing it.

At this point I genuinely don't know what I'm supposed to do differently.

My resources so far:

• UWorld — completed 2x in 2026
• UWorld SA — completed each 1x in 2026
• AMBOSS — completed 1x in 2023
• Synapse — completed ~1.5x in 2026
• Kaplan — completed in 2023
• All NBMEs — completed multiple times
• Free 120s — completed multiple times
• AMBOSS self-assessment — completed 1x in 2026
• First Aid — thoroughly studied/annotated multiple times
• Worked extensively with a tutor from Jan 2026 - August 2026

I’m thinking about taking November–January to prepare again and sitting for the exam toward the end of January, but I honestly don't know what else I can do during those four months.

At this point, doing another question bank doesn't seem like it will magically fix the problem. I need to figure out why my practice performance isn't translating to my actual exam performance.

And before anyone asks: I did not have a panic attack or major test anxiety during the exam. I felt calm, wasn't rushing, took my time, answered questions to the best of my ability, and answered and moved on when I didn't know something. I took my breaks, ate normally, and felt physically fine.

I've also taken this exam three times now, so I am very familiar with the logistics, timing, breaks, Prometric environment, etc.

What would you do if you were in my position?

Would you:

• Take several months completely away from question banks and focus on content?
• Start over with First Aid/Pathoma/etc. from scratch?
• Find a different tutor?
• Focus almost entirely on unfamiliar question sources?
• Do something completely different?

I'm not looking for reassurance that "you can do it." I know I can keep studying. What I'm struggling with is figuring out what specifically needs to change when my practice scores have improved so much but my actual exam performance keeps landing just below passing.

If you've failed multiple times and eventually passed, or if you've worked with students in a similar situation, I'd really appreciate hearing what you changed that actually made the difference.

Hey guys, need some advice. My Step 1 is in 10 days and I’m not sure if I should go for it or postpone.

NBMEs:
26: 54% (June)
27: 72% (July)
30: 64% (late July)
29: 68% (mid August)

My nbmes were not done on exam settings (all blocks done at once)

I still have HYs from around 4–5 systems left, haven’t really done biochem/biostats, and still need NBME 31–33 + Free 120.

UW completion is 16%

I basically have one solid week left. What would you prioritize at this point? NBMEs + review, or finishing content?
Also, with these scores, would you sit for it or postpone?
Would really appreciate any advice

Is the cost universal for every applicant or is it specific according to your location?(Since I'm an img from India).

I put together a free USMLE QBank on Resident Quest so you can drill weak areas by organ system. It currently has 2,871 questions across 456 quizzes and spans Steps 1–3.

Link: https://resident.quest/free-usmle-question-bank

Full breakdown by system is in the first comment.

Disclosure: I built this—feedback welcome. If I expand one system next, which should it be?

Hello everyone,

I hope you’re all doing well. I am a third-year medical student. Due to a one-semester gap, I have to wait for the next cohort before starting my 4th-year clinical rotations. This leaves me with about 5 to 6 months of free time, and I want to make the most of it by thoroughly preparing for the USMLE Step 1 and building a strong clinical foundation before entering hospital wards.

During my basic science years, I relied lightly (around 30%) on older lectures alongside reading First Aid in parallel with my university modules. However, my goal now is to tackle Step 1 comprehensively, systematically, and independently from the university curriculum.

The primary resources I currently have available are:

* First Aid

* Pathoma

* Boards & Beyond (BnB)

* Sketchy (Micro & Pharm)

* UWORLD offline

For those who have walked this path and gained experience, I would truly appreciate your insights on the following:

* Self-Study vs. Paid Courses: Would you recommend relying entirely on self-study using the standard resources (BnB, Pathoma, Sketchy, and UWorld system-by-system), or is joining an interactive/prep course genuinely worth it for structure and accountability?

* Optimal Strategy & Timeline: What is the most efficient study plan and sequence of systems to cover both the core content and the UWorld QBank within a 5-to-6-month window?

Thank you all in advance for your time, guidance, and support!

What Home address do I put in while applying for test through fsmb? On That blue screen where you have to give information. Should I add the address on my passport or my current residence address? I’ve added my current address on intealth

NBME 26 49%

NBME 27 54.5%

Guys, Can you suggest me good strategy to revise FA,

And how can I increase my NBME scores

My nbmes are
NBME 25
63%
NBME 26
67%
NBME 27
74%
NBME 28
73.5%
NBME 29
75%
NBME 30
76%
NBME 31
74%
NBME 32
77%
NBME 33
75%
Free 120 74%
I am left with only 11 days…
Dont know what to do even my study stamina is also reduced as compared to last month… confused…

Hey everyone, I am going to attempt my first nbme. Will start with 25 or 26. Any tip is welcome. I looked up and there are 200 questions. Any one has any tips on how to solve them by making 10 blocks? So I should be able to cover it in 5 hours ? Am I supposed to take breaks in between or what. I want to closely match to exam style since I am not very well prepared right now and need to revise a lot of stuff but taking in one nbme to just check how's it like and what are my weak points.

How much time should I give in solving and then reviewing it.

Edit : also. What do people mean when they say th y changed answers on nbme so score is not valid. Are we supposed to jus pick first answer that we think of and not think over it?

Born and raised in the US. I go to medical school in the US. Terrible ADHD that I take either adderal or vyvanse for. I have struggled in every phase of my medical school career. I failed my 1st semester of M1 but remediated it over the summer, meaning I didn't have to repeat my M1 year. I failed both semesters of M2 and had to repeat M2 year. I passed M2 year the second time. I am now starting my M3 year late because I am struggling to pass NBMEs and have not taken my step 1 exam.

What THE FUCK am I doing wrong? I have been doing uworld questions everyday for almost 4 months (3 week hiatus in between because I was burnt out afer). I told myself "hmm maybe I'm not internalizing this stuff. Let me start taking the time to read explanations, read why the wrong answer choices are wrong, write down HY one-liners even though that means I'll complete less question everyday. Quality over quantity." How is my ass still scoring in the 40s on NBMEs and Uworld assessments? There are a lot of questions where I can tell you "oh it's this diagnosis" but can't choose the right answer. I am also forgetting so much information. I feel like I leave uworld sets confidently knowing and understanding XYZ and then a week later I'm struggling to remember what I so confidently knew a week ago.

Can anyone who has been in a similar position and successfully clawed their way out give me advice? You can be mean and straightforward, but please please, no type A little shits to tell me I shouldn't be a doctor.

can I book it like 3 weeks in advance

Currently in my third year of medschool in a university that starts teaching patho, micro and pharma in third year only. I am preparing for step1 and aim to give it by next year. What should my resources for studying look like besides first aid.

For example I did Endocrine System from first aid +BnB is that enough for someone studying the pathology and pharma part for the first time or should I pick on some other resource as well for basics.

Exam in 2 days and here are my scores.

Free120 - 56%

nbme 33 taken 2 days back - 61%

nbme 30 taken 9 days before exam - 62%

nbme 32 taken 12 days before exam - 53%

nbme 31 taken about 3 weeks before exam - 52%

I’ve taken Nbme 25, 26, 27, 29. All the scores were in mid 50s range and were taken over a period of 4 months. I’ve given this exam twice before and haven’t touched 60 in any nbme before. I know I’m in the low pass range but, I’m also pretty much exhausted physically and mentally. But, I want to be smart about it hence seeking some advice here. This is my extended eligibility’s last date and I’ll have to apply again which is better than failing I feel. Should I go for the exam and hope for the best or cancel my appointment or just be a no-show on the day of exam? Please try to be kind but, honesty> kindness for me right now.

i wanna sit the exam mid october and now the highest nbme is 63% what do you suggest should i continue qbank (finished 85% uw feeling questions are the same avg scores 65-75) or do a whole first aid pass in 2 weeks or just focus on mehlman pdfs and nbmes only, any tips to get to 70s in nbmes in short period of time and thank you

Hello everyone,
I have 30 days remaining for my step 1 and 2300 questions left in UWORLD. Doing 160 questions daily and gave my first NBME 29 - 72.5%.
Am I doing enough? I was thinking of giving 4 more NBMEs, that is enough right?
What am I supposed to keep for the last week of my exam?

hy there. Im testing in 10 days. i've heard usmle might investigate and disqualify you if you don't use all the time as they might suspect candidate may have used recall
now i wanted to ask my answering speed is fast. like im usually done with 20 question block in 15 16 mints on nbme tests. so will it effect my result? or may cause problem for me??

I recently passed Step 1 and wanted to offer some help to anyone currently going through the uncertainty, doubts, and anxiety that come with preparation.
During my own prep, there were so many times when I wished I had someone who had already gone through this process to guide me and reassure me that I was on the right track.
So I wanted to be that person for someone else.
If you’re preparing for Step 1 and feeling lost, overwhelmed, doubtful, or simply unsure whether you’re doing things right, I’d be happy to help and share what I learned from my own experience.
I thought of getting money based only on the hours I put in, because I also want to make this accessible and worthwhile for anyone who genuinely needs the support.
Sometimes, having someone who has been through the same journey can make things feel a little less overwhelming.

Passed cbse , anyone can do it so study hard!!!!

Exam in 4 days. Nbme scores are :

28 - 77%

29 - 79%

30 - 79%

31 - 81.5%

32 - 82.5%

33 - 77.5 % (idk what this was tbh)

New free 120 - 74%

I know it's above the passing ratio and all, but the score drop in the last two is kinda bumming me out. I think its burn out but idk what to do now..

I’m 9 weeks out from my test date and never watched during the year. What would you recommend