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DOHow I went from a 56 → 80 on NBME/CBSSA in 2 weeks👇
1. I stopped trying to know everything and focused on HighYield AnKing first
- You can’t answer questions if you can’t recall the core concepts.
- I stopped reviewing entire blocks and started triaging using the HighYield tag.
- If you want results fast, you have to be okay letting go of lower yield cards.
- Once I finished HY, my confidence jumped because I was familiar again with all the highly testable diseases and concepts.
- (Days 15, 16, and 18 of my Road to Step 1 series break down these points more)
2. I still did UWorld and used it to guide Anki.
- Anki ≠ application. You need both.
- When I missed a question, I used the UWorld → Anki add-on to find extra cards related to that question (even if they weren’t tagged as HY).
- Patching weak spots with this method helped me make fewer mistakes.
- (More detail: see Days 6 and 7 of Road to Step 1)
3. I front-loaded Anki, then shifted to prioritizing UWorld
- While I was still grinding HY, ~80% of my study time was Anki (HY + UWorld incorrects) / 20% UWorld questions.
- Once HY was done, my study time shifted to ~40% Anki (maintenance) / 60% UWorld questions.
- This is where I felt like big changes were happening. I was maintaining the base and stacking more application reps on top.
4. I made UWorld less intimidating and stopped making my own cards
- 10 questions/block, random, tutor mode.
- Smaller blocks + instant feedback = less anxiety + better retention.
- I stopped making my own flashcards from UWorld explanations and trusted that high-yield topics would come up again in future questions.
- This freed up a ton of time and mental energy.
- (More detail: see Days 6 and 7 of Road to Step 1)
5. The biggest factor
- I finally saw everything that was tagged HighYield in AnKing before my second attempt.
- That alone completely changed how the exam felt.
Not saying everyone jumps from 56 → 80. But your score will go up if you prioritize what actually shows up. Triage + reps is the name of the game.
Follow @doseofscott for more med school advice and tips.
Day 19/31 of the Road to Step 1 🫣
#step1 #anki #uworld #studying #medschool
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