[Peewee]

Good job finishing the exam.

I know when I took my exam, the wait was killing me. The more I thought about the exam, the more I thought I made stupid mistakes. I remember 1 q that was about the eyes and the brain and I made the stupid mistake of picking the wrong side of the brain, LOL, oh well.

Good luck, take 1 or 2 weeks off and don't think anything about the exam, it will drive you nuts.

 

[Peewee]

That clears it up about FRED - thanks... I was actually curious as to the testing itself- were there any computer problems of any sort? Is the centre dead quiet or is there some background noise... I guess these things dont matter much but I'm getting to the point where I am freaking out more and more.

i can tell you there is back ground noise.

Other people are taking other exams, not just the usmle step 1. So there will be fingers hitting keyboards and such. You can use the headphones to block out noise. They really do work. There will be constant humms from the comptuers and the airconditioner.

now that your freaking out more, you must be getting closer to your exam. Study, know that you've done everything you can to pass the exam, continue to study hard and have a positive attidude.

I was 2 hairs from cancelling my exam because I was freaking out but I said "this is all that can be done, I can't do anything else or learn anymore". I took the exam and passed.

You can do it.

 

[Peewee]

Okay - thats what its like at the library where I am - I'm going to try and get used to these conditions then. I'll try and maintain focus because it sounds like thats a major problem sometimes....

Any other hints about exam day? Are you allowed water / a snack with you while you're writing it? Probably not I'd guess but thought I'd ask

No you are not allowed anything in the room except for the note boards, markers, eraser, ID, and locker key that they give you.

If you have a sweater, coat that you have on thats fine. They will pat you down and make you empty everything. If you take it off in the room, they will make you bring it outside and hang it on a hook.

This exam is like going to prison. Everyone is watching you and you get the pat down. Not to mention the finger prints and the picture taken.

Ah, the step 1. I wore a stained up t-shirt and sweat pants with flip flops. Screw getting dressed up, I wanted comfort.

All waters and food will be left in your locker or if they are nice in a fridge. You can eat and sip water during your breaks.

The sounds aren't that bad if you are focused on your exam. It seems that A/Cs tend to be all the same at sylvan- LOUD.

I'm excited for you to take the exam and tell us what you think.