Best Unofficial Practice Tests

of May 2024

Unofficial practice tests are popular resources for students preparing for medical exams, such as the USMLE Step 1, Step 2 CK, and Step 3. These tests are created by individuals or organizations outside of the official exam governing bodies and often provide additional practice questions and explanations beyond what is offered by the official prep materials. However, not all unofficial practice tests are created equal, and it can be overwhelming for students to choose from the many options available. Here are some valuable tips to consider when selecting unofficial practice tests for medical exams:

Tip #1: Research the Creator

Before purchasing or using an unofficial practice test, it is important to research the creator or organization that produced the test. Ideally, the creator should have a background in medicine and experience in test prep. Additionally, look for reviews or recommendations from other students who have used the test. If possible, choose a test created by a well-known organization or individual in the medical education field.

Example:

One popular unofficial practice test for the USMLE Step 1 is the UWorld Qbank. UWorld is a well-known company in the field of medical education, and their practice questions are widely used by students preparing for medical exams. Reviews of the UWorld Qbank are generally positive, with many students reporting that the questions are similar in format and difficulty to the actual USMLE exam.

Tip #2: Choose Tests with Detailed Explanations

While practicing with new questions is important for improving test-taking skills, it is equally important to understand why certain answers are correct or incorrect. Look for unofficial practice tests that provide detailed explanations for each answer choice. These explanations should include information about the relevant medical concepts, as well as the reasoning behind why each answer choice is correct or incorrect.

Example:

The NBME Self-Assessment Tests are a popular choice for students preparing for the USMLE exams. These tests provide detailed explanations for each answer choice, including information about relevant medical concepts and the reasoning behind why each answer option is correct or incorrect.

Tip #3: Look for Practice Tests with Timed and Adaptive Features

One of the biggest challenges of medical exams is the time pressure. To mimic the real exam experience, look for unofficial practice tests that have timed features. This will help you practice managing your time and get used to answering questions under pressure. Additionally, some practice tests have adaptive features that adjust the difficulty level of the questions based on your performance. This can help you focus on your weak areas and target your studying more effectively.

Example:

Kaplan's USMLE Step 1 Qbank has a timed feature that allows you to simulate the real exam experience. Additionally, the Qbank is adaptive, meaning that as you answer questions, the system will adjust the difficulty level based on your performance.

Tip #4: Consider the Price

While unofficial practice tests can be extremely helpful, they can also be expensive. Before purchasing a practice test, consider the price and whether it fits within your budget. Some tests may offer discounts or free trials, so be sure to explore your options before making a purchase.

Example:

AMBOSS is a popular unofficial practice test for the USMLE exams, but it can be quite expensive. However, they offer a free trial for students to test out the platform and determine if it is a good fit for their studying needs.

Tip #5: Don't Rely Solely on Unofficial Practice Tests

While unofficial practice tests can be great resources for additional practice, they should not be the sole source of studying for the medical exams. It is important to also review official prep materials and study guides to ensure you are fully prepared for the exam.

Example:

Before taking the USMLE Step 1, students should review the official First Aid for the USMLE Step 1 textbook and other official prep materials provided by the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME).

Conclusion

When selecting unofficial practice tests for medical exams, it is important to research the creator, choose tests with detailed explanations, look for timed and adaptive features, consider the price, and not rely solely on the practice tests. By following these tips, students can make informed decisions about which unofficial practice tests will be most beneficial for their studying needs.