Old Free 120 Step 1 Pdf (2024)

FAQs

Does free 120 give answers? ›

Although the NBME provides an answer key to the 'Free 120' questions, there are no answer explanations. Fortunately, there are people who provide explanations for these questions that are freely accessible to all students. The most notable of these is Dr.

A score of 72% or higher on an NBME or 75% or higher on the Free 120 will qualify for the passing score guarantee.

One key reason you should take the Free 120 within a few days of your exam is that these questions are known to show up verbatim on Step 1.

Based on prior informal student reporting, NBME 28 and UWSA 2 are the most correlated with Step 1 performance. Given this information, it might be a good idea to take these two exams when you are further along in your dedicated study and closer to your actual test day.

A few days before your exam, plan to take the Free 120 practice test under test-day timing conditions. Practice exam functionality (highlight, strike-through) as this will be the same interface as on the actual exam. Review the Examination Day and Testing section on the USMLE website.

Notice of such review and any adjustments will be posted on the USMLE website. The percentages of correctly answered questions required to pass varies by Step and from form to form within each Step. However, examinees typically must answer approximately 60% of questions correctly to achieve a passing score.

Until the scoring system for Step 1 changes to Pass/Fail, the scores on Step 1 can be interpreted based on historical percentiles. While 194 represents the 5th percentile, the average (50th percentile) falls between 230 and 235. Scores at or just above the mean are good scores!

You count how many you got right out of each section. Then divide that number by 120 and you get your percentage. that's your score.

People here seem to generally say that the new free 120 is harder, but that might not be the case for everyone. I did both exams on the same day. Tbh the new one actually FELT much much harder though.

Was Step 1 easier than UWorld? ›

The frequently updated content ensures you learn and master the most relevant material that helps confront your individual USMLE Step 1 strengths and weaknesses. UWorld may be harder than Step 1, with some questions above the actual test's difficulty level.

How many questions are experimental? The USMLE does not specify how many questions are experimental. However, it is estimated that the exam contains a total of 80 experimental questions, ie, that they make up roughly 25% of the exam.

In terms of exam difficulty, the MCAT is considered easier compared to the USMLE Step 1. It is because the MCAT only tests the basic science principles and skills of the individual if one fits the requirement to proceed or enter med school.

So, what happens if you fail USMLE Step 1? In 2022, 91% of students passed Step 1, leaving nearly 10%, 1489 students, to retake the test. While failing Step 1 certainly isn't ideal, it could happen, but it doesn't have to kill your hopes of becoming a doctor or matching into your ideal residency program.

Traditionally, Step 1 has been thought of as both the most difficult and most important USMLE Step exam. There are several reasons for this. Firstly, this exam is the first in the series, and students taking it will have had less experience with the types of questions that the USMLE asks.

Take notes and participate in class to understand the material. Then, start studying the material for 30 minutes each day. For instance, read your notes, make flashcards, take practice tests, or form a study group with friends. Before the test, get a good night's sleep and review your study materials.

If you need to pause the exam for some reason, you are welcome to do so. That said, we recommend you complete the entire block in one sitting so that you are able to most effectively simulate the actual Step 2 exam.

The USMLE updated the Free 120 Step 2 CK questions on July 10, 2023. Below are explanations for every question in Blocks 1-3 (with references). If you're studying for USMLE Step 2 CK, check out my Rapid Review Course.