Thanks for the insight guys, normally I'd agree that it'd most likely be worse off to change something this late in the game. However.. I do have about 2 1/2 weeks left, and studying environments don't replace the feeling of actually sitting down to take the test. I'm pretty much done studying, and now in the phase to practice simulation exams, just to get accustomed to answering questions as fast as possible; with optimal recall. I know what works for me in terms of studying.. but I've never really mix and matched my supplements to help me take an exam like this to the best of my abilities. Besides the Modanifil early on, and caffeine towards the latter end of the blocks, I'm just sort of confused on if I should anything that will help me on the spot rather than things that would help with chronic use (ie piracetam etc etc).
Wow, you're ahead of the game. Sounds like the test is in the bag already!
Piracetam will help you in the moment. Sometimes it takes a while to build up in your system but once it is in there, it gives you a boost to creativity, verbal fluency and anxiety reduction in the moment. It sounds like something you would want to take. It is safe and reliably effective. Also, unlike caffeine and amphetamine, it isn't a trade off. The stimulants give you a focus boost, sometimes at the expense of broader more abstract thinking. Get into it!
At this point, I sort of have to adapt to a new enviroment anyways, because besides the continuous practice tests, my girlfriend just sort of moved out for a month to go take care of some family issues. So for the next 2 1/2 weeks, I'm going to be completely isolated in my room trying to cram whatever else I can in, and doing questions. However, I'm not going to mess with amphetamines, but what about this nicotine patch? It's funny, a friend of mine just mentioned this to me a couple days back, but I kinda just shrugged it off.. How exactly would you go about using it.. beginning of the test or slap it on during the middle? And how are it's effects exactly? More motor to keep you going, or actually some sort of mental/clear minded focus?
A bit of a stimulant effect. In larger doses it can also reduce stress. One thing it is particularly good for is enabling you to resist impulses. I've used it in the past for this purpose, and it has some impressive results treating ADHD. However, keep in mind that you already have this handled. You've already studied and clearly have good habits built up.
Side effects: Addictive as fuck (works on the reward systems in multiple ways). Nicotine is a vasoconstrictor. It makes you
old. Blood flow will be reduced to your skin, reducing elasticity and regeneration. Blood flow will be reduced to your brain, over time reducing brain volume. Of course, this is the same shit that caffeine does. Once off doesn't hurt.
If you do take a nic patch on the day, I'd suggest a quarter of a 24mg patch, just put it on in the morning and go with it. Probably better than the coffee, if you're game. It'll calm you down instead of making you anxious, handy in the circumstances! However, careful if you are having it as well as caffeine and modafinil. There's a sweet spot in there for stimulant benefits!
That should give you both sides, let us know what you decide!
P.S. I think the importance of each standardized examination (SAT, MCAT, Step1) varies with each person. It all depends on individual goals really.. is your goal is to get an awesome education with a top school, w/o much focus on the higher tier specialities? then without a solid MCAT performance, its highly unlikely you'll land someplace you had your sightis on. But it doesn't keep you from being a doctor or even learning to your potential.. as you could just go to an average medical school or even the Caribbean route and still have a lot of options open for you if you rock your board exams. Whereas, if your goal was to become a dermatologist or get into plastics.. then in that instance Step 1 could possibly and would most likely take the cake for biggest determinant of the rest of your medical career. But ofcourse, no one test is that important that there aren't other ways to achieve your goals. And gotta agree with Nancy.. step 2 and 3 just aren't on the same level as MCAT or Step1.
mmm.... I love exams. Those were the days.
