USMLE Step 1 Changes for 2016
Here are some new changes to the step 1 USMLE exam that go into effect May 9, 2016.
> The total number of items will decrease from 308 to 280.
> The number of items per block will decrease from 44 to 40.
> The length of the examination day will remain unchanged.
> The scores from the old format (308) and new format (280) will be comparable.
> The passing scores for the exams have not changed and are:
Step 1: 192
Step 2 CK: 209
Step 3: 196
This is not a surprise.... they did the same thing last year. The exam questions are gradually getting longer and more complex so a decrease in the number of questions allows you more time to handle each question. With less questions, it means that each question is worth more. The exam is always getting more difficult. If you could go back 10 years and take the exam it would be a piece of cake. Anyone got a time machine?
Ultimately, it doesn't matter may questions they throw at us... focus on slaying the Dragon!!! 
This shouldn't affect your prep.... master the content and do lots of questions. You got this!
I will be rooting for you as always!
Warmly,
John
Comments
Does the reduction in amount of questions on the new 2016 step 1 make attaining a high score say 240+ any more difficult? I suppose with less questions, each wrong answer will cost more in terms of the final score.
Always a difficult decision... there will be delays in score reporting which means a longer time of anxiety. In general, it should not change your preparation and you take the exam when you are the most prepared for it. They did this last year too so it's not new.
For someone who had planned to take the exam towards the end of May, what would you suggest? Preponing it so they can take the old format exam, or to go ahead and take a chance with the new one?