Length of study period for Step 1

[beatsbydre]

Another really basic question -- I'm taking a year off for research and I'm wondering about when I should schedule my test time. Our school usually has 4-6 weeks of full-time usmle studying. I feel that I would really benefit from 12 weeks of full-time studying -- or is that taking too much time and risking burn out?

thanks!!

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[Phloston]

Another really basic question -- I'm taking a year off for research and I'm wondering about when I should schedule my test time. Our school usually has 4-6 weeks of full-time usmle studying. I feel that I would really benefit from 12 weeks of full-time studying -- or is that taking too much time and risking burn out?

thanks!!

The first rule of Fight Club is...don't talk about Fight Club. The second rule of FC..

The major rule of thumb is to never let anyone tell you how long to prep for. Take the exam when you're ready and use the NBME exams as your guides.

If you're the type of person with a high threshold for studying, you might benefit from a few additional weeks. If you're actually worried about burning out, perhaps sit it earlier.

 

[Skeleman]

..The major rule of thumb is to never let anyone tell you how long to prep for. Take the exam when you're ready and use the NBME exams as your guides. r.

Aaaaand Phloston beat me to it. This. I wish everyone on SDN would understand this idea.

Make a plan designed specifically for YOU. WRITE IT DOWN (make a calendar with specific goals on it). Stick to it (with adjustments here and there based on NBMEs, etc). You'll do great.

 

[beatsbydre]

and a relevant question: do residencies look at when you take the Step 1? If you take it 3 months from when school ends, don't they expect a higher score?

 

[CDI]

and a relevant question: do residencies look at when you take the Step 1? If you take it 3 months from when school ends, don't they expect a higher score?

Maybe someday, however, that day is not upon us yet. It's hard enough to get a good score as it is, regardless of how much time people may or may not take.

Can't really hold it against someone for wanting to take some extra time and improve their own knowledge base - which can only help future patients.

 

[beatsbydre]

is the date even reported in the residency applications?

 

[EuroDoc]

Another really basic question -- I'm taking a year off for research and I'm wondering about when I should schedule my test time. Our school usually has 4-6 weeks of full-time usmle studying. I feel that I would really benefit from 12 weeks of full-time studying -- or is that taking too much time and risking burn out?

thanks!!

Just to reiterate, study for X weeks, where X is the number of weeks before you get NBME score > desired score.

Then: Go for the exam -> Get expected score -> Get wanted residency.... Ok, perhaps there's a bit more to it, but if you're gunning for derm or something like that, 269 would look pretty on your application.... But, really, getting the USMLE score you NEED is not hard, you just need to plan ahead and perform regular self-evaluations...

 

[hownowmauvecow]

I would also try to choose a length of time to study in which you don't think you will burn out. its great if you study for 3 months (or plan to) but if you burn out in 2 it won't do you much good. and it also depends on how much you want to study each day. you might not need as long if you are pulling 12 hour days, but if you only want to do 5/6 hours it might take you more time.

that being said, I agree with the others. take it when you are ready. but if you do pick a test day (and set a study schedule) try not to push it back unless absolutely necessary, otherwise it could become a cycle of never feeling ready and continuously pushing it back. I think that is especially pertinent for you since you are taking a year off and don't have the pressure of third year to force you to take the exam by a certain date.