ADVICE PLEASE: STEP 1 in DECEMBER?

[alexis17]

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hi. i'm thinking of taking step 1 in december. i plan to do most of my prep now but need a little more time to review. i have family medicine and psychiatry for rotations until then...hopefully nothing too terrible. would there be any downsides for taking then?

thanks SDN! 🙂

 

[StringBean]

I think it's best to take before rotations, if possible. I know i would have HATED to still be studying for Step 1 while dealing with rotations. All those I spoke to that did that (really a select few opted to prolong their suffering) regreted it b/c they said they didn't have enough time to study with the demands of rotations. I say take it now if u can!

 

[Pox in a box]

I think it's best to take before rotations, if possible. I know i would have HATED to still be studying for Step 1 while dealing with rotations. All those I spoke to that did that (really a select few opted to prolong their suffering) regreted it b/c they said they didn't have enough time to study with the demands of rotations. I say take it now if u can!

Studying for Step 1 before rotations actually improves your knowledge base for your rotations, making you even more prepared for your rotations. I'd take the exam ASAP before you begin so you can be more relaxed and focused on impressing your attendings, not impressing your PDs right now.

 

[Lebesgue]

Agreed, when people say they studied 5 or 7 weeks they are talking about all day every day in general... I can't imagine studying for STEP I right now on surgery rotation. I'm trying to find time to study for just a surgery shelf, not every subject for the first 2 years. Ideally you should take time OFF so you can focus only on the exam.

Good luck! 🙂

 

[alexis17]

thanks all! great points all around...

maybe I'll try taking a practice exam before and see what happens.

also another concern...would taking it in december be too late for applying to those darned electives 😡 that require your step 1 score?

cheers