USMLE Barely failed Step 2CK: Study plan help?

[Pseudopyrexia]

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I just got the message that I failed Step 2CK by one point (208, pass is 209). The best part is when I complained immediately after the exam about the testing center doing building works (drilling !?) and holding a loud conference/training day, NBME said I should I worn the ill-fitting noise cancelling headphones (the headphones actually worked better). I'm still alternating between sheer horror and fuming.

On the bright side, it's an opportunity to do really well the second time round. I'm a USIMG, so I need to retake it before ERAS applications go in, meaning I'm aiming for a July resit with my rotation schedule. My schedule looks like this over the next 6 months: 2 months surgery electives, 1 month cardiology, 1 month IM, 2 months OB/GYN.

I should mention that although I did well enough on the GAMSAT and MCAT, I don't have much of a natural science background. I'm well aware that I'm not going to master everything in 6 months without dedicated weeks off and come out with 260. It would be nice to make 220 though.

Given that I'm pretty much on clerkships the whole of the next 6 months, I could really use some advice on optimizing my study strategy for the subjects I'm having trouble with: For tasks, I did poorly in Applying Foundational Science Concepts and Pharmacotherapy, Intervention & Management (I'm sure a lot of this would have been microbiology with a dash of most of the chemistry-based subjects for good measure). For systems, I did poorly in immunology, MSK/derm, and so-so with hematology. For disciplines, I did poorly in pediatrics (ordered Blueprint Pediatrics, anyone used it?).

I've already covered all the material to pass my clerkships (aside from the electives), so I'm really aiming to concentrate on Step 2CK study when I'm not at the hospital or working (Read: limited study time). I'm looking for concise resources with good pictures for things that should have pictures (e.g., descriptions of blood films are just stupid).

For reference: I normally do UW untimed tutor and had also been working through Step up to Medicine but found it too text-based for signs to be very memorable, switched to First Aid for Step 2CK but found it too shorthand to be very useful at all and just went back to UW full time. I used Dr Najeeb for Step 1 but haven't really for Step 2.

Thanks all in advance for your support and suggestions!

 

[cruCiATE]

Did you did take any NBMEs, UWA, or CMS?

 

[MDKASH]

Hey man don't sweat it. If you are looking for a tutor I can definitely help. Message me and let's talk.

 

[Patho_logical]

I just got the message that I failed Step 2CK by one point (208, pass is 209). The best part is when I complained immediately after the exam about the testing center doing building works (drilling !?) and holding a loud conference/training day, NBME said I should I worn the ill-fitting noise cancelling headphones (the headphones actually worked better). I'm still alternating between sheer horror and fuming.

On the bright side, it's an opportunity to do really well the second time round. I'm a USIMG, so I need to retake it before ERAS applications go in, meaning I'm aiming for a July resit with my rotation schedule. My schedule looks like this over the next 6 months: 2 months surgery electives, 1 month cardiology, 1 month IM, 2 months OB/GYN.

I should mention that although I did well enough on the GAMSAT and MCAT, I don't have much of a natural science background. I'm well aware that I'm not going to master everything in 6 months without dedicated weeks off and come out with 260. It would be nice to make 220 though.

Given that I'm pretty much on clerkships the whole of the next 6 months, I could really use some advice on optimizing my study strategy for the subjects I'm having trouble with: For tasks, I did poorly in Applying Foundational Science Concepts and Pharmacotherapy, Intervention & Management (I'm sure a lot of this would have been microbiology with a dash of most of the chemistry-based subjects for good measure). For systems, I did poorly in immunology, MSK/derm, and so-so with hematology. For disciplines, I did poorly in pediatrics (ordered Blueprint Pediatrics, anyone used it?).

I've already covered all the material to pass my clerkships (aside from the electives), so I'm really aiming to concentrate on Step 2CK study when I'm not at the hospital or working (Read: limited study time). I'm looking for concise resources with good pictures for things that should have pictures (e.g., descriptions of blood films are just stupid).

For reference: I normally do UW untimed tutor and had also been working through Step up to Medicine but found it too text-based for signs to be very memorable, switched to First Aid for Step 2CK but found it too shorthand to be very useful at all and just went back to UW full time. I used Dr Najeeb for Step 1 but haven't really for Step 2.

Thanks all in advance for your support and suggestions!

That's awful that you missed it by one point. There was construction at my testing center as well. Fortunately it wasn't loud. And I can't wear the noise canceling head phones...tinnitus...ugh it's like torture. Anyway I did 230-240. I have a BS degree in biology.

My basic study plan for step 2 CK:
-Uworld question bank (Read everything in the explanations)
-Step 2 secrets: read it an memorize the quick facts...they did help me out with several questions on my CK.
-I also read about half of step up to medicine, but with 6 months to prep while doing rotations it's pretty unrealistic to think you'll get through the whole thing. You don't want to miss a major section because the book is too dense. Use it if you need more details on anything maybe.

That's all I did and I scored on par with my step 1 score (slightly below but whatever). It comes down to managing your time and choosing your weaknesses and working on them.

For example: I would do a 40 question test on Uworld in only one section (Ob/Gyn, peds, preventive medicine etc.) and see how I scored. If I had an 80+ percent I would move on to another section. If I scored really low like 30-50% I would go back and rework the questions on that section (or do a new test until I exhausted the questions for that category) and read a little supplemental material for things I didn't understand.

Just remember you need to STUDY the explanations for the answers to the questions. It doesn't really help you if you get the right answer but don't know why. So do ALL the questions and do the ones you missed until you get them right and know why you're getting them right!

Good luck. I had to retake the CS. At least this one doesn't cost as much and can be taken in your hometown most likely. Haha.

 

[J ROD]

That sucks. I am barely on the other side of the 209. I had someone taking a typing test next to me for several blocks and it bothered me. But, it is what it is. I still was surprised but happy I passed. I really think it should be like the MCAT where we can take it multiple times if we want or need.

I will just be glad when I never have to take another Step. I do not like these poorly written tests. I feel like it just tests who can take standardized tests better. I do not guess or reason their train of thought well. Obviously, I miss that skill. Clinically, I am much better which is very frustrating.

Keep your head up and press on....all you can do. This process is definitely a marathon.

 

[sweet2012]

I failed too it's disheartening and disappointing. I don't know if I should re attempt it but I'm still going to. What do you plan on doing?

 

[Lefty Doodle]

Have you taken step 1 yet? What did you get?