Best way to start?!

[Mah]

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Hello guys,

So I got my step 1 scores a few days ago and didn't do so hot- I really need to do MUCH better on step 2. I'm starting my rotations soon, what's the best way to start studying for the second step?

I know its a generic question, but I'm really looking for ANYthing- whatever worked for you, I'm hoping it'd work for me too. Thanks.

 

[kemper6036]

have you tried a search? best thing i would suggest is to study while in your rotations. get a book for each rotation and read it during that time. in addition do your world questions. i can't stress that enough, world world world

 

[Waysensei]

I'm about to start my 3rd year also and my plan for step 2 is this:

During the rotation, read through the Kaplan Step 2 CK Notes and do USMLEWorld questions pertaining to the rotation.

Midway through the year, start using FA for Step 2 and Master the Boards Step 2 while doing integrated blocks in UW.

This is similar to my plan for step 1 which I feel confident in taking this week. What do you all think?

 

[vicinihil]

My only thing against doing World now is that you may retain answers by the time step 2 comes around. I think using a source like Qbank, PreTest, Appleton and Lange, may be more useful than doing the same UW questions again come Step 2 time. I know that UW is good for shelfs but a majority of people do well on the shelves without UW.

UW:Shelf is NOT the same as UW:Step 1

 

[kemper6036]

My only thing against doing World now is that you may retain answers by the time step 2 comes around. I think using a source like Qbank, PreTest, Appleton and Lange, may be more useful than doing the same UW questions again come Step 2 time. I know that UW is good for shelfs but a majority of people do well on the shelves without UW.

UW:Shelf is NOT the same as UW:Step 1

if you can retain answers after 2200 questions or whatever it is, i think thats called learning

 

[GuzzyRon]

if you can retain answers after 2200 questions or whatever it is, i think thats called learning

I completely agree! 👍

 

[Waysensei]

Good point. What qbank do most people regard as the 2nd best after UW?

My only thing against doing World now is that you may retain answers by the time step 2 comes around. I think using a source like Qbank, PreTest, Appleton and Lange, may be more useful than doing the same UW questions again come Step 2 time. I know that UW is good for shelfs but a majority of people do well on the shelves without UW.

UW:Shelf is NOT the same as UW:Step 1

 

[radiodoc99]

Pay attention on rotations, read boards and wards, FIRST AID and a good textbook for each rotation. Focus on management and diagnosis.

 

[vicinihil]

Do you think First Aid is good for the shelfs? Are you talking about FA 2CK or FA for Wards?

 

[kemper6036]

Do you think First Aid is good for the shelfs? Are you talking about FA 2CK or FA for Wards?

FA for CK....im sure you can use FA for shelf exams. can't hurt. i didn't however.

 

[Mah]

Thanks, you guys are awesome!

I'm just so down after my step 1 score. I really feel that I need to do SOMEthing about it- I honestly thought my test was easy compared to UW questions and after looking at my score I just wanna laugh at my face 🙁

Anyways- so now I'm gonna search for a good book for each rotation- complement with Kaplan CK (is this necessary?) and start UW questions. I think my worst mistake during step 1 was starting UW too late, so I won't make that mistake twice. I'm thinking FA might be good around the middle of the year onwards- what's the consensus on NBME's for step 2?

 

[radiodoc99]

Do you think First Aid is good for the shelfs? Are you talking about FA 2CK or FA for Wards?

If you want to ace the boards then really read a good textbook inaddition to FIRST AID or Blueprints. You need the details for the COMLEX/USMLE and also the shelf. Also American Family Physician has nice articles on differential diagnosis. Relying just on a board review book wont be a good strategy.

 

[Waysensei]

I'm debating my earlier post about using the Kaplan Step 2 CK Notes. I started printing them out and like the notes for Step 1, there are a ridiculous number of pages. Would it be possible to just use FA/Master the Boards and UWorld?

 

[Doctor4Life1769]

If you want to ace the boards then really read a good textbook inaddition to FIRST AID or Blueprints. You need the details for the COMLEX/USMLE and also the shelf. Also American Family Physician has nice articles on differential diagnosis. Relying just on a board review book wont be a good strategy.

I thought that's what a lot do .... 😕

 

[markglt]

no no no no. you don't need a text book, unless ur weak in that area.
im no genious, i just speak from experience, you really only need:
fa + uw over and over and over....and over......just like that