Crunch time, cut down resources?

[Cookie Queen]

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Hey guys!
I've got 2 weeks left until Step 2 CK and I'm not sure if I'll be able to complete everything left in my original study plan. My plan was to read all of Crush (I'm 1/2 way now), all of Secrets (barely touched), and do most of UWorld (not on target to finish now).

I'm considering A) pushing back my test because I will not be prepared or B) cutting down on reading and just focusing on questions for my remaining time. If I do that, I may be able to finish UWorld. Maybe.

Thoughts?? Are Crush and Secrets crucial?

 

[txhorn]

I'm in a similar position and I'm focusing on UW. My biggest regret from Step 1 studying was not finishing UW..not making that mistake again.

 

[sylvanthus]

Ya i think UW is the best plan. Im falling behind on my reading also, but focusing on UW.

 

[seva86]

ditto. I'm a little over a week out and am only using Secrets and UW at this point.

 

[Hokie06]

Similar boat as well. I write this Friday, but only finished about 70% of what I wanted to. Good luck everyone

 

[shan564]

I think it depends on your background knowledge. A lot of people get 250-260 after just doing UW. A lot of people fail despite going through every resource multiple times.

I feel like covering all of these resources was more important for Step 1. For 2ck, the basic idea is to test your clinical reasoning skills, which you generally pick up gradually over the course of your clinical training. I don't think you'll get a whole lot from Secrets that you didn't already get from Crush, UW, or med school.

If I was in your place, I'd probably aim to finish one high-yield resource, know its content well, and finish all of UW. If you delay your test, you risk burnout, which might actually hurt your score in the end.

 

[BrainDoc2985]

I agree with everyone here. I've gone through Uworld twice and have almost finished Secrets. There isn't much in Secrets that I don't know. For me, it's more for picking up those minor details that might make the difference of a couple points

 

[Cookie Queen]

Thanks everyone for the feedback! All your input is similar to what I've heard from my classmates. I've decided to cut out Secrets since I've heard the content is very similar to Crush and I like the paragraph form of Crush better. Over 2/3 done with Crush now and it seems to work for me.

I'm going to take a practice exam today (7 business days out) and use that to decide if I'll push back my exam.

For those wanting to know, I spoke to Prometrics about their re-scheduling policy because it's not well described on the website. 30-6 business days out you can re-schedule within your original 3 month window for a $50 fee. 5 business days out *before noon* you can re-schedule for $170. After 5 business days out at noon, you cannot re-schedule.

 

[Transposony]

For those wanting to know, I spoke to Prometrics about their re-scheduling policy because it's not well described on the website. 30-6 business days out you can re-schedule within your original 3 month window for a $50 fee. 5 business days out *before noon* you can re-schedule for $170. After 5 business days out at noon, you cannot re-schedule.

RESCHEDULE / CANCEL POLICY

If you need to change (e.g., reschedule, cancel, change test center location) your appointment, you must go to www.prometric.com/USMLE or call the Prometric Regional Registration Center (RRC) noted on your Scheduling Permit. If you reschedule, your rescheduled test date(s) must fall within your assigned eligibility period. If you are unable to take the test within your eligibility period, contact your registration entity to inquire about a one-time eligibility period extension. A fee is charged for this service, and some restrictions may apply.

The date that you change your appointment, using local time of the RRC, will determine whether you pay an appointment change fee and the amount of this fee:

- If you change your appointment 31 or more days before (but not including) the first day of your scheduled test date, there is no fee.
- If you change your appointment fewer than 31 days but more than 5 days before (but not including) the first day of your scheduled test date, the fee is $50 US Dollars (USD).
- If you change your appointment 5 or fewer days before (but not including) the first day of your scheduled test date, the fee is $117.00 USD for domestic U.S.A. and Canada, $283.00 USD for International Zone 1, $321.00 for International Zone 2, or $519.00 USD for International Zone 3.

SPECIAL NOTE ABOUT CANCELLED OR MISSED APPOINTMENTS: If you cancel your appointment within 30 days or do not appear on your scheduled test date, you must call the RRC as directed on your Scheduling Permit and pay the appropriate fee to reinstate your eligibility record before you can schedule a new appointment. You will not be able to perform any transactions via the web.

If you do not take the test within your original or extended eligibility period and wish to take it in the future, you must reapply by submitting a new application and fee.

If you fail or do not complete your exam and want to retake it, you must reapply by submitting a new application and fee. Retest policies are available in the USMLE Bulletin of Information at www.usmle.org.

 

[Brotato]

Thanks everyone for the feedback! All your input is similar to what I've heard from my classmates. I've decided to cut out Secrets since I've heard the content is very similar to Crush and I like the paragraph form of Crush better. Over 2/3 done with Crush now and it seems to work for me.

I'm going to take a practice exam today (7 business days out) and use that to decide if I'll push back my exam.

For those wanting to know, I spoke to Prometrics about their re-scheduling policy because it's not well described on the website. 30-6 business days out you can re-schedule within your original 3 month window for a $50 fee. 5 business days out *before noon* you can re-schedule for $170. After 5 business days out at noon, you cannot re-schedule.

Well I should hope so. It's the SAME author and the SAME content. Just in a different format.