Failed Step 1, need advice

[MS2 Yikes]

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Hello,

I am student who goes to a U.S. allopathic school and I just got removed from my first rotation. I'd prefer not to get into any details, but circumstances kind of prevented me from devoting my full attention and effort to my studies during my second year. I managed to (barely) pass all of my units this year. Towards the end of my second year, I managed to resolve/ fix the circumstances I mentioned above and was able to give it my all. However, after working pretty hard during the end of the year and during my 7 weeks of board studying time, I ended up failing the Step 1 test by >20 points.

My school gave me another 8 weeks to restudy for the exam and I am looking to pay for some course if it will help. I have heard about a few courses and DIT seems like it would be what I am looking for, although I have heard about a few others such as Kaplan. I am leaning towards DIT, since it has less hours of lecture (3-4 hours a day) than does Kaplan (which has like twice the number of lectures) - I would have more time to do question bank questions with DIT. I was wondering what the various opinions on DIT were, especially for those who didn't do great 2nd year, but did well on the Step 1 after taking DIT. My main concern with DIT is that it is so short and fast, I don't know if I would be able to keep up with it (Just because I am very weak in a lot of areas) - I kind of wish it were spread out over 6 weeks or so instead of 4 weeks...

Any input would be very helpful. Thanks in advance,

 

[OveractiveBrain]

Hello,

I am student who goes to a U.S. allopathic school and I just got removed from my first rotation. I'd prefer not to get into any details, but circumstances kind of prevented me from devoting my full attention and effort to my studies during my second year. I managed to (barely) pass all of my units this year. Towards the end of my second year, I managed to resolve/ fix the circumstances I mentioned above and was able to give it my all. However, after working pretty hard during the end of the year and during my 7 weeks of board studying time, I ended up failing the Step 1 test by >20 points.

My school gave me another 8 weeks to restudy for the exam and I am looking to pay for some course if it will help. I have heard about a few courses and DIT seems like it would be what I am looking for, although I have heard about a few others such as Kaplan. I am leaning towards DIT, since it has less hours of lecture (3-4 hours a day) than does Kaplan (which has like twice the number of lectures) - I would have more time to do question bank questions with DIT. I was wondering what the various opinions on DIT were, especially for those who didn't do great 2nd year, but did well on the Step 1 after taking DIT. My main concern with DIT is that it is so short and fast, I don't know if I would be able to keep up with it (Just because I am very weak in a lot of areas) - I kind of wish it were spread out over 6 weeks or so instead of 4 weeks...

Any input would be very helpful. Thanks in advance,

Kaplan is far superior to DIT. That being said, it is for Augmentation, not passing. If you are looking to spend AT LEAST 8 weeks with Kaplan materials, you either need to be grueling (8-12 hours a day) or you need a long ass time to get through the texts and lectures (which is why the actual course involves a hotel stay). The best way to use the Kaplan team is to Read the texts, Watch the videos, do the questions.

DIT, on the other hand, is probably more what you're looking for. What it does, and what it does well, is give you a structure. The lectures themselves are pretty poor, but the lesson structure (tellign you how much time to devote to each subject) is very useful.

Personally, I hate DIT. But for people looking to PASS and not 245, DIT is the better option. Plus, its cheaper.

 

[235009]

what was your study strategy the first time around? which books did you use? which QBanks and how far did you get in them? how much time did you spend studying each day?

 

[MS2 Yikes]

The first time around I used RR Path (I used it for about 2/3 of second year, so I had annotated parts of it), First Aid, and CMMRS. I also used pharm recall for pharm. I did about 1/4 of UWORLD and 1/2 of KAPLAN Qbank. Most of my time was spent going over material rather than questions because I was getting so many wrong - in particular, I am very weak in pharm and a chunk of path. I spent anywhere from 8-10 hours of studying a day (closer to 8).

 

[MS2 Yikes]

In terms of hours, the DIT website has a sample schedule, but it's for the live course and it is basically 5 hours a day - is this representative of the online course? About how long doe the daily lectures run (if you follow their schedule)?

 

[235009]

The first time around I used RR Path (I used it for about 2/3 of second year, so I had annotated parts of it), First Aid, and CMMRS. I also used pharm recall for pharm. I did about 1/4 of UWORLD and 1/2 of KAPLAN Qbank. Most of my time was spent going over material rather than questions because I was getting so many wrong - in particular, I am very weak in pharm and a chunk of path. I spent anywhere from 8-10 hours of studying a day (closer to 8).

your biggest problem is that you basically weren't even used to the USMLE format for questions. the number 1 priority for any study plan should be to do as many questions as possible with the back up plan being to at least do 100% of UWorld. RR is way overkill. focus on FA, UWorld and either Kaplan or DIT. I think the Kaplan videos are an excellent resource and they definitely helped me a whole lot. The pharm videos in particular are great. it's true that there are a lot of videos and a lot of hours but if you watch them at 1.5x or 2x and start by tackling the subjects you are weakest in you should be well on your way.

As for QBank questions ...you are supposed to be learning from them. so what if you are getting them wrong as long as you are reading and understanding the explanation (and watching the video for some Kaplan questions)

you also need to keep track of your progress with NBME practice tests so you can have a rough idea of where you stand score-wise and so you can get a more accurate assessment of your weak subjects (pay the extra 10 bucks for the latter)

 

[MilkmanAl]

If you're just looking to pass, get your UW and FA on. As mentioned, it doesn't really matter how many UW questions you're missing as long as you learn and won't miss it the next time. DIT is also probably a good bet for you since it sounds like you can use the structure. Power through as much as possible, and take a couple practice tests when you're right before one of the rescheduling fee deadlines. If you aren't passing comfortably (say, 200+), move that mother back. Do not risk failing twice.

 

[MS2 Yikes]

So I am planning on doing all of U.World this time around, but will be done a few weeks early using this plan - would a second Qbank (Such a Kaplan or Rx) be helpful in addition to using UWorld?

 

[MS2 Yikes]

I am not just looking to pass - I am looking to do as well as possible; I know that I am at a huge disadvantage having already failed it once, but I'd like to maximize my score the second time around; I don't want to have any (additional) regrets...

 

[richse]

The first time around I used RR Path (I used it for about 2/3 of second year, so I had annotated parts of it), First Aid, and CMMRS. I also used pharm recall for pharm. I did about 1/4 of UWORLD and 1/2 of KAPLAN Qbank. Most of my time was spent going over material rather than questions because I was getting so many wrong - in particular, I am very weak in pharm and a chunk of path. I spent anywhere from 8-10 hours of studying a day (closer to 8).

How many times did you go through those books? I'm trying to figure out what your daily schedule was like because with a 7 week study block and 8+ hours a day you should have gotten a lot more of UWorld done and had time to spare. I would suggest reassessing how long you spent on each resource or what else may have been slowing you down. I'm not a fast reader by any stretch of the imagination but I got through BRS phys, BRS path, RR biochem, CMMRS, pharm cards, first aid, and 1/2 UWorld in about 4 weeks at 8 -10 hours/day.

 

[Brachyury]

So I am planning on doing all of U.World this time around, but will be done a few weeks early using this plan - would a second Qbank (Such a Kaplan or Rx) be helpful in addition to using UWorld?

No! Go through UWorld again

 

[1Life]

Hello,

I am student who goes to a U.S. allopathic school and I just got removed from my first rotation. I'd prefer not to get into any details, but circumstances kind of prevented me from devoting my full attention and effort to my studies during my second year. I managed to (barely) pass all of my units this year. Towards the end of my second year, I managed to resolve/ fix the circumstances I mentioned above and was able to give it my all. However, after working pretty hard during the end of the year and during my 7 weeks of board studying time, I ended up failing the Step 1 test by >20 points.

My school gave me another 8 weeks to restudy for the exam and I am looking to pay for some course if it will help. I have heard about a few courses and DIT seems like it would be what I am looking for, although I have heard about a few others such as Kaplan. I am leaning towards DIT, since it has less hours of lecture (3-4 hours a day) than does Kaplan (which has like twice the number of lectures) - I would have more time to do question bank questions with DIT. I was wondering what the various opinions on DIT were, especially for those who didn't do great 2nd year, but did well on the Step 1 after taking DIT. My main concern with DIT is that it is so short and fast, I don't know if I would be able to keep up with it (Just because I am very weak in a lot of areas) - I kind of wish it were spread out over 6 weeks or so instead of 4 weeks...

Any input would be very helpful. Thanks in advance,

It is in your best interest to go all out and aim for the highest score that you possibly can get. If you score high, you'll make the admission committee think that your failure was an accident and that they can trust you.

The way I see it you have a few issues here:

1) you haven't done nearly enough questions. Step 1 is all about recalling the right info for the right question automatically, a skill which can only be developed with doing as many questions as you can. But you need to learn the material first.
2) Structured and efficient study plan. FA+UW(timed,random,unused-study answer explanations) +RR path(a few times). FA is your backbone annotated and supplemented with other sources(ex. kaplan) when necessary
3) A progress monitoring system so that you can tailor your studying towards your weaknesses. Take an nbme assessment in the beginning; after one round of studying and UNDERSTANDING FA+RR path, take another nbme to assess your weak areas; study everything in FA+RR for a 2nd round (this should go faster) NOW emphasizing your weak areas first. Then take another nbme for assessment. For a 3rd round just review your weaknesses and the rest if you have time.

Remember to do more and more UW question blocks with each round of studying (1st round-1block/day; 2nd round-2blocks a day; etc) and taking an assessment after each round...you will notice that your scores improve significantly as your question-answering speed picks up...it will be just like a drill...you will be surprised on test day when the answers fall into place. If you want a step by step plan for this...search for the modified taus plan here on sdn.

I barely passed all my classes in M1 and M2, I studied 6-7 hours a day for 6 weeks and scored a 220 (I only slept 4 hrs the night before-I require 8hrs to be fully rested, and did not eat breakfast or get an energy drink)

KEY: understand the material; review in multiple rounds while zooming in on your weaknesses; do more and more questions with each round of review; assess yourself with nbme after each round of review.😎

 

[MS2 Yikes]

Thanks for the advice; I know you recommended the Taus method, but I really think having a course to keep me on schedule will be best. Has anyone ever heard of the Kaplan High-Yield online course?

 

[piviti]

Myself, Sumita Dalal, (NOW A WORKING MOTHER- IN RESIDENCY!!!.YOU CAN DO IT TOO!)was sitting where you are sitting right now. Yes, I was once a Medical School school student. Studying for exams was never quite easy and USMLE exams were a struggle. Then came the one day that changed everything - the day I failed the USMLE.

Failing the USMLE was one of the most devastating, crushing, and heartbreaking experiences of my life. Not only was I aware that I would have to wait another 12 months before getting a residency but I knew that I didn't have the money to continue taking the exam. I had to pass the second time around or I wouldn't be a PGY-1. I just didn't have the funds to take the exam a third time, and I needed a job to pay my loans and support myself.

But before taking the USMLE again I knew I needed to do one thing - I had to figure out what I did wrong in the first exam and not make the same mistakes twice. So then began my struggle to find a TRUE boutique tutoring service- that was not some big name de-personalized commercial unfeeling program.

Finding a USMLE tutor was grueling back then (2009)- and it still is. There was only one certain resource that is available online, personalized with needed live help, and to top it off gives a 100% IF YOU DO NOT PASS, YOU DO NOT PAY-guarantee! AND IT WAS TOUGH TO FIND IT…

Taking the USMLE the second time was grueling but armed with this unique online, personalized (with needed live help),100% guaranteed service I passed the USMLE the second time and NOW the story continues-with YOU!

This service knows how hard it is to take exams. But they also knows that it is more important to get it right the first time or correct your mistakes quickly so that you can ultimatley succeed. This is why they wants to help you succeed as fast as possible.
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The OP's post was almost a year and a half ago.

Plus, no one needs to spend 12k on a step course lol.