ziffy 850 said:
As bad as it was, did you pass Step 1? I think I need some kind of structure, but I feel when you talk to these course directors-or whatever they are- they're just salesmen. The Falcon people sound like they're more content based and the umkc people basically tell you that you don't have to know anything to pass-just how to take the test. (They don't SAY that, but it is definitely inferred) Who's right? For 5-8K and my entire career -I feel like I can't make this decision lightly.
I think those courses are a big waste unless you're absolutely terrible at studying and taking tests. I hate to be the only one that seems to point out the white elephant in the room, but I have to say that you need to understand why you didn't pass. It's crucial that you identify what went wrong. Otherwise no matter how much you know you may fail again, and that would really suck. A few things, when you took the test, how was your pace, did you use the timed questions on Kaplan Q bank? And what about your NBME scores, what areas were you on the low-borderline range.
It sounds like you must have a few clear chunks missing in the step 1 knowledge base. If you can identify a few of those, usually areas of cardio, renal, or pharm are tested hard, you could increase your score reasonably easy by focusing on those areas. I read somewhere on the borderline pass scores each 3-5 correct questions will bump you up a point, don't quote me on that, I think I read it out of FA.
I don't think the class would be worth it. Super long and expensive, if it was me I would reschedule step 1 in 10 days and just study every waking moment. Right now is the best time because you just took the test and are familiar with the material/test format. If you wait a few months you'll have to relearn all that stuff you actually do know. Just shut yourself up and study at least 16 hours a day. I know it sounds crazy, but you should be able to brush easiely especially considering you appear to have good test taking skills with your high SAT score. My own experience makes me want to suggest you might also consider learning really well steroid Molecular mechanisms, Anemia differential according to labs, ITP, TTP, DIC, COPD/Asthma with medications used and spirometry/graphs specific to those conditions, those anoying end diastolic volume, etc curves for Cardiac along with a clear understanding of preload/afterload correlation, where the renal drugs act and their effect on electrolytes, the pnuemonia facts, types and bugs that cause it, which ones are the highest on the list and what drugs to treat it, know specifically where penicillin is just as good to use and when you need something else. Knowing where antibiotics bind and what they stop/inhibit, and as far as endocrine know the basic feedback loops, especially adrenal gland and associated gonadal changes as far as congenital and later in life, and the vit D, Ca, Phos, Bone loop. Those are highly tested and in my opinion posibly the shortest highest yeild guide.
Good Luck, Just a little more to go and you'll pass easily!
😉
