For Those That Have Used Kaplan for Step II Studying

[tco]

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What program did you end up using, and why?

I've traditionally done very well in medical school: MSI, MSII, and Step 1. I have not done so well during MSIII (average shelf scores). Because of this, I'm considering using a more comprehensive review for Step II.

I was browsing through the following, checking out what is a viable option. I'd like to stay under 3k because that's what my book scholarship will pay for...
http://www.kaptest.com/Medical-Licensing/Step2ck/s2ck-comprehensive.html


P.S. I used DIT for Step 1 and thought it was very good for the structure, but don't know how I would like it for Step 2.

Thanks.

 

[Syncity]

What program did you end up using, and why?

I've traditionally done very well in medical school: MSI, MSII, and Step 1. I have not done so well during MSIII (average shelf scores). Because of this, I'm considering using a more comprehensive review for Step II.

I was browsing through the following, checking out what is a viable option. I'd like to stay under 3k because that's what my book scholarship will pay for...
http://www.kaptest.com/Medical-Licensing/Step2ck/s2ck-comprehensive.html


P.S. I used DIT for Step 1 and thought it was very good for the structure, but don't know how I would like it for Step 2.

Thanks.

I used Kaplan sparingly for CK. I think Conrad Fischer spends far too long explaining basic concepts and generally digressing. The Obs and Gyn sections are superb. Surgery is meh. Psych is awful. I've heard positive reports about their 'High Yield' course. Theoretically, this makes a lot more sense to me than their comprehensive CK course.

I've heard positive feedback on DIT for CK. Didn't use it myself, but would have considered it if I had the money. From what I gather, it saves money and keeps your study structured. I posted a detailed experience of what I used for CK in the 'Scores and UWorld, etc.' thread on this forum if that helps you any bit.

 

[tco]

I used Kaplan sparingly for CK. I think Conrad Fischer spends far too long explaining basic concepts and generally digressing. The Obs and Gyn sections are superb. Surgery is meh. Psych is awful. I've heard positive reports about their 'High Yield' course. Theoretically, this makes a lot more sense to me than their comprehensive CK course.

I've heard positive feedback on DIT for CK. Didn't use it myself, but would have considered it if I had the money. From what I gather, it saves money and keeps your study structured. I posted a detailed experience of what I used for CK in the 'Scores and UWorld, etc.' thread on this forum if that helps you any bit.

My only concern is that they switched to Step Up to Step 2 this year...Brian Jenkins is now an author, apparently. I don't know what to make of that, whether it be good or bad.

I figured that the more comprehensive course would give me a better background for going into fourth year and beyond. I can't believe that you're the only one that responded to this thread...Thanks!

 

[ZGX]

Honestly if DIT worked for u in step 1 then you should stick with that for Step 2

 

[d2g]

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[tco]

I listened to their free lectures for the high yield course. There is NO possible way I could listen to Fischer lecture for an hour, let alone dozens of hours. His voice and inflection is just unbearable.

 

[Esprit00]

What program did you end up using, and why?

I've traditionally done very well in medical school: MSI, MSII, and Step 1. I have not done so well during MSIII (average shelf scores). Because of this, I'm considering using a more comprehensive review for Step II.

I was browsing through the following, checking out what is a viable option. I'd like to stay under 3k because that's what my book scholarship will pay for...
http://www.kaptest.com/Medical-Licensing/Step2ck/s2ck-comprehensive.html


P.S. I used DIT for Step 1 and thought it was very good for the structure, but don't know how I would like it for Step 2.

Thanks.

I have the same question. I'm an IMG in third year. I scored 226/82 on Step 1. I would like to significantly boost my score on Step 2 CK. For Step 1, I used my own version of the Taus method and Kaplan and UWorld Qbanks. UWorld seemed to make the biggest difference for me. Right now, I can't decide between purchasing the Step 2 CK Comprehensive videos or just getting the High Yield. I was wondering if there was a big difference from the latest 2011 online videos and the ones that have been floating around. If anyone's taken the Step 2 CK Comprehensive course, did you find it useful and were they significantly better than the previous version or fairly similar? Please and thank you! 🙂.

 

[chucklebuckle]

I used DIT (which was good for fact recall + FA + UW for Step 1 but only scraped a 200 at the end of the day - really want to apply into Pediatrics (or Med-Peds if possible with a much better score and elective LORs in August-Sept).

I haven't taken Step 2 CK or CS yet (in the summertime/fall) but I wanted to know, does Kaplan or DIT (regardless of cost and length) for step 2ck help with differentials diagnosis and scenario rationale on how to manage variations in presentations? I've been only using UW for my rotations to study from but I feel like I am memorizing things and just passing my shelfs. Or instead of a course would doing another question bank alongside UW help? I don't think I'll be able to score that well (like over a 230 or 240) from reading the exam experiences with everyone using just one review book and UW based on my situation.

I'm almost done with my MS-3 and have medicine coming up next month and considering on using something more substantial in prep during that time and during the 2 light electives thereafter to help with my weaker reasoning and differential skills. What would you suggest?

 

[chucklebuckle]

I listened to their free lectures for the high yield course. There is NO possible way I could listen to Fischer lecture for an hour, let alone dozens of hours. His voice and inflection is just unbearable.

Haha I saw that demo just now too. He is certainly an animated fellow. The course still looks like it's geared toward people who have been keeping up with stuff and not for broader purposes huh?

I'm not sure if you are studying for this at the moment or have been doing UW/Qbank questions but how well did that demo video correlate with anything from your practice questions and past clinical experience? Kaplan is pretty good with their marketing but I'm somewhat reluctant but curious to know how good their material is for not just CK but for residency/real-world practice.