Goldman Step 1 tape set?

[FarEastGrapplr2]

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Gold Standard Step 1 tape set? anyone use this 48 audio tape set? was wondering if some of the lectures were good? current? was looking for something to study while im NOT reading 🙂 or any other experiences with AUDIO review

thanks

 

[jed2023]

I've only gone through the gold standard series for year 1 med subjects, so I can't comment on the entire set. Having said that, I would give them mixed reviews. I think their greatest strength is simply in allowing you to get extra review of material you have just recently learned (or learned a long time ago and barely remember.) Stated more succintly: their main value is as a review tool.
They are not going to magically endow you with a head full of knowledge. I've tried all types of audio (and visual) gizmos but in the end I have concluded that sitting down and really concentrating on a text book is about as good as it gets, as far as long term memory and understanding.

 

[FarEastGrapplr2]

thanks for the 411. well, i just finished the kaplan live lecture for step 1, im doing 1st aid and UCV and "trying" to go through my kaplan notes as well. was looking for something along the lines of Audio prep to keep me going. would you mind giving me a break down of what parts of the series are high yield and what you felt might be not so important in the gold standard. i think i will order it this week. thanks

 

[jed2023]

Just wanted to mention that they aren't lectures at all, which is my impression of your impression. They basically are in question and answer format. A question is asked and then there's a space in which you are supposed to answer. Then the presenter gives the answer.
I can't really say which parts are high yield for the boards because these would be 2nd year subjects, which I haven't gone through yet in the set. Most of the big 2nd year subjects are represented, though: path, pharm, and micro.
If you've gone through the live lecture series by Kaplan (and have retained most of it) and have done lots of practice questions, you should already be in decent shape.

 

[DOtobe]

I used the Gold Standard CDs to prepare for the COMLEX. Some of them are really good (my favorites were the biochemistry, the advanced micro, the neuro, and the renal physiology) but some of them are a little too basic for what I think is high yield for the boards. (Like "What does DNA stand for" types of questions.) I just liked them because it gave me a break from studying my books. I felt like I was relaxing, while I was studying at the same time. I didn't make it through all 48 CDs, but I listened to quite a few. Some of them are definitely worth listening to, but others are not. So I guess I will give them a mixed review as well.

 

[stomper627]

Have them as mp3s....did use them quite a bit for the COMLEX I, but only either for long car rides (daytime driving only)....or mostly to listen to as I worked out. It did make my runs suck (music is SO much better), but it allowed me time to make it through all the sections. Will say the drone of the voice is so boring that I nearly fell asleep while at mile 3 of an 8 mile run on more than 1 occasion. My recommendation: do not listen to them at night on the road!!!!
stomper

 

[stomper627]

And to add....as mp3...its 1 CD...not 48 tapes/CDs....

 

[FarEastGrapplr2]

i was under the impression... that a short lesson was given... then a question... then a pause for the listener to answer... then the correct answer is given. i found some mp3s for sale, but they were 22 hours. i believe the complete step 1 is 48 cds totalling over 60 hours. the kaplan review was pretty intense, wish i could remember it all. will probably order the cds tomorrow if the WVU med bookstore doesnt stock them. was busy downloading lessons from valueMD. some of the stuff seems good, but not sure whats current and high yield. too much stuff. good luck to all those reviewing. and thanks for the feedback. oh, any idea where the "errors" are in the set? First Aid said there were some errors. thanks again

 

[jed2023]

Nah, it's basically question and answer without any formal "lesson." But some of the explanations are a bit fleshed out with explanatory info, depending on the section.
If you do a search on SDN for "gold standard" or "goldstandard" you'll be able to get past poster's opinions on the set. They pretty much state the same thing: The quality of the set is mixed. Some are fairly good, some are so-so. Most people use it while doing other activities, so that they can add in study hours to their day: working out, driving (it's good for long road trips), vegging out after you can't concentrate because you have diplopia, etc.

 

[FarEastGrapplr2]

hey docs,

thanks for ALL the feedback. i have listened to beh sci disk 2 and patho 1. both VERY good. beh sci is much like 1st aid and the patho similar to my kaplan notes. they mailed them to me FAST. i emailed and asked for a suggested study routine (what order would they suggest i listen to the CDs and which have been regarded as "high yield") but havent heard back from them yet. i use them while driving to the library, to my bro's place (45 min) and while washing the car. i listened to each a few times and havent used the manuals yet. will try and make MY OWN schedule, but any tips would be GREATLY appreciated. from what i gather the biochem, adv micro, neuro, adn renal phys all seem good to study.!?

thanks again for the feed back