Hoping to get a 260+ please help me do it.

[bad virus]

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I want some advice from all of you who know better than me in this regard. I have started USMLE studying from day one of school. I have only been in school for 6 months but this is my study strategy so far.

Anatomy, cell Bio, Embryo, Hist: We were assigned Gray’s Anatomy for students (I read the whole thing cover to cover). I got an A in the class so I’m happy.


Test Prep/Review Material:

• Pre-Test Anatomy
• Grays Anatomy Review for Students (Has Embryo Questions too).
• Pre-Test Histology/Cell Biology
• UMich website
• High Yield Anatomy
• Blue Histology Website
• High Yield Embryology
• High Yeild Histology

Genetics and Neoplasia: We were assigned the Newest Big Robbins (I read every corresponding chapter). Got an A here and I am happy.


Test Prep/Review Material:

• Robbins review
• WebPathology
• Lippincotts Illustrated Review Biochemistry (for Genetics)
• Pretest Genetics
• Pretest Pathology

Infection and Immunity: ****ty book was assigned, so I just borrowed Lippincotts Illustrated review Microbiology, Micoro made ridiculously simple, and the Immunology chapters in the Kaplan home study program.


Test Prep/Review Material:

• Kaplan Q-Book
• Kaplan Qbank
• Pretest Microbiology
• Lange Microbiology Flash Cards
• Robbins Review for appropriate chapters.
• WebPathology for immunology.

I have been using First aid and Kaplan Med essentials for every block and I also use the First Aid Q&A book. I seem to be doing pretty well in classes but I always feel like I am going to fail for some reason.

My game plan for the rest of the blocks is as follows. Study the Kaplan Homestudy program for the current class along with text and lecture notes. Keep annotating my First aid book and Kaplan Med essentials book. Keep doing my Robbins review and Web Path and Pretest questions for each block along with First Aid Q&A. We don't get the summer off, we actually have to do a summer immersion program (I'm hoping mine is in the ER because of the breadth) and I plan on going over all of the Kaplan Home Study Material for all the Classes I took that far and then Prepping in Advance for the two last blocks.

We have to take the USMLE in February 2011 at my school and we get 6 weeks to study for it. My game plan is to have nothing better to do than to just do USMLEWorld and USMLERx Q-banks for those six weeks.

Does this sound like a solid plan? If not, how can I improve it?

 

[ZagDoc]

We had a kid in my class who did something similar (Step 1 studying from Day 1). He got a 273. So yeah, you'll be fine. Performance on the USMLE is largely effort based, and what you are proposing is expending an inordinate amount of effort.

There's a lesson about social growth in medical school and how it is just as important as academics in becoming a competent doctor buried in here, but I'll save the preaching and tssk-tssk-ing for others.

 

[lord_jeebus]

It sounds like you are doing very well so far. I think it is wise that you are using very in-depth materials like Big Robbins at this stage.

My only recommendation would be the use of a "smart" flash card program like Supermemo to optimize your long-term retention.

 

[bad virus]

We had a kid in my class who did something similar (Step 1 studying from Day 1). He got a 273. So yeah, you'll be fine. Performance on the USMLE is largely effort based, and what you are proposing is expending an inordinate amount of effort.

There's a lesson about social growth in medical school and how it is just as important as academics in becoming a competent doctor buried in here, but I'll save the preaching and tssk-tssk-ing for others.

Nah brother, do all the tssking you want. That is why I am here, you have been through it and have the power of hindsight to help you with giving advice. Most of my social needs are handled by going to mosque (church for Muslims) every night (no joke). When it's time for the night prayer, that is when the books get put up. I also play soccer and foot ball on the weekends with friends. I used to teach Sunday School, but I haven't done that this semester, I will be back in it next week. From a social stand point, I think I am doing fine, but I do seem to only aggregate with the social network I had before hand.

Thanks for the advice from both of you.

I also need to check out this Smart flash thing, because honestly, I can't believe that I know this stuff pat for the test and forget it a week later. It is driving me insane.

 

[netminder]

Wow; the OP sounds pretty well adjusted to me. Good job, bad virus. I'm impressed.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[McGillGrad]

I managed to have a blast in basic sciences and scored highly on step 1.

You are wasting your time beginning 6 months early. Then again, you know yourself and some people take a while to understand things.

 

[IM Substance P]

Nah brother, do all the tssking you want. That is why I am here, you have been through it and have the power of hindsight to help you with giving advice. Most of my social needs are handled by going to mosque (church for Muslims) every night (no joke). When it's time for the night prayer, that is when the books get put up. I also play soccer and foot ball on the weekends with friends. I used to teach Sunday School, but I haven't done that this semester, I will be back in it next week. From a social stand point, I think I am doing fine, but I do seem to only aggregate with the social network I had before hand.

Thanks for the advice from both of you.

I also need to check out this Smart flash thing, because honestly, I can't believe that I know this stuff pat for the test and forget it a week later. It is driving me insane.

I was going to scold you too, but you actually seem to be enjoying your life despite your insane study patterns.

I do think you should ask yourself, "Why do I need to get a 260+?" Any score over 240 (approximately 80th percentile) is going to get you an interview at any program in the country for most specialties.

If you're looking to match in rad onc, plastics, or derm, then maybe your efforts will be worth it. Otherwise, you're going to experience diminishing returns with each tick above 240 that you achieve.

 

[NYyanx28]

I want some advice from all of you who know better than me in this regard. I have started USMLE studying from day one of school. I have only been in school for 6 months but this is my study strategy so far.

Anatomy, cell Bio, Embryo, Hist: We were assigned Gray’s Anatomy for students (I read the whole thing cover to cover). I got an A in the class so I’m happy.


Test Prep/Review Material:

• Pre-Test Anatomy
• Grays Anatomy Review for Students (Has Embryo Questions too).
• Pre-Test Histology/Cell Biology
• UMich website
• High Yield Anatomy
• Blue Histology Website
• High Yield Embryology
• High Yeild Histology

Genetics and Neoplasia: We were assigned the Newest Big Robbins (I read every corresponding chapter). Got an A here and I am happy.


Test Prep/Review Material:

• Robbins review
• WebPathology
• Lippincotts Illustrated Review Biochemistry (for Genetics)
• Pretest Genetics
• Pretest Pathology

Infection and Immunity: ****ty book was assigned, so I just borrowed Lippincotts Illustrated review Microbiology, Micoro made ridiculously simple, and the Immunology chapters in the Kaplan home study program.


Test Prep/Review Material:

• Kaplan Q-Book
• Kaplan Qbank
• Pretest Microbiology
• Lange Microbiology Flash Cards
• Robbins Review for appropriate chapters.
• WebPathology for immunology.

I have been using First aid and Kaplan Med essentials for every block and I also use the First Aid Q&A book. I seem to be doing pretty well in classes but I always feel like I am going to fail for some reason.

My game plan for the rest of the blocks is as follows. Study the Kaplan Homestudy program for the current class along with text and lecture notes. Keep annotating my First aid book and Kaplan Med essentials book. Keep doing my Robbins review and Web Path and Pretest questions for each block along with First Aid Q&A. We don't get the summer off, we actually have to do a summer immersion program (I'm hoping mine is in the ER because of the breadth) and I plan on going over all of the Kaplan Home Study Material for all the Classes I took that far and then Prepping in Advance for the two last blocks.

We have to take the USMLE in February 2011 at my school and we get 6 weeks to study for it. My game plan is to have nothing better to do than to just do USMLEWorld and USMLERx Q-banks for those six weeks.

Does this sound like a solid plan? If not, how can I improve it?

Whoa.

 

[bad virus]

I was going to scold you too, but you actually seem to be enjoying your life despite your insane study patterns.

I do think you should ask yourself, "Why do I need to get a 260+?" Any score over 240 (approximately 80th percentile) is going to get you an interview at any program in the country for most specialties.

If you're looking to match in rad onc, plastics, or derm, then maybe your efforts will be worth it. Otherwise, you're going to experience diminishing returns with each tick above 240 that you achieve.

Good question,

Im not sure but someone said that is the magic number. Truth be told, I'm probably going for either EM or Peds (90% sure). Who knows though, I just don't like closing doors and I heard that the number to keep every door open is 260. Obviously, I haven't been through the whole process but it seems like thats what I should be doing (trying to maximize every part of my application).

As my drunk friend once put it: "If your going to be a Grizzly, be a bear!!" 😀

 

[RxnMan]

Good question,

Im not sure but someone said that is the magic number. Truth be told, I'm probably going for either EM or Peds (90% sure). Who knows though, I just don't like closing doors and I heard that the number to keep every door open is 260. Obviously, I haven't been through the whole process but it seems like thats what I should be doing (trying to maximize every part of my application).

As my drunk friend once put it: "If your going to be a Grizzly, be a bear!!" 😀

I was also going to give my standard "finger waggin' don't be a tool post," but it seems like you've got a plan and you're working it. I'd be worried about two things - scoring well on your class exams and maintaining this level of effort.

Always make sure you pay enough attention to class exams to pass them. From what I've heard from other students, and it was true in my case, there's what's tested in class and there's what's on the boards. There's some overlap, but it depends on how much your PhD lecturer wants you to know his research. 🙄 It helps if you've got pass/fail exams and no class ranking. But you want the grades to back up that number. You don't want to sacrifice so much that you negate the effect of a 260 with a failed class. It's almost always better to be strong all-around than great in just one area.

You will likely hit the wall at some point. Watch out for signs of depression and burn out. Have something outside of class to sustain yourself. Since you're going at this so early, you have time on your side, so you can step away if you need to recharge.

Keep up the good work.

 

[Mortal_Lessons]

I agree with RxnMan-be sure to learn as much as you can from class with dedicated board study time as a second priority. The best preparation for Step 1 is strong performance your first 2 years. This is the time in medical school where your only job as a student is to learn as much as possible. Take advantage and try to learn the material as deep as you can, so that you really have an understanding of how things work. Once you hit the wards, you have so many other menial tasks/responsibilities that you'll look fondly upon these days of intense learning. Always ask why and your endeavors for an answer will yield you much new knowledge. Good luck.

 

[Instatewaiter]

I think it is also improtant to know the important subjects on step 1. The 3 biggies are Physiology, Pathology and pharmacology.

The next are micro, neuro and depending on your test immuno and biochem

Anatomy is barely tested. Embryo is basically not tested. Histo is barely tested.

 

[bad virus]

Thanks for all the advice guys, trust me, social life is most important to me right now.

I also try my best to get A's in the course and learn "EVERYTHING"

I wanted some quick advice.

My school gave me Exam Masters for free, and I do those questions. I also have access to Kaplan QBank which I also do along with class.

I usually churn through all of these resources well before the final. Would it be a good or bad idea to also purchase USMLErx QMax for a one year subscription to do along with classes?

Money is not an issue, I got a full ride at my school so 350 bucks out of pocket is not a bad investment in my eyes.

Thanks in advance to everyone and thank you so much for all the helpful advice guys. I really appreciate it.

Your brother in love Bad Virus.

PS: To Dr. Zag, You know NPH is from my Home town don't you?

 

[werd]

this is what i did... my 2nd year classes had comprehensive finals, so i started reviewing all 2nd year material 3-4 mo before my step 1. after that, i spent 4-5 weeks doing the kaplan review book series (read all books, some parts twice), qbank, and first aid (2-3 times through). a similar stragety put me even higher on step 2. the kaplan books are expensive, but the scores can be worth it. werd.

 

[ZagDoc]

PS: To Dr. Zag, You know NPH is from my Home town don't you?

Awesome. I recently got my hands on a DVD of the first season of Doogie. Perfect for post-call days. Never realized how heavy some of the subjects covered in the show were, guess you don't pick up on that stuff when you're 5.

 

[bad virus]

Just wanted to post an update on what I have been doing so far. Even though I thought I was going to fail the Micro/Immuno block, I ended up just destroying it and came out with an A.

I'm currently in my neuroscience block and I am maintaining a low A which kinda has me on edge (only when I think about it).

I personnaly purchased USMLERX which I highly recommend to others. My school bought us the Kaplan Qbank and USMLE world and already provided us with a subscription to Exammasters. Been doing all that stuff but saving UWorld till the end, although I can't resist but to do some random questions here and there.

We start CVpulm/renal in two weeks, any advice on this guys?

 

[Cooolguy]

freaking tool man

 

[Perrotfish]

Just wanted to post an update on what I have been doing so far. Even though I thought I was going to fail the Micro/Immuno block, I ended up just destroying it and came out with an A.

Seriously?

 

[turkeyjerky]

Thanks for the update man, keep us posted


lol, this is too funny

 

[Krazykyle]

Dude I just don't see any benefit to studying for step 1 prior to the beginning of your 2nd year and pathology related subjects. Unless your school has inept teachers I would focus on learning your course basics (which it appears you are) to the best of your ability. It may sound great to start doing questions from Rx and World, but your return IMO is going to be low at this point because so many integrate pathological concepts that you just will not have time to learn if you are trying to ace your courses. You will have plenty of time starting post year one to recap the basics so you have a great handle on them going into your second year, and then throughout year two you can use Rx/Kaplan/World to hit the basics early in domains and build up your pathology basis throughout the year.

To each his own though, but for me I felt like it was important for me to learn the first year material cold (Biochem/Genetics/Microbio) before I started getting the facts for step 1 down.

 

[Krazykyle]

Seriously?

Here's the real question. How are you almost failing a course at one point, and then end up with an A?

If you take one exam for each unit, then you were never "almost failing", and if you take more than one exam, how is that even statistically possible.

Lets say you got a 80 on Exam 1 and an 100 on exam 2, that puts you at a 90%, and in that case you were never near failing.

 

[OpalOnyx]

Here's the real question. How are you almost failing a course at one point, and then end up with an A?

If you take one exam for each unit, then you were never "almost failing", and if you take more than one exam, how is that even statistically possible.

Lets say you got a 80 on Exam 1 and an 100 on exam 2, that puts you at a 90%, and in that case you were never near failing.

i think he said he 'thought' he was going to fail (ie prediction) but results turned out much better than expected

 

[Mandiblespeaks]

Hello Bad Virus,

I have a question for you. As an MS-O, I appreciate your early interest in practicing for the USMLE. I share a lot of common sentiments with you.

I am curious if you wouldn't mind providing me with some advice yourself. I was thinking of purchasing a large set of reference books myself for early review. eg, RR Biochem, CMMRS, Lippincott's Pharm etc etc to use along with each course. I could be wrong but this does not seem to be the path you are using? What is Robbins? Are you using referrences that discuss each course in-depth rather then using board review books?

I would greatly appreciate your insight. I think if we cant ask each other here for advice on how to perfect or improve ourselves, even if others judge us for our perfectionistic tendencies, then where can we? Keep kicking *ss. Hope to do it myself. Really would appreciate your advice as I gear up.🙂

 

[bad virus]

First off, thanks Opal. I don't see how hard it is to figure out. Our finals were 2/3 of our grade so if I failed that I failed the course . . . pretty simple huh? Turned out I knew the material better than I thought, the question banks just kept destroying me and my confidence with it. That's it.

No hard feelings though, I understand; I am sure I have been a jerk on other people's threads before so no worries. I am only posting this stuff to get advice and to keep track of how I studied for each block. If I do well on the boards someone can benifit from this info, and if I don't then people can benifit from that aswell. No need to trash the thread. Thanks guys.

Hello Bad Virus,

I have a question for you. As an MS-O, I appreciate your early interest in practicing for the USMLE. I share a lot of common sentiments with you.

I am curious if you wouldn't mind providing me with some advice yourself. I was thinking of purchasing a large set of reference books myself for early review. eg, RR Biochem, CMMRS, Lippincott's Pharm etc etc to use along with each course. I could be wrong but this does not seem to be the path you are using? What is Robbins? Are you using referrences that discuss each course in-depth rather then using board review books?

I would greatly appreciate your insight. I think if we cant ask each other here for advice on how to perfect or improve ourselves, even if others judge us for our perfectionistic tendencies, then where can we? Keep kicking *ss. Hope to do it myself. Really would appreciate your advice as I gear up.🙂

Mandible, I feel you. Since you are still early on in the game and everyone has different learning styles, I would totally recommend stoping by the medical book store or library at your school and taking a look at what they have to offer in terms of review books. Here is what I found, the review books are only supplements and you have to use the heavy hitting books during school and then the week of the exam you review everything you learned from the review books.

Definitely get first aid to help you see what your school doesn't cover in terms of boards so you can study that materiel as well, during it's respective block. The books you picked out are awsome, but make sure they fit your learning style. The lippincott's pharmacology is just awsome and the CMMRS is amazing as well but I used lippincotts for micro + Lange's micro cards. So yeah, use your time now to go to the library and scope out what they have in terms of text books and the review books to solidify what you learn from the textbooks. You don't have to buy what they tell you to buy, only what makes it easier for you to understand.

Personally, I believe the Kaplan lecture notes with the Kaplan videos are the best along with some serious studying during the block. Remember, what works for me might not work for you (but you already know that).

Robbins pathologic basis of disease is a pathology text book that is an excellent reference during med school. Everyone agrees that if you read the chapters in it and do the questions in the accompanying robbins review of pathology book, and maybe also do the questions in web pathology you will be a beast when it comes to path. My school doesn't have an official path block so I have to do this to keep up with the game.

Sorry for my random ramblings but if you want me to be more specific about anything in general, let me know and I hope you destroy the USMLE bro.

Take care.

 

[akmedman]

Where do you get the Kaplan Videos and Notes from? Is this a download or can you buy it online?

 

[turkeyjerky]

lol at the fact that this thread has devolved into a 1st year giving a pre-med advice on studying step 1

 

[Mandiblespeaks]

lol at the fact that this thread has devolved into a 1st year giving a pre-med advice on studying step 1

He is getting A's in all his courses. He is one of (in my opinion) a few other students out there who really want and have choosen to go the Board Study Route from day one. Dont you discuss things with your peers. It isnt necc Board review I was asking him for but his approach to early board prepping (minutia but its different).

I am not foolish enough to believe that I know my arse from my elbow so if you have something usefull to add I would greatly appreciate it. I am looking for a study plan starting MS1 because thats what I have decided to do. Any thoughts?

Thanks

 

[cleothecat]

Threads like this is why some of us old timers follow SDN rather than Jay Leno or Dr Phil for entertainment!🙂

 

[mq123]

Threads like this is why some of us old timers follow SDN rather than Jay Leno or Dr Phil for entertainment!🙂

HA!

 

[myocyte]

I really wish PD's would look at social aptitude a little more when interviewing. My generation of doctors is going to be the most socially ******ed yet.

 

[dbth77]

After reading this thread it is clear that this profession is officially screwed

 

[myocyte]

After reading this thread it is clear that this profession is officially screwed

Gotta go into pvt practice and not deal with these dorks

 

[bad virus]

I'm honestly surprised by the way some of you people respond to others on the internet. Is it just the fact that this is a semi-anonymous medium, or is this how you honestly interact with people in real life?

Personally, I was taught to try and help a person if and when I saw them taking a turn for the wrong. When I first posted, I expected many replies with, "Hey BV, thats not such a good idea, but maybe you should try this." Or "Hey BV, your method might work."

Like mandible said, I'm smart enough to know that I don't have it all figured out and that is why I posted this thread, so how about helping out a bit or just spare us the immaturity. It seriously is crude and uncalled for and I wouldn't believe any of you would behave this way if I asked you about USMLE advice in person.

 

[mrmandrake]

I'm honestly surprised by the way some of you people respond to others on the internet. Is it just the fact that this is a semi-anonymous medium, or is this how you honestly interact with people in real life?

Personally, I was taught to try and help a person if and when I saw them taking a turn for the wrong. When I first posted, I expected many replies with, "Hey BV, thats not such a good idea, but maybe you should try this." Or "Hey BV, your method might work."

Like mandible said, I'm smart enough to know that I don't have it all figured out and that is why I posted this thread, so how about helping out a bit or just spare us the immaturity. It seriously is crude and uncalled for and I wouldn't believe any of you would behave this way if I asked you about USMLE advice in person.

I think you should feel sorry for these guys who come on here just to bad mouth you because you are shooting for a 260+. It must be some defense mechanism thing where they need to convince themselves that in order to score 260+ one needs to give up their social life, and the reason they scored so low is because they were so cool that they were unwilling to give up their social life. Or they assume that you are somehow socially inept because you have such lofty ambitions. I'm sure I read about it in BeSci somewhere. OK, enough of that.

If you want to score 260+, you're going to have to work very hard and efficiently. I haven't taken it yet but I do know three 250+ and two 260+ scorers, two who are relatives of mine. You need to have no weaknesses and be very comfortable with the testing environment. Review every day, maybe just for an hour. Personally I wouldn't try hard to honor classes. Use FA early and supplement with review books mentioned on this forum. Test yourself with Qbanks right after you finish a class and see if you can answer the type of questions asked. If not, you need to review more or figure out what is wrong. I don't go to class and I wouldn't recommend it if you don't have to.

Study 5-6 hours a day and you should be fine. I wake up at 8am and I'm done with studying by 5pm. I take breaks, eat, nap, whatever I want, but I get in 5-6 hours a day. It's harder than it sounds, try timing yourself and you'll see. When 5pm hits, I'm free to workout or go bowling or whatever. In the end, you need to be well rounded so make sure to do well in your 3rd year, do some research if you like (or if you're going into something super competitive). A 260+ isn't necessary and you should be fine with a 240+ for almost anything as long as you're well rounded.

So bottom line, there are no shortcuts to a 260+ so study efficiently, test your knowledge, balance your life, ignore idiots online and repeat as necessary. Good luck.

 

[Blondnuttyboy]

Dude..honestly, just focus on school AND follow along your coursework with step material. Buy a Goljan's path, First Aid, and BRS PSIO. when you finish a block, make sure you understand what's pertinent to the boards and move on.

Anything more than this will be marginal, for now. Get your basic sciences foundation down hardcore and it'll all come together 2nd year.

 

[bluntdissector]

I really wish PD's would look at social aptitude a little more when interviewing. My generation of doctors is going to be the most socially ******ed yet.

They do. Check out the Program Directors Survey

@ the OP: Shot for going for 260+, goals are important and performing to one's ability is very satisfying. However, do not think that a good (or excellent) Step 1 score = a good doctor, a good researcher, a residency spot or an interesting or successful person. Yes, Step 1 is an important measurable variable when comparing yourself to your peers, but it is only ONE variable. I got above 260, and I am stoked, but it wouldn't have been worth focusing on boards from the start for me. Have a look at the survey results...

Good luck!

 

[Stark]

bad virus -

The list of text seems appropriate, but don't get bogged down in too much first year stuff.

Basically Step 1 is very heavily weighted to second year courses (i.e. lots of path and almost no biochem). On your list there are three anatomy resources, probably excessive.

My experience was that is a fact is a highly tested fact, it will appear in multiple resources. For example, if a topic is mentioned in First Aid, and Step Up, and USMLE Recall - you should know it - it's important. So don't get bogged down trying to memorize PreTest Anatomy when you haven't made it through First Aid yet.

My advice, do well in your first year courses using FA as you go along. Then make it through several comprehensive resources 3 times (for retention). I used First Aid, Step-up, Underground Clinical Vignettes, and Gold Standard and scored a 253 on Step 1 - which got me a good residency.

Going through everything 3 times makes sure: 1. you've covered everything (at least familiar with everything) 2. you retain a lot. Don't read 20 books one time. Read only a few books many times. . . it worked for me.

By the way, why do you want a 260? What fields are you interested in? Radiation Oncology perhaps???

Stark

USMLE Audio
Gold Standard Audio

 

[starkcrazy]

I think you should feel sorry for these guys who come on here just to bad mouth you because you are shooting for a 260+. It must be some defense mechanism thing where they need to convince themselves that in order to score 260+ one needs to give up their social life, and the reason they scored so low is because they were so cool that they were unwilling to give up their social life. Or they assume that you are somehow socially inept because you have such lofty ambitions. I'm sure I read about it in BeSci somewhere. OK, enough of that.

If you want to score 260+, you're going to have to work very hard and efficiently. I haven't taken it yet but I do know three 250+ and two 260+ scorers, two who are relatives of mine. You need to have no weaknesses and be very comfortable with the testing environment. Review every day, maybe just for an hour. Personally I wouldn't try hard to honor classes. Use FA early and supplement with review books mentioned on this forum. Test yourself with Qbanks right after you finish a class and see if you can answer the type of questions asked. If not, you need to review more or figure out what is wrong. I don't go to class and I wouldn't recommend it if you don't have to.

Study 5-6 hours a day and you should be fine. I wake up at 8am and I'm done with studying by 5pm. I take breaks, eat, nap, whatever I want, but I get in 5-6 hours a day. It's harder than it sounds, try timing yourself and you'll see. When 5pm hits, I'm free to workout or go bowling or whatever. In the end, you need to be well rounded so make sure to do well in your 3rd year, do some research if you like (or if you're going into something super competitive). A 260+ isn't necessary and you should be fine with a 240+ for almost anything as long as you're well rounded.

So bottom line, there are no shortcuts to a 260+ so study efficiently, test your knowledge, balance your life, ignore idiots online and repeat as necessary. Good luck.

I agree with post for the most part... especially the last part about ignoring the posts that are just useless filler material.

One thing I disagree with the advice on not trying hard to honoring courses. In the grand scheme of things, basic science grades are not terribly important for residency applications. However for competitive fields - AOA will matter. And honors are almost a requirement to place you in good ranking/eligibility for AOA. Not saying that's what you should shoot for... Just do your best. Don't pass up on honors if you can work for it and get it.

 

[DoctorCR]

I would agree with everything in your strategy except the Kaplan QBank. There are better options.

 

[Leopoldovich1]

So did this guy get his 260 or what?

 

[Jabbed]

249.