How hard is it to actually pass the USMLE

[docbarry]

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Just wondering..I read alot of posts and hear about foreign docs really struggling to pass the boards. I know the boards are tough, and that you have to study extremely hard to do well. I am just questioning why people make it sound like it is close to impossible to pass the boards especially if you are a foreign grad. I believe the exam has 350 questions and you need at least 187 to pass. (something like that).. I would think that if you go through med school and studied well you should be able to waltz in there and get at least 187 right. Can someone tell me what they think about the boards in general and how hard is it to actually obtain a passing score?

 

[Brian Pavlovitz]

It varies for different foreign schools, of course--not to mention the caliber of students taking the test.

For instance, I'm from SGU and just passed the boards; I think the school did a fairly decent job in preparing us for it. I did fairly well (85%), and honestly didn't spend 8 hours of every day for months on end studying. I spent a good 5 weeks going over material, but again, I just can't sit there for 8 hours straight and study. Study methods will, of course, be different for different people, too.

I really feel that if you learn the material well the first time, passing the Step should be relatively easy. Not necessarily a cake walk, but not too difficult, either.

 

[awdc]

Yeah, it really depends on the school. The big 3 Carib schools are U.S. style med schools so their curriculum should emphasize everything you need for practice in the U.S. and for Step 1. Also, you have to remember that there are many, many FMG's who come from countries where English is not their first language.

 

[bts4202]

Actually I have to disagree. Although going to a school that has adequate teaching is important, it is not the most important thing. The most important thing is the student themselves. People at harvard still fail the boards. Its all about how hard each person works... no school can garuntee you will pass the boards.

 

[Aucdoctobe]

Actually I have to disagree. Although going to a school that has adequate teaching is important, it is not the most important thing. The most important thing is the student themselves. People at harvard still fail the boards. Its all about how hard each person works... no school can garuntee you will pass the boards.

I think it's always the person who ultimately makes the score. However, a school's curriculum can certainly make things easier.