How to study for Step 3

[chesspro_md]

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If anyone can tell me which are the better study guides for step 3 it would be very helpful. I have three months off before starting residency so I have decided to take step 3 in this time period. I have not heard anything about this test, so any info would be helpful.

Thanks.

 

[FliteSurgn]

I think that the consensus is that no one really needs to study for Step III. I've heard that all you need to do is go through the sample stuff on the disk that they send you. I'm not sure about that though since I took it back when it was a bubblesheet exam.

Of course, I tend to be a believer in finding out what I know on a test and not what I can cram right before the exam. That's the same reason why I don't believe in studying for ABSITEs. That's just me though.

 

[fullefect1]

ya, I read a post about a week ago that said all you need to do is bring a pencil.

 

[DoctorDoom]

Generally don't need to study too much, but the guys who kicked ass when I was a resident got one review book and studied the high yield stuff. Took them about 2-4 weeks. If you don't study, like I didn't, you'll pass fine, but if you want to do well then you need to do some studying. It's a cakewalk compared to the other Steps.

 

[Winged Scapula]

I'd do more than just show up with a number two pencil, especially given the assumption that since you're posting in the Surgery forum that you might be of surgical persuasion.

There's an awful lot of stuff you might have forgotten. That said, I don't think you need to do anymore than read one of the review books (ie, Ace the Boards, Crack the boards, etc.) a few weeks ahead of time and practice the simulated patient encounter stuff.

Surgery residents are not known for doing well on this exam - you don't have to Ace it, but you don't want to fail it (which you may well do if you just show up).

 

[addicted2hope]

Among the review books (Crush, Crack, Ace, Boards and Wards, etc), Crush Step 3 would be the best choice. Make sure you practice with the USMLE CD questions and become familiar with the CCS software. Like any software, you need to spend some time with it to know how it is supposed to work.

 

[Winged Scapula]

Among the review books (Crush, Crack, Ace, Boards and Wards, etc), Crush Step 3 would be the best choice. Make sure you practice with the USMLE CD questions and become familiar with the CCS software. Like any software, you need to spend some time with it to know how it is supposed to work.

Is that the green one? If so, I'd recommend that one over the others as well. Being familiar with the CCS will save you a lot of time come test day, as you noted.

 

[chesspro_md]

Thanks Kimberli and Addicted. I am looking to score well on Step 3. I have heard from other General Surgery residents that it is tougher for them to do well on this test because surgical residencies do not cover much of the obgyn, peds, or medicine that you need on this test. So thanks for the advice.

 

[Winged Scapula]

Thanks Kimberli and Addicted. I am looking to score well on Step 3. I have heard from other General Surgery residents that it is tougher for them to do well on this test because surgical residencies do not cover much of the obgyn, peds, or medicine that you need on this test. So thanks for the advice.

Not that you shouldn't try and do well, but for what? I doubt it will affect your future residency/fellowship chances.

But you're right...most surgical residencies give you little of the other fields.

 

[chesspro_md]

Not that you shouldn't try and do well, but for what? I doubt it will affect your future residency/fellowship chances.

But you're right...most surgical residencies give you little of the other fields.

I thought that it would be taken into consideration for fellowships. Also, I did so well on the other steps that it does not make since to "show up with a pencil" for step 3.

 

[Winged Scapula]

I thought that it would be taken into consideration for fellowships. Also, I did so well on the other steps that it does not make since to "show up with a pencil" for step 3.

I have not heard that - more important will be your in-training exam scores, LORs, research (for some of the more competitive fellowships), evals, etc. I don't know anyone who looks at Step 3 unless you haven't passed it. If you wish to do well for your own sake that's another matter.

 

[njbmd]

Hi Folks,
You don't need the pencils anymore because it's on computer! Yeah! It's not too bad if you have been alive during your fourth-year medicine or intern year.
njbmd

 

[vertigo]

Is Kaplan for Step 3 or USMLEworld Qbank for Step 3 worth subscribing to? Anyone have personal experience with these?

 

[addicted2hope]

Is Kaplan for Step 3 or USMLEworld Qbank for Step 3 worth subscribing to? Anyone have personal experience with these?

You don't need any of those to pass the Step 3 unless you are a bad test-taker. Besides those are nothing like the real exam. I started with Kaplan Qbank and I felt it was a waste of time after about 200 questions.

 

[Vukken99]

This test will give you license so think about that

I studied like 6 months and I did well.

You need to study.

I know guys who flunked

 

[Vukken99]

Look at the applications of many fellowships...

The competitive ones not only ask for in service scores but they actually
want to know your board scores from I, II and III.

I am not sure how much it would matter in getting the fellowship but
if you can imagine from the program directors perspective a candidate with
average in service and average boards....looks worse than someone with good
boards score all along and good in service scores...

It is like you can see the type of candidate you are....persistent and consistent.
I think people should study and do well on Step 3. in my opinion

 

[apma77]

one should definitely spend atleast 1 month reviewing for the step 3, this is NOT an easy exam and esp for most surgeons (for example most dont know how to treat polymyalgia rheumatica ot TTP).

study,,get it over with and move on!