If you could do it all over again

[the prodogy]

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If you could do it all over again, how would you have studied to best prepare for the COMPLEX or maybe the USMLE (if you decide to take it). I figured that using board review study books to study for matierial we are currently going over in class may be the best way. What do those who have taken think is the best approach to being prepared for these exams is?

 

[karizma098]

hello 'prodogy'

it's the COMLEX, not COMPLEX.

don't sweat boards until your 2nd year of medical school, and yes, using board review books with courses is helpful.

 

[TexasTriathlete]

I would have gotten a Qbank during first year to help me study along with class. I would have gotten it right after anatomy.

These questions have really changed the way I think when I'm approaching a case. I wish I had started sooner.

 

[ChiDO]

buy First Aid as soon as you start systems. (that is if your school is systems based). Usually you'll be using an old edition of FA by the time you take boards, but having it highlighted and notes written in from classwork during a system is invaluable. (ie. I have FA 2009 for my June 2010 boards).

 

[TexasTriathlete]

I've only used USMLE world so far, and I think its great.

I'm almost done with that, and I will try Kaplan and USMLE Rx next.

My understanding is that Kaplan tests more on minutia (which may make it better for following along with class), and USMLE Rx goes hand-in-hand with first aid. Rx also has the most questions, I think, and is the cheapest.

I will let you know what I think, but honestly, I'd do as many questions as I could get my hands on. I learn better that way though. I'd fail boards miserably if I tried to study by just reading first aid.

And if you get a copy of FA early, I highly suggest getting a new one and starting from scratch when you start your board prep. Your old copy that you used for class will be cluttered up with bull****.

I used FA for a few mnemonics and stuff during classes, but I didn't look at it too terribly much.