- Joined
- Feb 21, 2002
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Hi,
I have received 10-12 PM's from users who have failed the Step I, and I assume there must be others out there. Here is the advice I have given many times and hope you find it useful if you did indeed fail the Step I......
Hey there ******,
Thank you for trusting me enough to ask me for advice. I would advise you as I would a family member...
First of all, TODAY is a new day. Congratulations on making it this far and best of luck on getting a good start to your 3rd year.
As you probably know, I like to keep my advice simple and straightforward. I'll try to do that. Taking the exam sooner than later might not be a bad idea. On the other hand, if you take it too soon, you won't be able to study enough to pass again (most likely 😉 ).
1. You MUST put the Step I ahead of making HONORS during your 3rd year rotations. I know the Step I is much more important. I would do enough to pass or high-pass your M-3 courses, regardless of the rotation, and focus as much time as you can on the Step I. This means weekends, too.
2. I would focus on three books and screw the rest.
a. First Aid -- read this every chance you get. In front of the TV, on the toilet, etc. You need to READ (not skim) this through 2-3 more times before taking the Step I again. Key point: MEMORIZE the pharmacology section -- it's 95+% of the pharmacology they'll ask you. Other key sections are Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Physiology -- heck, it's a darn good book!!!
b. BRS Path -- this book truly is great and has a ton of key points. Read it through 2-3 more times before taking the exam. Key point: the first 6 chapters (basic pathology) are VERY, VERY high yield.
c. BRS Physiology -- this should ideally be integrated with BRS Path. Be sure that you understand the physiology behind the pathology (= pathophysiology!). Understand which directions things go (like if a patient has primary hyperparathyroidism, which direction does PTH, Ca++, Alk. Phos., and Phosphate go?). Key point: Over half of the questions regarding physiology on most people's exams involve the "arrow"-type questions.
d. Do questions, Do questions. Did you do QBank? It's VERY good. Did you do the Appleton & Lange question book? It's also very good. There are many question sources out there that can serve you very well. The NBME exams ($45 each) are a very good thing to take as well.
I think this approach will get you an easily passing score, assuming you came fairly close on your first attempt.
Basically, I can't tell you WHEN to take the exam, but I can say that when you do the above 4 things (a. - d.), you should be ready, whenever that is.
Best of luck, and please keep in touch. Best wishes.
P.S. I'll be happy to answer any specific questions you might have...
I have received 10-12 PM's from users who have failed the Step I, and I assume there must be others out there. Here is the advice I have given many times and hope you find it useful if you did indeed fail the Step I......
Hey there ******,
Thank you for trusting me enough to ask me for advice. I would advise you as I would a family member...
First of all, TODAY is a new day. Congratulations on making it this far and best of luck on getting a good start to your 3rd year.
As you probably know, I like to keep my advice simple and straightforward. I'll try to do that. Taking the exam sooner than later might not be a bad idea. On the other hand, if you take it too soon, you won't be able to study enough to pass again (most likely 😉 ).
1. You MUST put the Step I ahead of making HONORS during your 3rd year rotations. I know the Step I is much more important. I would do enough to pass or high-pass your M-3 courses, regardless of the rotation, and focus as much time as you can on the Step I. This means weekends, too.
2. I would focus on three books and screw the rest.
a. First Aid -- read this every chance you get. In front of the TV, on the toilet, etc. You need to READ (not skim) this through 2-3 more times before taking the Step I again. Key point: MEMORIZE the pharmacology section -- it's 95+% of the pharmacology they'll ask you. Other key sections are Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Physiology -- heck, it's a darn good book!!!
b. BRS Path -- this book truly is great and has a ton of key points. Read it through 2-3 more times before taking the exam. Key point: the first 6 chapters (basic pathology) are VERY, VERY high yield.
c. BRS Physiology -- this should ideally be integrated with BRS Path. Be sure that you understand the physiology behind the pathology (= pathophysiology!). Understand which directions things go (like if a patient has primary hyperparathyroidism, which direction does PTH, Ca++, Alk. Phos., and Phosphate go?). Key point: Over half of the questions regarding physiology on most people's exams involve the "arrow"-type questions.
d. Do questions, Do questions. Did you do QBank? It's VERY good. Did you do the Appleton & Lange question book? It's also very good. There are many question sources out there that can serve you very well. The NBME exams ($45 each) are a very good thing to take as well.
I think this approach will get you an easily passing score, assuming you came fairly close on your first attempt.
Basically, I can't tell you WHEN to take the exam, but I can say that when you do the above 4 things (a. - d.), you should be ready, whenever that is.
Best of luck, and please keep in touch. Best wishes.
P.S. I'll be happy to answer any specific questions you might have...
