If YOU failed Step I........

[bigfrank]

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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...

 

[IlianaSedai]

Two things to add:

1. You have another opportunity to totally ACE the exam. And you do have the potential to do so. Don't give up on yourself!

2. I highly recommend downloading and using a SCHEDULE if you haven't done so before. A schedule that's been tested out and recommended by other students is a good way to make sure you cover all the bases without missing important topics. Some people like the one from Michigan Med, which is very rigid and tells you exactly what pages to read (I would drop the less important books and focus on the ones bigfrank mentioned, adding no more than one more book to the list in your weak areas). I hated being so rigidly pigeonholed into reading an exact number of pages per day, so I took the Lippincott schedule which just tells you how many days to allot per subject. I didn't follow it exactly, but it's a good way to give yourself a timed checklist of topics to cover.

 

[Jaded Soul]

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.

I disagree with your philosophy. I think that many people who have actually been through third year would as well. When it comes down to the residency application process, clinical grades can't be overlooked or sacrificed.

If you've already failed Step 1, that's going to be a huge strike against, no matter what your score is when you pass. If you pass the second time at the expense of your clerkship performance, you're not going to make a good impression to people who are going to write you letters of recommendation. The attitude should be that you need to focus even more on the clerkships and try to make up for the hole you've put yourself in by failing Step 1. Everyone who fails Step 1 is obviously study hard to pass when they retake it. The person that stands out will be the one that also does well during clerkships.

Who looks better?

Applicant A: Failed Step 1. 220 on second try. Studied his butt off to do well on clerkship/shelf exams and give himself a chance to honor. Receive honors in 2 clerkships. High pass in the rest. No passes. Stellar recommendation from attendings speaking to the applicant's dedication during the rotations, exemplified by an honors performance on the wards and on the exam.

Applicant B: Failed Step 1. 235 on second try. Studying directed to doing well on Step 1, at the expense of studying for clerkship/shelf exams. No honors because test scores weren't high enough. High pass and pass in the rest. Average recommendations from attendings who couldn't write much positive about the applicant because they were often not prepared during rounds, in clinic, etc.

Obviously, these are contrived situations, but you get the picture. I think it's completely wrong to tell people to study only enough to pass or high-pass their clerkships. Don't read too much into the Step 1 score. Sure, a high score will get your foot in the door for some residencies, but your clinical grades and letters of recommendation are equally important, if not more important to your application.

 

[CharlieMurphy]

Maybe you should take the COMPLEX, i hear its easier.

 

[BamaAlum]

Maybe you should take the COMPLEX, i hear its easier.

Maybe you should lay off the crack.

 

[14022]

Maybe you should consider taking off during a rotation and taking 4-6 weeks to concentrate solely on the step. I couldn't imagine going through any rotation and having time to study for the step. If you take off a 6 week rotation (at my school, psych and ob are 6 week rotations), then you can just take less personal time the fourth year and still graduate on time. This way, you get to focus solely on step 1, you dont have to worry about how you are doing on rotations, and youre graduation date will not be pushed back.

Just a suggestion. Ultimately, you have to choose what is best for you.

And to play devil's advocate, just because a few people scored in the 260's on step 1, it does not by any means make them the sole expert on step 1 preparation. No offense to those who keep giving advice. I think you are doing great things. I just think all those seeking advice should remember that the the study habits of certain individuals cannot be adopted by everyone. Do not try to force yourself into a regimen that does not fit your personality or interferes with other obligations in your life. By this time, you should know which learning methods work and which ones do not. Best of luck.

 

[bigfrank]

Maybe you should consider taking off during a rotation and taking 4-6 weeks to concentrate solely on the step. I couldn't imagine going through any rotation and having time to study for the step. If you take off a 6 week rotation (at my school, psych and ob are 6 week rotations), then you can just take less personal time the fourth year and still graduate on time. This way, you get to focus solely on step 1, you dont have to worry about how you are doing on rotations, and youre graduation date will not be pushed back.

Just a suggestion. Ultimately, you have to choose what is best for you.

And to play devil's advocate, just because a few people scored in the 260's on step 1, it does not by any means make them the sole expert on step 1 preparation. No offense to those who keep giving advice. I think you are doing great things. I just think all those seeking advice should remember that the the study habits of certain individuals cannot be adopted by everyone. Do not try to force yourself into a regimen that does not fit your personality or interferes with other obligations in your life. By this time, you should know which learning methods work and which ones do not. Best of luck.

Hey there scholes,

I don't know where your obvious rage ( 😡 ) is coming from, but I'll bet I can guess. 😉

Anyway, as usual, I start a thread with the only intention to help people and get blasted by idiots who have nothing constructive to contribute but are always quick to criticize.

I decided to post this thread after receiving literally 11 (I counted) complimentary replies from PM's to which I have replied.

 

[Seaglass]

I disagree with your philosophy. I think that many people who have actually been through third year would as well. When it comes down to the residency application process, clinical grades can't be overlooked or sacrificed.

Yeah, I would disagree as well. That you failed x 1 is going to be out there no matter how well you do the next time. Clinical grades and letters count for a lot more than people realize.

C

 

[Blade28]

Let's not forget that, in general, those who fail Step 1 the first time don't tend to score in the 220s-230s the second time around. (This is not including those with legitimate extenuating circumstances during the first Step 1 attempt.)

Having said that, some of my classmates would argue that, if you're shooting for a semi-competitive field (G-Surg, etc.), it'd be better to fail the first time 'round and then do well on a re-take, than to barely pass.

In other words, 178 --> 220 would look better than a 185.

What do you guys think about this?

 

[scrappy]

Hey there scholes,

I don't know where your obvious rage ( 😡 ) is coming from, but I'll bet I can guess. 😉

Anyway, as usual, I start a thread with the only intention to help people and get blasted by idiots who have nothing constructive to contribute but are always quick to criticize.

I decided to post this thread after receiving literally 11 (I counted) complimentary replies from PM's to which I have replied.

hey big frank,

i'm not a frequent poster, but i am a regular lurker. not to criticize, but i think you've taken scholes's suggestion in the wrong way. i don't think he was aiming to criticize your opinions, just to offer an alternate one and to suggest that people should listen to several opinions bf making their own decisions. of course, i could be wrong, too, but i didn't read any rage coming from his message. he did say you were doing a great thing by offering your help.

 

[14022]

Obvious rage? Hmm. I did not know that offering advice on this forum was obvious rage. I thought I was entitled to my opinion as much as the next man or woman.

Let's break down bigfrank's strategy for step 1.

I am sure he studied his ass off the first two years of medical school. He started studying intensely 6 months ahead of time. He read through several books during his studying. I am assuming he had a less of an obligation to a spouse or significant other, to children, or to other activities. This is not the case for all medical students.

To get a 267, you have to ELIMINATE THE WORD "HIGH-YIELD" FROM YOUR VOCABULARY, because you aim to learn everything, which is not possible for the majority of medical students.

People asking for advice are people that probably were in the middle of their class, with only 3-4 weeks available to prepare for the step. It is only logical that I think those people would also benefit from advice posted by people who were in similar situations. It is only logical as well, that you are not quite aware of what it takes to do well with only a few weeks to study, because you have not done so.

By no means have I ever established myself as an expert to preparing for step 1. I just choose to offer alternatives for those who do not have 6 months to prepare for a step. To be called an "idiot" with "nothing constructive to post" is not only childish and narcissistic, but also completely disrespectful to those trying to offer advice as well. I don't care how many people "praised" your generosity with personal messages, the way you reacted was unacceptable. And I know you are going to come back and say that I am a ***** and probably just jealous of your score, which you have done numerous other times. Feel free, because it doesnt bother me. Whatever it takes for you to feel confident, please act on that, even if it involves insulting other posters and creating and atmosphere of animosity that will ultimately decrease other people's desire to post advice.

Just another example of how a great test score does not correlate with people skills and potential for becoming a good physician.

 

[lotanna]

goodness y'all need to chill.

bigfrank's post was a mere suggestion, its up to the folks to use it or not after all.
If they decide to use it, then good, if they dont, then good. It takes nothing away from it. The people chose to contact him out of their own free will.
Granted we shouldnt knock down others opinion, since its because of people posted their opinion and advice that teh forum remains active and useful.

 

[DrDre']

Scholes last post will be attacked by BF, to be sure.
The original post by Scholes was completely reasonable.
My dad who was a foreign language teacher used to say those who were not perfect students were the best teachers because they had struggled and had to develop coping strategies. I have seen this repeatedly. I think this is what scholes was alluding to.

Since I am gonna get flamed for supporting scholes, I might as well continue....

BF, you are everyone's friend and helpful confidente, oozing with advice and exuberant thank yous. However, as soon as someone even thinks about disagreeing with you, you attack like George Costanza.

Everyone agrees your score is awesome. You have given great advice. You have posted helpful points and supportive words. You, yourself, negate what you have done when you react like you have.

It blows your facade.

 

[lotanna]

Scholes last post will be attacked by BF, to be sure.
The original post by Scholes was completely reasonable.
My dad who was a foreign language teacher used to say those who were not perfect students were the best teachers because they had struggled and had to develop coping strategies. I have seen this repeatedly. I think this is what scholes was alluding to.

Since I am gonna get flamed for supporting scholes, I might as well continue....

BF, you are everyone's friend and helpful confidente, oozing with advice and exuberant thank yous. However, as soon as someone even thinks about disagreeing with you, you attack like George Costanza.

Everyone agrees your score is awesome. You have given great advice. You have posted helpful points and supportive words. You, yourself, negate what you have done when you react like you have.

It blows your facade.

This makes sense, I know it applies with me and the MCAT. I seem to have more to say about studying for it, that my friends who did gr8 on their 1st try. I had to learn the hard way, but now I do believe anyone can do okay on the mcat and get into med schl with right frame of mind and adequate resources like Examkrackers.

 

[scootad.]

Obvious rage? Hmm. I did not know that offering advice on this forum was obvious rage. I thought I was entitled to my opinion as much as the next man or woman.

Let's break down bigfrank's strategy for step 1.

I am sure he studied his ass off the first two years of medical school. He started studying intensely 6 months ahead of time. He read through several books during his studying. I am assuming he had a less of an obligation to a spouse or significant other, to children, or to other activities. This is not the case for all medical students.

To get a 267, you have to ELIMINATE THE WORD "HIGH-YIELD" FROM YOUR VOCABULARY, because you aim to learn everything, which is not possible for the majority of medical students.

People asking for advice are people that probably were in the middle of their class, with only 3-4 weeks available to prepare for the step. It is only logical that I think those people would also benefit from advice posted by people who were in similar situations. It is only logical as well, that you are not quite aware of what it takes to do well with only a few weeks to study, because you have not done so.

Great post. I agree with you 100%. There is nothing at all in your post to indicate rage. BF went off the boil. And I totally agree that 6 months of prep and 4 weeks of prep are 2 totally different animals.

 

[DrDre']

Bonjour la belle reine!

Get off your computer and enjoy your summer!

Amusez-vous bien cet ete pour vous allez bosser comme une folle en aout!!

 

[orthoman5000]

I am assuming he had a less of an obligation to a spouse or significant other, to children, or to other activities. This is not the case for all medical students.

I think BigFrank did say he had a wife and kids.

 

[bigfrank]

I am sure he studied his ass off the first two years of medical school. He started studying intensely 6 months ahead of time. He read through several books during his studying. I am assuming he had a less of an obligation to a spouse or significant other, to children, or to other activities. This is not the case for all medical students.

To get a 267, you have to ELIMINATE THE WORD "HIGH-YIELD" FROM YOUR VOCABULARY, because you aim to learn everything, which is not possible for the majority of medical students.

People asking for advice are people that probably were in the middle of their class, with only 3-4 weeks available to prepare for the step. It is only logical that I think those people would also benefit from advice posted by people who were in similar situations. It is only logical as well, that you are not quite aware of what it takes to do well with only a few weeks to study, because you have not done so.

.

1. I submit that your hateful & veiled responses suggests another example of how a much lower score does not magically correlate with someone who is altruistic, kind, and a wonderful physician/person. Some people love to make this assumption, many times like they assume that people with less money are happier in the 'long run.' Further, people like to assume that someone who has been attacked repeatedly on some stupid anonymous forum by jealous idiots should roll over and play dead. Listen, my advice was not for you and I don't really concern myself with how you interpret how wrong and misguided it was.

2. It is also rather comical how you assume that you HAVE to read entire textbooks and dedicate multiple hours a day for MONTHS to score extraordinarily well on the Step I. "HIGH YIELD" was the only word in my vocabulary, but thank you for telling me how I studied to get the 267. This is a cop-out and an excuse. You wouldn't believe us if my wife and I told you how many hours I studied while holding my precious daughter and how many trips we made on weekends to our parents' house, but thank you again for your brilliant insight. I genuinely did NOT know any material that wasn't in a few HY/BRS books and QBank. If you didn't notice, as virtually every poster has commented, the Step I tests a few very BASIC concepts with integrated/complicated questions that require reasoning. Having a good understanding of basic comments, as I have stressed repeatedly, is crucial to scoring well. These basic comments are found in the 3 readable books I recommended.

3. Finally, I stand by my comments about how to approach a retake of the Step I. It just makes sense. These kind individuals that have PM'd me have wanted MY advice and I given it to them. Basically, it is disappointing to think that as they work their ass off during their M-3 year, they are going to slowly forget the Step I material, making preparation more and more difficult. With that on anybody's mind, it would be virtually impossible to do truly stellar. Anyhow, who cares how many HONORS someone gets if they are unable to pass the first licensing exam? I think a >200 is in many of their futures.

4. Another 4 PMs from users this morning who thanked me for my post and believe my advice makes perfect sense to them and their goals/study methods. I would be happy to provide IDs but I would never betray confidence in that way.

Listen, I am sorry scholes if I misinterpreted your initial post. I am sure we'll never be "SDN friends" (whatever that means on an anonymous forum), but I think you should have posted your dissent to my original post in another thread.

 

[lotanna]

Bonjour la belle reine!

Get off your computer and enjoy your summer!

Amusez-vous bien cet ete pour vous allez bosser comme une folle en aout!!

I'm doin that, been traveling, and going outta town next weekend to act a fool for a few days!!

Merci, felicitations je vois que tu as bien reussi dans ton examen!!

 

[DrDre']

Lotanna,
Glad you are taking advantage of your free time. Time is truly the most important gift we have- something I didn't realize until med school.


Que le bon temps roule!


As to the original thread. We have all spoken our piece. Let's all let it go before the thread is closed. If that happens, it will only hurt those at which the thread was originally aimed.

 

[CharlieMurphy]

Seems like a lot of people on student doctor have a guiac positive nose after kissing Big Frank's a$$. In my medical opinion, I think he has a narcissistic personality disorder. Anyone else agree?

 

[scootad.]

Seems like a lot of people on student doctor have a guiac positive nose after kissing Big Frank's a$$. In my medical opinion, I think he has a narcissistic personality disorder. Anyone else agree?

Agreed! He should change his avatar to his U Smelly Score!

 

[RickJames]

I think Big Frank is a big loser dude you got your score go enjoy yourself instead of giving all these losers advice, you are all in DO school for one reason, you didn't get into an M.D. school and that means you will never be a real doctor in the eyes of 95% of the population I don't care if you get a 2,000 on the boards the D.O. after your name ruins at all

 

[mjl1717]

bump

 

[mjl1717]

Big Frank ignore them, I dont know why they're so jealous of you.
Best of wishes to you. Thx for everything.
[I dont understand it the guys a conscientious, excellent academian
and you get the pundits who want to start flaming him.
{By the way most of them will look the word "pundit" up}

 

[Discobolus]

Who thinks there is a strong possibility that CharlieMurphy and RickJames are the same person? The same Chapelle's Show watching DO hating person?

 

[DrDre']

Man, when you try to impress with a difficult word like pundit, then misspell another word, makes you look like a genius.

 

[Jaded Soul]

Anyhow, who cares how many HONORS someone gets if they are unable to pass the first licensing exam? I think a >200 is in many of their futures.

Residency program directors and letter writers care.

I just talked to an attending involved in the resident selection process about this topic today. He agrees that someone who fails Step 1 needs not only to pass the second time, but also to demonstrate that they do have the potential to be a good clinician. The best way to do this is by excelling in clerkships and getting strong letters of recomendation. He also said he would advise them to strongly consider is taking Step 2 early in time for it to be seen by programs. The danger with that, though, lies in the history of poor test-taking, and therefore the risk of failing Step 2 as well.

And to play devil's advocate, just because a few people scored in the 260's on step 1, it does not by any means make them the sole expert on step 1 preparation. No offense to those who keep giving advice. I think you are doing great things. I just think all those seeking advice should remember that the the study habits of certain individuals cannot be adopted by everyone. Do not try to force yourself into a regimen that does not fit your personality or interferes with other obligations in your life. By this time, you should know which learning methods work and which ones do not. Best of luck.

I completely agree with this and I don't see any malicious intent in this post at all. If all of this puts me in the way of the bigfrank steamroller, so be it.

 

[bigfrank]

Residency program directors and letter writers care.

I just talked to an attending involved in the resident selection process about this topic today. He agrees that someone who fails Step 1 needs not only to pass the second time, but also to demonstrate that they do have the potential to be a good clinician. The best way to do this is by excelling in clerkships and getting strong letters of recomendation. He also said he would advise them to strongly consider is taking Step 2 early in time for it to be seen by programs. The danger with that, though, lies in the history of poor test-taking, and therefore the risk of failing Step 2 as well.



I completely agree with this and I don't see any malicious intent in this post at all. If all of this puts me in the way of the bigfrank steamroller, so be it.

Not all all. Always appreciate your opinion. Though I also happened to have a meeting with our school's Ophtho department head and he seemed to really stress one's Step I score.

My only point, which obviously escaped you, however, is that if you continue to FAIL the Step I exam because you are too busy kissing booty and seeing patients during the 3rd year, it REALLY won't matter if you have a glowing letter from every PD in every core rotation with honors as well.

Why is this topic so incredibly difficult?

 

[bigfrank]

Big Frank ignore them, I dont know why they're so jealous of you.
Best of wishes to you. Thx for everything.
[I dont understand it the guys a conscientious, excellent academian
and you get the pundits who want to start flaming him.
{By the way most of them will look the word "pundit" up}

Always do, mjl1717!!!

Thanks for your kind words. It is obvious that every one of my posts on here ever again is going to be dissected by jealous people with nothing better to do than try to "disprove" everything I say.

The bottom line is that I'm not the smartest person, but I do truly UNDERSTAND what it takes to do well on the Step I. I try and pass that on. I wonder if my critics/flamethrowers/trolls are taking time to answer dozens of PM's from concerend SDN-ers.

(5 more today).

 

[vinoyp]

The facts here are:

1. Statistically, those who failed Step 1 aren't very successful the second time around. Success in terms of just passing, much worse for the 220+ dream. I imagine this is bigfrank's concern.

2. Third year is VERY important. If you slacked off your first two years... well, this is the year that will matter most for you. In terms of grades and LORs. I imagine this is the concern of other posters.

Depending on your school's policy, it would be best to simply postpone a rotation and go hard core on studying for Step 1. Or, do it upon completion of third year, if you have time between third and fourth. Or, take it during one of the more laid back rotations, like psychiatry.

I just wouldn't let something like Medicine or Surgery or Peds slide.

--Vinoy

 

[Jaded Soul]

Not all all. Always appreciate your opinion. Though I also happened to have a meeting with our school's Ophtho department head and he seemed to really stress one's Step I score.

Yes, this is for the most part true. The ophtho PD at my school is one of my advisors and he also acknowledges that Step 1 is important. He also said that once you get to 245 or so, the higher scores carry less meaning. Regardless, that has nothing to do with someone who fails Step 1 since they'll be at an extreme disadvantage for all the competitive specialties.

My only point, which obviously escaped you, however, is that if you continue to FAIL the Step I exam because you are too busy kissing booty and seeing patients during the 3rd year, it REALLY won't matter if you have a glowing letter from every PD in every core rotation with honors as well.

Why is this topic so incredibly difficult?

Of course someone who fails Step 1 needs to dedicate the time to study and pass it. I'm not saying they shouldn't. I'm saying they need to pass Step 1 but not at the expense of their rotations. They need to balance their failed Step 1 with good clinical grades and evaluations. You've stated very clearly passing Step 1 should be at the expense of their clinical grades if need be.

Also, why do you chose to write "which obviously escaped you" and end the message with that last hanging question? They make the tone extremely condescending. A number of your posts do things like that. Maybe its one of the reasons people get upset with you.

Thanks for your kind words. It is obvious that every one of my posts on here ever again is going to be dissected by jealous people with nothing better to do than try to "disprove" everything I say.

Please don't lump everyone who disagrees with you into the same group. How well you did on Step 1 is not my concern and has no impact on my life. What I do think is alarming is how you've become idolized here because of a good performance on Step 1, and now you're using that as a platform to give advice about third year, which you haven't completed yet.

Okay, I'm done with this thread. Good luck to all.

 

[scootad.]

well said. People underestimate the importance of clinical grades. They are almost as, if not as, important as Step 1.

 

[bigfrank]

And another one of my threads has been hijacked by idiots who live their pathetic SDN lives to ridicule others. I can't attempt to comment on motive, though I have my suspicions; rather, I can say how annoying it is! Please have the intelligence to see that this thread was intended for people who had emailed me dozens of PMs and asked for advice. Several asked that I start a thread, so I did.

SDN-ers, if you would like my advice re: this topic, please continue to PM me. I will continue to answer as soon as I can do so carefully. We don't have to battle amongst the trolls...

It is ironic how JadedSoul criticizes me for leaving open ended questions, then makes sweeping statements about me, and closes with, "Okay, I'm done with this thread." Come on! Thank you so much for announcing your closure. We can all rest peacefully now. 😉

P.S. Are you really proud of your post, JadedSoul? Seriously!? 😉

 

[scootad.]

Um, why wouldn't jadedsoul be proud of his post? you have yet to discount anything he said regarding 3rd year grades.

 

[bigfrank]

Um, why wouldn't jadedsoul be proud of his post? you have yet to discount anything he said regarding 3rd year grades.

You have yet to notice that I really don't concern myself with attempting to "discount" anything that either of you two "pals" have said. Hopefully you will soon.

On the other hand, you both have dedicated tremendous amounts of time to discounting me. Has it happened?

 

[scootad.]

LOL! Because that is what you do on a message board, you dissect others arguments and if you disagree with one you attempt to discount it.

For the record, I am no "pal" of Jaded Soul. I just happen to agree with him. We are MSIV who did very well on Step 1 like you. But unlike you, we are further along in the process so we have a bit more credibility to speak of the importance of clinical grades for your residency application.

 

[MissMedicine]

geez people, cant we all get along?

 

[DrDre']

jaded soul is an astute interpreter of the human condition. the use of legitimizers and vehement rebuttals shows that "you" do very much care about what your detractors think.

 

[maxine]

big frank has been a big help to many. I sought him out for advice, as i barely missed passing the big one. it is devastating and i considered giving up altogether. His advice is valuable and is given freely and without bias, in the altruistic manner of a good physician. This has been a quality message board, and there are other threads that can satisfy the more competitive members and topics; but please leave these threads (requesting help) to those who are kind enough to give and brave enough to ask. 😳

 

[bigfrank]

big frank has been a big help to many. I sought him out for advice, as i barely missed passing the big one. it is devastating and i considered giving up altogether. His advice is valuable and is given freely and without bias, in the altruistic manner of a good physician. This has been a quality message board, and there are other threads that can satisfy the more competitive members and topics; but please leave these threads (requesting help) to those who are kind enough to give and brave enough to ask. 😳

There seems to be a beautiful alliance forming, which is fine, yet I don't know what any of DrDre's, Scootad's, etc., posts attempt to accomplish. Obviously, they are craving giving advice to people. So...if anyone has any burning questions, please send them to these guys!! They know it all anyway!!

Maxine, of course this thread was intended for individuals like you, and I am always genuinely glad to help. I know that a great passing score is in your future. Please let me know if you have any other questions and let me know about that 2nd NBME exam!!

Best wishes,

 

[WatchingWaiting]

well said. People underestimate the importance of clinical grades. They are almost as, if not as, important as Step 1.

This is probably true. However, if you don't have a passing Step I score, isn't this a rather moot point? In other words, in the context of an average Step I score, good clinical performance can easily make up for it and make you competitive for tougher programs. But, I don't think the program offered was sacrifice your grades for the whole third year to focus on Step I (not to mention, a study period of longer than a couple of months would have major problems with the law of diminishing returns). The general advice of pick one, two-month rotation and try to coast by to a pass in it while going all out for Step I seems entirely reasonable. You would still have five other rotations to achieve good results. If you picked a specialty in which you had no interest and which you could get away with slacking on, say psych or peds, this go all out for two months on the USMLE strategy would probably be the best plan you could adapt. Even if you needed four months and two rotations, you would still have four others to do well on. I don't buy that a person applying to medicine residency is going to have his psych grades scrutinized by the program or that a person applying to psych is going to get a lot of scrutiny of his ob/gyn grade.

Some of the people here miss the fact that having the lingering memory of a failed Step I would be very stressful for you in all your rotations and would likely impair your performance anyway. Nothing like finally passing it to let you move on and focus on other things.

 

[scootad.]

There seems to be a beautiful alliance forming

Heh! Get a life. you ain't jesus. get over yourself.

Watchingwaiting, I agree with your post in theory. To me it seems more like something that can be done in theory but in practice...not so easy. Even rotations like peds and psych require you to come in from at least 8am-5pm, take late night call, not to mention patient writeups, case presentations, just to pass. In addition, you need to be studying to pass the shelf at the end, and these shelves arent a piece of cake to pass. I just dont see how one can devote an entire rotation to mostly Step 1 study without seriously risking failing that rotation, which would be a 2nd terrible blow to one's residency application.

Kudos to those who think they can do it, but I dont think its possible for most. In fact, I think its irresponsible advice to suggest one does this.

 

[bigfrank]

Some of the people here miss the fact that having the lingering memory of a failed Step I would be very stressful for you in all your rotations and would likely impair your performance anyway. Nothing like finally passing it to let you move on and focus on other things.

Agreed. This point makes sense to most of us and certainly makes sense to the DOZENS of people who have PM'd me after failing the Step I and fully agree with my advice.

 

[fiery]

Hi... I've been reading on some of the suggestions for those that failed Step I USMLE. I don't do so well on standardize tests... I've tried two attempts on Step I and always came close to passing. I've given up on trying to pass the Step I because I feel as if I just can't do it. It dampened my self esteem quite a bit. I did very well throughout my 3rd year cinical rotations and have strong letter of recs. My strengths are in patient interactions and clinical setting. If I'm interested in Family Practice or Pediatrics in Southern California, do you think I can apply with only my COMLEX score. I'm prefer that programs not know that I was a failure twice on the USMLE... feeling really ashame of myself when I think about it. Any advice on my situation would be helpful. Please respond.

 

[praying4MD]

Scores are only one part of the equation. Think big picture people and that will help you in the long run. Think of how you would evaluate applicants if you were interviewing them for your program - that will direct how you shape your CV - after all, residency directors are just people too-- who want cool, interesting, smart, competent people at their program. And that is what separates the men from the boys in this arena... not scores.

Some of the best people to ask advice of are those who seriously STRUGGLED through standardized tests & maybe even failed a few and those who struggled through basic sciences. Those people have been through hell and back, both mentally and psychologically and they have some excellent advice to offer for Step one-ers.

Congrats on your good score bigfrank and good luck. I think the hostility in here is quite disgusting. SDN wasn't always like this guys.

But, to be completely honest, I just think that in general, people are just a little tired of hearing about your score bigfrank. No offense or anything-- I mean, I could care less-- I haven't taken it yet, but I have finished six months of rotations [including OB/GYN and Surgery.] I feel am quasi-qualified to give advice on rotations... and let me just say this: CLINICS MATTER. PERIOD. Numbers can only say so much about a person, but when the Chief of a Dept raves about a student, it really holds some weight; and vice versa, when a chief calls a student lazy/incompetent/not a team player, that is in their permanent record, a 270 on the step ain't helping him out either.

Just think of it this way-- A woman who has been trying for 5 years to get pregnant finds her well-meaning friend extremely annoying because her friend got pregnant within a month of trying and never stops giving advice and never stops talking about baby showers, etc. Kinda annoying, huh?

 

[bigfrank]

Congrats on your good score bigfrank and good luck. I think the hostility in here is quite disgusting. SDN wasn't always like this guys.

But, to be completely honest, I just think that in general, people are just a little tired of hearing about your score bigfrank. No offense or anything-- I mean, I could care less-- I haven't taken it yet, but I have finished six months of rotations [including OB/GYN and Surgery.] I feel am quasi-qualified to give advice on rotations... and let me just say this: CLINICS MATTER. PERIOD. Numbers can only say so much about a person, but when the Chief of a Dept raves about a student, it really holds some weight; and vice versa, when a chief calls a student lazy/incompetent/not a team player, that is in their permanent record, a 270 on the step ain't helping him out either.

Just think of it this way-- A woman who has been trying for 5 years to get pregnant finds her well-meaning friend extremely annoying because her friend got pregnant within a month of trying and never stops giving advice and never stops talking about baby showers, etc. Kinda annoying, huh?

I see your points, and they are well-taken. But I should stress that I did not brag on my score once during the thread. It was intended to help the students who have been emailing me.

Obviously, someone who is genuinely trying to help others is often going to be misinterpreted as arrogant, and I expected that. I hope that the people this thread was intended for are truly helped.

And on your final point, the pregnancy analogy, I agree but do think the friend to the pregnant woman could maybe use some pointers in the bedroom. 😉 No offense intended, just trying to keep this "hostile" place a little lighter.

 

[mjl1717]

Goes to show you. There are many different kinds of people out, some may be "twisted." Big Frank hasnt really been talking about his score recently. (And I dont think he ever was beating himself on the chest)
I get the impression that since he's Not talking about his score, even thats bothering people.
If I was from another planet and observed some of the animosity and jealousy towards Big Frank (who I think has a good heart) Id say "some of those earthlings are a very pathetic, nit-pickin, immature, have "nuthin"
better to do then talk negatively about their high achievers and maybe even their low achievers(imagine that this particular group wants to say that they are elite healers). Also some of those earthlings are far behind, Never,Never learned from history, and are very primitive. [The way I see it although things may be HiTech in the states we have always had an uphill struggle with human relations and properly reducing stress]

 

[sherpagyrl]

geez people, cant we all get along?

CUT OUT the name bashing. I get enough polemics with the presidential elections around the corner in the US. If you have an opinion, share it. But save the rest for another place. Thanks.

 

[bigfrank]

Goes to show you. There are many different kinds of people out, some may be "twisted." Big Frank hasnt really been talking about his score recently. (And I dont think he ever was beating himself on the chest)
I get the impression that since he's Not talking about his score, even thats bothering people.
If I was from another planet and observed some of the animosity and jealousy towards Big Frank (who I think has a good heart) Id say "some of those earthlings are a very pathetic, nit-pickin, immature, have "nuthin"
better to do then talk negatively about their high achievers and maybe even their low achievers(imagine that this particular group wants to say that they are elite healers). Also some of those earthlings are far behind, Never,Never learned from history, and are very primitive. [The way I see it although things may be HiTech in the states we have always had an uphill struggle with human relations and properly reducing stress]

Thank you for your kind words. I agree. 😀