IMG Failed first (1rst) attempt at usmle step 1

[ArmanGianluigi]

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Hey everyone. This is my first post ever on SDN and im hoping for some advice. I am an IMG from one of the big three in the Caribbean, and I took usmle step 1 on Aug 15 2012 and just found out i failed with a 181/71. I plan on re-taking the exam in a few months; however, i am REALLY CONCERNED about chances at residencies such as IM and EM (mainly EM). Does anyone have any insight on this or know of any success stories from students who were in the same boat? Do not hesitate to ask me any questions.

 

[Phloston]

I would say you need to sit down, read FA and do UWorld.

It's been contested by thousands of people that those two resources get you most of the points.

 

[ArmanGianluigi]

I agree....and i had done that but how do you think a second attempt looks when applying for residencies?

 

[Phloston]

I'm not program director, so I'm not sure of the technicalities regarding what they see or how they seem them, but if you come back with a solid score then I'd think you'd be fine. That is, don't come back with a 200. Come back with a 230+.

 

[thecalccobra]

181 means your foundation is weak. Start with Kaplan notes and videos. No other way around it. Then move onto FA and UWorld.

 

[da Vincis World]

I agree with the UW and FA advice but I'd like to say that you need to make sure you are gonna do well this time before you take the test. DO NOT retake until you are doing well on NBME's. It would be incredibly rare to score 225 on a couple of NBME's and then not pass.....make sure you're gonna pass.

Have you taken NBME's in the past?

 

[alternatego]

I agree with the UW and FA advice but I'd like to say that you need to make sure you are gonna do well this time before you take the test. DO NOT retake until you are doing well on NBME's. It would be incredibly rare to score 225 on a couple of NBME's and then not pass.....make sure you're gonna pass.

Have you taken NBME's in the past?

this! what were your scores?