Step II Is First Aid really worth it?

[OBfan]

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I have seen numerous posts that people have written that they really like FA. Many of my friends say the Crush and BW is the way to go. I am also using the kaplan videos with the books throughout my 3rd year. I also plan on using UW for questions.

Do you guys think this is too many books? I plan on going into detail throughout my 3rd year with the kaplan books and the videos, which i have been doing, and then when I take about 6 weeks review those notes and read BW, Crush, and FA like crazy with UW questions. Do you think FA is overkill or a must?

Any advice would be great.

 

[deleted113029]

FA is a great book for a 1 day review...after "studying" other material such as UW and BW.

The majority of your knowledge will be accrued now until your exam, so study hard while you can.

6 weeks seems like overkill, though.

 

[OBfan]

FA is a great book for a 1 day review...after "studying" other material such as UW and BW.

The majority of your knowledge will be accrued now until your exam, so study hard while you can.

6 weeks seems like overkill, though.

thanks for the advice. Its actually what I was thinking. what do you think about crush?

 

[Wrigleyville]

You should know or recognize 99% of the material from your clerkships. Step 2 is wildly different than step 1 in this regard; you won't need as many resources for this test. A single review source plus some questions is all you will need. 6 weeks is way too much. You'll be bored out of your mind after 2.

 

[deleted113029]

thanks for the advice. Its actually what I was thinking. what do you think about crush?

I've heard good and bad things about crush. if you use it as a review source then you probably won't like it. BUT, if you use it like FA it may help to jar the cobwebs from your head. Again, one day review like FA.

As far as how I spec. used FA: just read the BOLD PRINT, statements in the margin, and briefly perused any tables, figures, etc.

I took about 3 weeks to study...about 2 weeks fulltime 10-12 hrs a day. Results will be in around 3 weeks so maybe my advice might not be worth a penny. 😳

Wrigleyville is right about 2 weeks being a good period to study, BUT this a coming from a 270+ genius. Take it with a grain of salt and make your own decisions since you know yourself the best.

 

[EaglesPA]

You should know or recognize 99% of the material from your clerkships. Step 2 is wildly different than step 1 in this regard; you won't need as many resources for this test. A single review source plus some questions is all you will need. 6 weeks is way too much. You'll be bored out of your mind after 2.

You have to beware when people say you only need 2-3 wks to study for step 2 - because that is assuming that you studied your @$$ off during third year! If you haven't been studying during third year, I would advise taking at least 6-8 wks to study for this exam and also going through all the questions and explanations on USMLE world.

 

[VincentAdultman]

6-8 wks

Dude, what hallucinogenic were you tripping on for all of third year to require 2 months to study for step 2?>

 

[EaglesPA]

Dude, what hallucinogenic were you tripping on for all of third year to require 2 months to study for step 2?>

If you want to ace the exam and not to just pass, you need time to study for it. 2wks will not do it.
......and to answer your question it's Phencyclidine - by the way, what signs/symptoms will I have when I come in to the emergency room with an overdose?