My Part 1 prep thread .. Exam date 07/27/09

[aspiringdentist]

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Okay, So this is my part1 prep thread. The intention of this thread is to motivate me and others in my situation.. My Goal is about 90 (Aim for the moon,even if you miss, you'll end up among the stars! )

alright a little background first.. I am An FTD and a re-taker of this test, my first score was sufficient to get me an interview but not an acceptance. Before you ask the exact number- that information is classified. (Along with my age and weight LOL! ) Now my exam is scheduled for july 27, hopefully in time for all deadlines. (last time I applied to just one school..yess...I was THAT foolish!)So I have 84 days from today. And I have half heartedly gone through physiology.

My Arsenal
Decks
Kaplan Notes
First Aid for NBDE
Kap. Q bank.
Released papers.
Rudmans Q bank
USMLE first Aid.

Out of these I plan to leave te USMLE first aid as optional.

My War Strategy
Biochem-10days
Path-10days
Micro- 10days
Anat-10 days
Physio/DA - 5days (I did a sloppy job on physio.

Now that brings us to june 15 monday.


Decks- 10days
Run through First Aid for NBDE with special focus on histology part- 5 days

We are now at june30.

Revise kaplan- 6 days

Now at July 6

Question papers, kaptest , Rudmans - 15days

july 21

go thru decks -5 days

July 26

July 27- TAKE THE TEST


Note: This plan hopefully works! And any suggestions would be welcome. Anyone else out there taking the test jun-july feel free to post .. Lets motivate each other. I will update this thread everyday.

 

[kareena]

Okay, So this is my part1 prep thread. The intention of this thread is to motivate me and others in my situation.. My Goal is about 90 (Aim for the moon,even if you miss, you'll end up among the stars! )

alright a little background first.. I am An FTD and a re-taker of this test, my first score was sufficient to get me an interview but not an acceptance. Before you ask the exact number- that information is classified. (Along with my age and weight LOL! ) Now my exam is scheduled for july 27, hopefully in time for all deadlines. (last time I applied to just one school..yess...I was THAT foolish!)So I have 84 days from today. And I have half heartedly gone through physiology.

My Arsenal
Decks
Kaplan Notes
First Aid for NBDE
Kap. Q bank.
Released papers.
Rudmans Q bank
USMLE first Aid.

Out of these I plan to leave te USMLE first aid as optional.

My War Strategy
Biochem-10days
Path-10days
Micro- 10days
Anat-10 days
Physio/DA - 5days (I did a sloppy job on physio.

Now that brings us to june 15 monday.


Decks- 10days
Run through First Aid for NBDE with special focus on histology part- 5 days

We are now at june30.

Revise kaplan- 6 days

Now at July 6

Question papers, kaptest , Rudmans - 15days

july 21

go thru decks -5 days

July 26

July 27- TAKE THE TEST


Note: This plan hopefully works! And any suggestions would be welcome. Anyone else out there taking the test jun-july feel free to post .. Lets motivate each other. I will update this thread everyday.

Try revising question papers over and over and again,create time for papers,that helps

 

[aspiringdentist]

Thanks and duly noted. Maybe I wont bother with revising decks a second time and stick with q papers.?

 

[ansa]

hey I would like to give some inputs from my experience,

1. while you are doing decks keep revising them say 1 hr each day for revising previous day decks, remember you are suppose to learn them and not just read coz i did this mistake and had scored less first time so pls dont repeat same mistake.
2.i would suggest after you are done with decks once try doing question papers so you will know where you stand as in how thorough you are on your decks.
3.and another point to note is just dont take exam coz you are nearing the deadline of some school...take the exam when you are confident. It is hard to put in efforts second time so put in right efforts first time.

I'm not sure so far how is your preparation, but i recommend more revision sessions.

and read more threads on sdn if you havnt, lot of ppl have posted their experience and tips.

 

[aspiringdentist]

thank you for your input! Your points make sense... I will definitely keep it in mind...alright now its time for me to begin! yAAAY!😀

 

[make you smile]

All the very best!! 👍

 

[aspiringdentist]

Total hours studied- 6
time spent on break- 3 hours

total hours devoted to studying 6+3= 9😀 lol!

that is advanced mathematics!!!


i started on biochem, but when I realized I was dreaming of zombies playing football,I knew it was time to switch.. After an hour of studying pathophysiology by watching HOUSE, I actually picked up path and finished a chapter and half. I should start with half of gastrointestinal tomorrow..

I like starting with fresh chapters each day,but my brain screamed stoooop! So I did.. lets c what happens tomorrow!

 

[aspiringdentist]

All the very best!! 👍

Thank you... you 'make me smile' 😛🙂

 

[IMPACT]

Great post...I regularly study pathophysiology etc by watching House/Law&Order...however you did great for your first day...you are actually quite an inspiration!!!

 

[butchh]

hai, i am an ftd preparing for part 1 .i am much worried about my exams as i can take it only by mid july and i am worried that i cant apply for those universities which have dead line by mid august .moreover i am not a green card holder nor a citizen ,so when i take part 1 in mid july ,i can apply only to 4 schools.may i know your plan ,is it possible for u to apply to uop and usf😕

 

[gemdent]

hii aspiring dentist...all the best!!
im planning to give the part 1 too..
but ive just started..nd dont have much idea...
am trying to collect materials now...
can you advise on where to get good materials from?

 

[aspiringdentist]

hai, i am an ftd preparing for part 1 .i am much worried about my exams as i can take it only by mid july and i am worried that i cant apply for those universities which have dead line by mid august .moreover i am not a green card holder nor a citizen ,so when i take part 1 in mid july ,i can apply only to 4 schools.may i know your plan ,is it possible for u to apply to uop and usf😕

AS I understand it,the earliest deadline is september1. Assuming that I score well in this july exam, I have about a month to send in my application. I agree USCF is going to be tight, but I am willing to take a chance with USCF for a better NBDE score.

And in anycase isn't UOP deadline sept15? Correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[aspiringdentist]

Great post...I regularly study pathophysiology etc by watching House/Law&Order...however you did great for your first day...you are actually quite an inspiration!!!

thanks impact!

 

[aspiringdentist]

okay,so what am I doing online? gastro pathology is getting on my nerves...Maybe I should indulge in a spot of retail therapy...hmmmmm.... 😛

 

[aspiringdentist]

hii aspiring dentist...all the best!!
im planning to give the part 1 too..
but ive just started..nd dont have much idea...
am trying to collect materials now...
can you advise on where to get good materials from?

I got mine on e-bay. also try craigslist..you might get lucky and get some hard copies.

 

[butchh]

AS I understand it,the earliest deadline is september1. Assuming that I score well in this july exam, I have about a month to send in my application. I agree USCF is going to be tight, but I am willing to take a chance with USCF for a better NBDE score.

And in anycase isn't UOP deadline sept15? Correct me if I'm wrong.

i think its aug 14 .if it is sep 15 i will be happy .please verify the dead line and pm me

 

[toothfairy482]

ya i think this year uop deadline is around mid august....however ucla is still 1st week of september....
hey aspiringdentist and buttch where are u guys from in the U.S?

 

[La fea]

While you are cramming away..remember to relax/exercise/eat healthy too.
Good Luck😀

 

[dr37]

ucsf and uop are both Aug 14
ucla and usc are early September
upenn too in September
pittsburg : Aug 1

i am also writing exam in July ist week, started today- din't do as much as you did in ur first day 🙁 hopefully i pick up soon!!

i am planing to go as follows:
1. kaplan and first aid review notes : first stage
2. certain time to decks everyday
3. papers and decks in second stage

seniors said and i agree to it : that more than doing lot of books or lot of material, if one does kaplan thoroughly along with papers and decks, it should be good. So we should focus on rememebring the facts and understanding rather than doing lot of materials, my two cents.

La Fea : u r great!! we need u to inspire us to do well,,keep checking this thread and guide us for a better future. 🙂

Good luck to all of us, time to get back to books now.

 

[butchh]

from tmw i plan to study kaplan and 1st aid physiology within the next 8 days along with 100 question paper questions each day.end of each day i will post how much i covered my target.all the best

 

[La fea]

ucsf and uop are both Aug 14
ucla and usc are early September
upenn too in September
pittsburg : Aug 1

i am also writing exam in July ist week, started today- din't do as much as you did in ur first day 🙁 hopefully i pick up soon!!

i am planing to go as follows:
1. kaplan and first aid review notes : first stage
2. certain time to decks everyday
3. papers and decks in second stage

seniors said and i agree to it : that more than doing lot of books or lot of material, if one does kaplan thoroughly along with papers and decks, it should be good. So we should focus on rememebring the facts and understanding rather than doing lot of materials, my two cents.

La Fea : u r great!! we need u to inspire us to do well,,keep checking this thread and guide us for a better future. 🙂

Good luck to all of us, time to get back to books now.

Thanks 🙂
I would go over kaplan q bank

 

[aspiringdentist]

You will not believe what happend to me! I realize my exam is scheduled june20! And since I registered last year,I cannot push it any further! OMG! only I can do something this stupid.. 😱

So I may have to forfeit the fee and submit a new application.. I am not too comfortable with going a month early. What do you guys think? Is $250 worth it?

And the bad news doesn't end there.I lost a lot of time fretting. A day and half.. So I am going to salvage as much of my day as I can. Path is already on day3 ... I'll update on my status tomorrow.

 

[aspiringdentist]

from tmw i plan to study kaplan and 1st aid physiology within the next 8 days along with 100 question paper questions each day.end of each day i will post how much i covered my target.all the best

waiting on your update..gimme some motivation pal! keep updating on targets...Lets get thru this together..

You too dr37!

 

[dr37]

Aspiringdentist, how could you ever forget your test date, that also when its just around the corner????????


Gooosssh..it was such a bad day for me,,had some really not so good news from my home country..bad day, din't study anything.. anyways, now i am trying to be back on track and lets see what i am able to do tonight..

 

[aspiringdentist]

Aspiringdentist, how could you ever forget your test date, that also when its just around the corner????????


Gooosssh..it was such a bad day for me,,had some really not so good news from my home country..bad day, din't study anything.. anyways, now i am trying to be back on track and lets see what i am able to do tonight..

I scheduled it a long time ago, and then I had a baby..So got a little side tracked there.. But then again told ya! Only I can do something this outrageously stupid!!!

hope you are doing better..good luck!

 

[toothfairy482]

this is such a great thread...I wish I had something like this to follow during my prep...too bad im almost done.....

 

[ansa]

hey aspiringdentist!
if you are gonna forfeit your fees anyways i would recommend go n take the exam....but if you take the exam then 2nd time you can schedule only after 3 months..!!
good luck for the preparation...👍

 

[IMPACT]

deadlines for application for DDS-DMD international programs, please feel free to add if you know more..ones lower down in the list require either a GC/Citizenship or Part II or postgrad experience or 3year course

UCSF & UOP - Aug 14th, 2009
UMich - Aug 31
UCLA - Sept 1
Upenn - sept 15
USC - Sept 15
UTSA - Oct 31
UMinn- Nov 15
BU - Feb 1st 2010
Colorado - April 1st 2010
NYU- ? Feb
Columbia - ? May
Marquette- Wisconsin

Louiseville- Jan 1st 2010
Loma Linda
Tufts
U Connecticut- ?
Virginia- Jan to April
UPittsburgh
Temple
NSU Florida - Feb 15
UFlorida
UT-Memphis
SUNY- Buffalo
UMB- Maryland
UDMNJ- New Jersey
UDM- Detroit Mercy
UT- Houston
UNMC- nebraska

Am I missing any programs? esp any nice 2yr ones?

 

[aspiringdentist]

deadlines for application for DDS-DMD international programs, please feel free to add if you know more..ones lower down in the list require either a GC/Citizenship or Part II or postgrad experience or 3year course

UCSF & UOP - Aug 14th, 2009
UMich - Aug 31
UCLA - Sept 1
Upenn - sept 15
USC - Sept 15
UTSA - Oct 31
UMinn- Nov 15
BU - Feb 1st 2010
Colorado - April 1st 2010
NYU- ? Feb
Columbia - ? May
Marquette- Wisconsin

Louiseville- Jan 1st 2010
Loma Linda
Tufts
U Connecticut- ?
Virginia- Jan to April
UPittsburgh
Temple
NSU Florida - Feb 15
UFlorida
UT-Memphis
SUNY- Buffalo
UMB- Maryland
UDMNJ- New Jersey
UDM- Detroit Mercy
UT- Houston
UNMC- nebraska

Am I missing any programs? esp any nice 2yr ones?

wow! that is one amazing post!!

 

[dr37]

Thanks "IMPACT" for the amazing post. Thanks "aspiringdentist" for ur reply. Actually i have I-M, just got confused b/w thw two (Exam stress u know 😀) i needed I-K let me know if you have it.

Last night i studied micro - cell types- structure, general characterstics of microorganisms, general micro to be precise including sterlization and infection control. I am planing to start this b'ful friday morning with bacteriology, lets see how far i reach.

How are things at ur end aspiringdentist? This thread is really a nice motivation to study. Good luck friend.

 

[aspiringdentist]

Gastrointestinal physiology,..IT took me 2 days..Not coz the subject is difficult..but coz I kept taking breaks.. note to self- do NOT get up every 30 minutes...extend it to 1 hour LOL!

We'll see how that works for today!

 

[aspiringdentist]

Cardiovascular pathology until stroke.. I actually went back to GI path,coz this morning I couldn't remember anything in GI. It was an okay day I guess.

I hope it is a better day tomorrow

total study time- 6hours

 

[dr37]

May 10 - 11
May 10 was a bad day..for studies atleast, otherwise great!! 😀 awesome weather outside..couldn't resist going out with friends, so sunday was all but studies..yesterday revised bacteriology tht i studied on saturday..also did oral microbiology and cellular injury in path..though didn't study too much but i am happy i actually understood what i read..

reading again after 1 and half year of school is 😱............

 

[IMPACT]

Cardiovascular pathology until stroke.. I actually went back to GI path,coz this morning I couldn't remember anything in GI. It was an okay day I guess.

I hope it is a better day tomorrow

total study time- 6hours

6hours isn't bad...I'm sure u'll be doing much better in the coming days...it took me 3-4days to do cardiovascular physio from usmle coursework...they have a lot of stuff in detail which I read through very fast!
Did Occlusion -chap 1-okeson all morning...at tortoise speed!!!😡

 

[aspiringdentist]

6hours isn't bad...I'm sure u'll be doing much better in the coming days...it took me 3-4days to do cardiovascular physio from usmle coursework...they have a lot of stuff in detail which I read through very fast!
Did Occlusion -chap 1-okeson all morning...at tortoise speed!!!😡

USMLE- little wonder why it took you so long! Good for you. Might take time, But it'll all be worth it.. Stick with it!

I figured I will run thru the USMLE stuff later if I have some time. My goal now is to finish subject theories quickly and finish a round of q papers; see how that works and take it from there..

 

[aspiringdentist]

I just discovered a new resource.. the public library has an online system where the card holders can access e-books via their home computer..I'm used to the Inter Library loan thing,but never realized this. There's some pretty good books for MCQ's - I believe its for USMLE. I may give the qns a spin after the theory is complete..

(This may not be news for a lot of ppl, But I'm posting anyway. Just in case there's anyone who did not know 🙂 )

 

[IMPACT]

I just discovered a new resource.. the public library has an online system where the card holders can access e-books via their home computer..I'm used to the Inter Library loan thing,but never realized this. There's some pretty good books for MCQ's - I believe its for USMLE. I may give the qns a spin after the theory is complete..

(This may not be news for a lot of ppl, But I'm posting anyway. Just in case there's anyone who did not know 🙂 )

gee...Thanks...I didn't know this ....and have been buying books (used/new) all this while...perhaps one of the ignorant few!!!

 

[simbi2007]

I just discovered a new resource.. the public library has an online system where the card holders can access e-books via their home computer..I'm used to the Inter Library loan thing,but never realized this. There's some pretty good books for MCQ's - I believe its for USMLE. I may give the qns a spin after the theory is complete..

(This may not be news for a lot of ppl, But I'm posting anyway. Just in case there's anyone who did not know 🙂 )

😉 same here. Thnx a lot for the info and good work aspiringdentist and everyone on this post. u guys really motivate 👍
Good luck

 

[aspiringdentist]

Well If you are like me and prefer hard copies, the books might be worth the investment! 🙂

Finished with Cardiovascular pathology. Brain too overworked for Endocrine. So will continue tomorrow

Total time spent at the desk- 7 hours.
Total time spent studying - Well , about that.....😀
Pathophysiology lecture Dr. Gregory House - 1 hr

The time spent looks impressive dsnt it? LOL! too bad portions covered doesnt reflect it!

 

[karan]

friends, don't u think 27th is too late to take exam inorder to apply for programs whose deadline is mid-aug- 1st sep?What I understand is that after the result is out , it takes about 3 weeks for ada to forward the scores to schools.
Or you are goin' to request ADA to send the scores directly to schools, the moment they send it to u.Is there any such provisions?
even i'm in two minds whether I should take it in the 1st week of july or later in the month[when i would be better prepared].

 

[dr37]

Impact and aspiring dentist:

I like hard copies too... guess too old fashioned but really can't study from online books..😀

So, studies are catching momentum..good..i finished cell injury, and immunology from first aid and went through their respective decks..i am feel i am still an old premier padmini Fiat car (no offence to those who like this car including my mom too 😀) which needs a push to start and goes through a distance and stops again.. i need to work hard to work like brand new 2009 model Honda..ha ha ha ha

Going to start systemic path.😱.hope it makes sense to my tiny brain..
GOOD LUCK ALL..lets motivate each other and get through this together..

 

[aspiringdentist]

friends, don't u think 27th is too late to take exam inorder to apply for programs whose deadline is mid-aug- 1st sep?What I understand is that after the result is out , it takes about 3 weeks for ada to forward the scores to schools.
Or you are goin' to request ADA to send the scores directly to schools, the moment they send it to u.Is there any such provisions?
even i'm in two minds whether I should take it in the 1st week of july or later in the month[when i would be better prepared].

It actually depends on you. I scheduled my exams later coz I was willing to take the risk of maybe missing the August15 deadline. You would still be able to make the sept1 deadline if you have the rest of the application ready.

NBDE scores do take 2-3 weeks, The scores can be requested after that or you can request them even before your results are out.(I think) . You can enclose prepaid,addressed envelopes to expedite the score-sending process to respective schools.

Hope this helps..this is my line of thinking. Hope you find which way works best for you.

 

[La fea]

friends, don't u think 27th is too late to take exam inorder to apply for programs whose deadline is mid-aug- 1st sep?What I understand is that after the result is out , it takes about 3 weeks for ada to forward the scores to schools.
Or you are goin' to request ADA to send the scores directly to schools, the moment they send it to u.Is there any such provisions?
even i'm in two minds whether I should take it in the 1st week of july or later in the month[when i would be better prepared].

It is cutting a bit fine. BUT request the scores before you get the results...you can do this. Make sure you include a cover letter explaining the situation to the schools.

 

[aspiringdentist]

total study hours - 3
Endocrine pathology

 

[CADSES4]

Impact and aspiring dentist:

I like hard copies too... guess too old fashioned but really can't study from online books..😀

So, studies are catching momentum..good..i finished cell injury, and immunology from first aid and went through their respective decks..i am feel i am still an old premier padmini Fiat car (no offence to those who like this car including my mom too 😀) which needs a push to start and goes through a distance and stops again.. i need to work hard to work like brand new 2009 model Honda..ha ha ha ha

Going to start systemic path.😱.hope it makes sense to my tiny brain..
GOOD LUCK ALL..lets motivate each other and get through this together..

Hello to everybody, I am new in this thread and I am happy I found it.
I certainly agree with the fact that motivating each other is very important. Most of us are studying by ourselves and it's not an easy situation, at least when you have your friends doing the same as you, it becomes more enjoyable.

I am trying to study seven hours a day. I have tried studying at home and outside home. At this moment it has worked better when I go to the library, I can do it at home but there are so many distractions, generally is not as productive as the library.

What do you guys do when you are going through one of those chapters that you don't enjoy, and you feel like if you are not going as fast as you would want?? I can't get my momentum with those chapters 🙁 I am right now in the Metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids and AA 😱.

Good luck to all of you too. If we were able to do it in our countries, we can do it here too 👍

 

[aspiringdentist]

total study time- 4 hours

respiratory path..

to answer the previous post.. when things are slowing down, I change subjects or start the chapter i dont like the first thing in the morning.. usually works for me.

OR you can risk it and wait just before the exams. from personal experience I find that any chapter goes very very quickly at that time ! LOL!

 

[dr fairy]

Well,
Micro- First reading done
Physio- First reading done
Biochem- First reading done
Path- FInished cell injury, inflmn, repair, genetic diseases, nervous sys path, endocrine path, musculoskeletal path

Using Kaplan (USMLE) notes, some online books at present.

From June switching over to decks and papers.

Planning to give exam iA in August first week.

 

[CADSES4]

Thank you very much aspiringdentist for your recommendations, I will try them this week, anything that will help is always welcome 🙂

I will keep going with metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids and AA

Have a wonderful day.

 

[ddsaspi]

Firstly Kudos for Aspirantdentsit to start this amazing thread...Its gr8 specially since i too started my rigorous preparation in first week of may, n still more rigorous from may 11 on.. going well must say.. Hv finished the whole Pathology (excluding General Path and GI path) , though did find time to revise these two as i had read them long time ago..
Moreover went thru the decks for all pathology topics.

Also started with micro and done with all bacteria and viruses, i.e. left with only immunology , HIV & AIDS and , antimicrobials . Yes and also assessed myself with 1-G paper.

Wondering hw much of all this wud be still in my brain though ????
Any suggestions for improvements are welcome.. Just like my other friends on this thread I also use the library as there's where the productivity comes from.. Very unlikely from a lazy bum like me, who wasted 4-5 months doing don't know wat?

Till now sticking to the schedule i made for myself and rushing though, as i also plan to write my exam on 1st august, too late though i know
Guys its not to make anyone feel otherwise bt just to say that we all might be having a knack for special abilities which we r never able to tap..

 

[dr37]

Hi friends..good to see everyone in good studying mood..hope the momentum stays..As the post above me.. i am having hard time remebering things....esp the tables and charts.. i do undertand and get the sense but when it comes to actually remember the willy nilly details.. i feel i lose track 😕

Presently i am trying to give a quick glance to things i study the previous day..but when i sat to revise the micro today..i din't feel so good..

Any suggestions??