My Step 3 experience (I passed)

[magicstep]

I got a lot of great advice by lurking on these threads So, I wanted to return the favor. Hopefully someone will get something out of it.

My info: US educated MD, passed all previous steps on first attempt. I graduated 3 years ago and I've never been in residency (please, I don't feel like discussing it here ).

I studied off and on for about 6 weeks and then cranked it up for 2 weeks.

I used Kaplan Qbook at first, but I found it inadequate. I then switched to USMLE world. I did blocks of 48 questions in timed mode, then reviewed using First Aid, Boards and Wards, and my old notes from steps 1 and 2.

I finished about 97% of USMLE world with a 50% avg. I did all of the interactive CCS cases.

I passed with a 191. That is FAR lower than my Step 1 score, but my goal was to pass, so I'm very happy.

What brought me down was the CCS, which is odd, considering that I felt the best about that section. I thought I aced it--no one died, and I always reached a resolution of the case very quickly.

And like everyone says, obgyn is HUGE on step 3!

Anyway, I'm so relieved to be done with all steps. Good luck to you!

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[FirstMANdown]

I got a lot of great advice by lurking on these threads So, I wanted to return the favor. Hopefully someone will get something out of it.

My info: US educated MD, passed all previous steps on first attempt. I graduated 3 years ago and I've never been in residency (please, I don't feel like discussing it here ).

I studied off and on for about 6 weeks and then cranked it up for 2 weeks.

I used Kaplan Qbook at first, but I found it inadequate. I then switched to USMLE world. I did blocks of 48 questions in timed mode, then reviewed using First Aid, Boards and Wards, and my old notes from steps 1 and 2.

I finished about 97% of USMLE world with a 50% avg. I did all of the interactive CCS cases.

I passed with a 191. That is FAR lower than my Step 1 score, but my goal was to pass, so I'm very happy.

What brought me down was the CCS, which is odd, considering that I felt the best about that section. I thought I aced it--no one died, and I always reached a resolution of the case very quickly.

And like everyone says, obgyn is HUGE on step 3!

Anyway, I'm so relieved to be done with all steps. Good luck to you!

Congrats Magicstep!!!

Good to see a fellow AMG get back into the network after being on a hiatus for so long. Thanks for the useful tips. Good luck!!!

 

[KeratinPearls]

I got a lot of great advice by lurking on these threads So, I wanted to return the favor. Hopefully someone will get something out of it.

My info: US educated MD, passed all previous steps on first attempt. I graduated 3 years ago and I've never been in residency (please, I don't feel like discussing it here ).

I studied off and on for about 6 weeks and then cranked it up for 2 weeks.

I used Kaplan Qbook at first, but I found it inadequate. I then switched to USMLE world. I did blocks of 48 questions in timed mode, then reviewed using First Aid, Boards and Wards, and my old notes from steps 1 and 2.

I finished about 97% of USMLE world with a 50% avg. I did all of the interactive CCS cases.

I passed with a 191. That is FAR lower than my Step 1 score, but my goal was to pass, so I'm very happy.

What brought me down was the CCS, which is odd, considering that I felt the best about that section. I thought I aced it--no one died, and I always reached a resolution of the case very quickly.

And like everyone says, obgyn is HUGE on step 3!

Anyway, I'm so relieved to be done with all steps. Good luck to you!

Is there anything you wish you had done differently after having taken the exam? I heard Master the Boards book by Conrad Fischer is good since it goes through all the "inital step, best next step" for each disease.

 

[magicstep]

Congrats Magicstep!!!

Good to see a fellow AMG get back into the network after being on a hiatus for so long. Thanks for the useful tips. Good luck!!!

thanks!

Is there anything you wish you had done differently after having taken the exam? I heard Master the Boards book by Conrad Fischer is good since it goes through all the "inital step, best next step" for each disease.

I suppose I could've studied for the CCS differently, but IDK how. Overall, though, I'm pleased with how I prepared.... don't really wish I'd done anything massively differently.

Never heard of that book... just used 1st Aid, USMLE world, and Boards and Wards.