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!
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!