Need guidance about CK study sources. Exam in 1.5 months.

[RaraBovis]

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Took Step 1 some days ago. Don't think I did well. I need to do really well for CK.

I took two random timed UW Q bank tests before starting preparation and scored 59% and 75%. I never scored a 75% on my Step 1 tests even after weeks of preparation so I'm guessing this could be chance and also that average Step 2 practice scores are higher. I did extremely poorly on the free Kaplan Q bank test...got a 35% or something I guess...but I was also tired and sleepy when I took it.

What sources should I use? I'm definitely using UW Q bank. I'm looking for something sweet and concise that is reliable and covers everything...pretty much on the lines of FA but I heard FA isn't recommened for Step 2. Can you please suggest a concise Step 2 package that'll enable me get a stellar score in 1.5 months?

 

[greg1184]

USMLE Step 2 Secrets is a concise source you can use, and pocket sized.

 

[bitterswtmocha]

If you have to do this quickly, then I have one suggestion for you: take questions. Lots and lots of questions. USMLE World is the best--if you use only one source, use this one. Study the answers and know them well. Also the NBME has self-assessments that are very good at guestimating how you would do on the test if you took it that day, and what you need to work on. Take one now, and one 2 weeks prior to your test for brush-up. They are not free, just FYI.

As for books:
First Aid for Step II was meh, for me. Some people used it alone to review, but realize that these are people who just completed their MSIII clinical rotations. I didn't like it probably bc I actually took a year off between years 3 and 4, and took Step II almost immediately after I got back.

Secrets was good as a pocket-sized companion but NOT as a sole study book.

If you had the time, the absolute best thing I did for Step II was take Kaplan CenterPrep. If you can find the companion books on eBay or something they might be worth going through.

Good luck!

 

[RaraBovis]

If you have to do this quickly, then I have one suggestion for you: take questions. Lots and lots of questions. USMLE World is the best--if you use only one source, use this one. Study the answers and know them well. Also the NBME has self-assessments that are very good at guestimating how you would do on the test if you took it that day, and what you need to work on. Take one now, and one 2 weeks prior to your test for brush-up. They are not free, just FYI.

As for books:
First Aid for Step II was meh, for me. Some people used it alone to review, but realize that these are people who just completed their MSIII clinical rotations. I didn't like it probably bc I actually took a year off between years 3 and 4, and took Step II almost immediately after I got back.

Secrets was good as a pocket-sized companion but NOT as a sole study book.

If you had the time, the absolute best thing I did for Step II was take Kaplan CenterPrep. If you can find the companion books on eBay or something they might be worth going through.

Good luck!

Thanks, both.

I went over some posted scores and a good chunk (..most?) of them are over 250. Looks like it's easier to score for Step 2 than for 1. Do you think 1.5 months is, generally speaking, little or enough time to get that kinda score?

Kaplan's too expensive; it's out for me. Plus, I listened to some videos and felt that they moved slow. It would be better to have a reliable and concise book where the material can be covered quickly...disappointed to note that there probably isn't one/there isn't consensus on one, like there was for Step 1 sources.

 

[Captopril]

I went over some posted scores and a good chunk (..most?) of them are over 250. Looks like it's easier to score for Step 2 than for 1.

Don't go off of SDN scores to determine the difficulty level of this test. According to SDN, the Step I average is about a 255.

 

[RaraBovis]

Ok, here's what.
I have the 2005 Kaplan notes on all subjects. These are by no means concise, still, will I be reading outdated stuff if I use them, or is it okay?