Need help deciding whether to take USMLE Step 1 now or postpone

[OMS3113]

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Hi everybody,
So first time posting here, and only because i am sort of freaking out and have a question. So I only got 4 weeks of dedicated study time for boards, and while i used it efficiently I'm still only scoring around 55% on Uworld and like a 215/220ish on NBMEs (form 13 and 15). My goal is around a 230 or a little higher but i only have one week left before i take the USMLE.

So here is my question, normally i would post pone it and study during rotations, however….my first rotation is surgery…followed by emergency med…followed by OB/GYN (and we have a really intense OB/GYN rotation, which is awesome but ya….)

They only let you extend your eligibility period 3 months, which means i have no "easy" rotation in which to study for this.

So I have 3 options and would like your opinions. Option 1 is only take COMLEX. Option 2 is i postpone the test, and do my best to study on weekends or down time and take it in August or September? Or option 3 --> should i take the USMLE, and then do my absolute best to crush step 2 next summer and make up the score then?

Any help would be greatly appreciated! I'm kind of having a mental breakdown here =(

 

[J ROD]

You do not have a great option. But, I would advise to not take the test until you are ready.

I had to make a similar choice last week. I had 5 weeks to get ready but I have been having some health problems and have to have surgery. Have spent many days not feeling well and not preparing like I know I could. My scores are similar to yours and I want the same score. I could take it now before surgery and risk it but I decided to go ahead and have surgery and delay it. This also means I miss my first rotation but without surgery I would have to quit and have it anyway.

So, I have to prepare some, stop for several weeks, and then prepare again and fully. Not ideal but I rather take the test when I feel better.

I think I would take the USMLE to have more options.........period.

 

[OMS3113]

Sorry to hear about your health problems bro, I hope you feel better soon bro!

As for my predicament, I took another NBME again today and didn't hit my goal so I'm going to post-pone it. That said, you (and others) brought up a good point about the surgery and EM rotation. So i switched into a selective for July. I'm taking Radiology as an elective, which (at least in my area) i've heard is a pretty laid back one. Anyways i bought myself another 3 weeks, so ill be doing the best i can!

As for what I want to do i'm not entirely sure yet. I got to do smaller rotations during my second year (once/twice a week with a preceptor), and i really enjoyed EM. I was a genetic engineer too in college so i have an interest in cancer/oncology as well (Rads or Med). But truth be told not 100% sure. I just want a good score to not close doors.

Anyways thank you all for your help! I'll probably be back to ask for more in the coming weeks!

 

[purplelife]

You do not have a great option. But, I would advise to not take the test until you are ready.

I had to make a similar choice last week. I had 5 weeks to get ready but I have been having some health problems and have to have surgery. Have spent many days not feeling well and not preparing like I know I could. My scores are similar to yours and I want the same score. I could take it now before surgery and risk it but I decided to go ahead and have surgery and delay it. This also means I miss my first rotation but without surgery I would have to quit and have it anyway.

So, I have to prepare some, stop for several weeks, and then prepare again and fully. Not ideal but I rather take the test when I feel better.

I think I would take the USMLE to have more options.........period.

I wish you well and hope you have full recovery after surgery so you can get back to your studies. You made the right decision to take care of your health first and then taken on any other challenges in life. All the best. 🙂

 

[J ROD]

At some point you just have to take it. I think you made a good choice and now just get on it and take it at the end of Rads.

I really hate to wait but I would be stupid to rush into it not prepared. I just started with UW actually. But, have been above 70% so far. I think it is easier than Rx. I plan to do another NBME before I have surgery next weekend.

Then, I will be down for about 3 weeks. Then, will have about 4 weeks to get back on it. Sucks but it is what it is. Deal and move on to the next challenge. I only want Psy so I really just need to pass. IM would be the only other thing I would want to do. A 220 will get me both.

 

[Double A]

I watched my girlfriend's friends go through a similar situation a couple of years ago. I'm convinced that pushing the exam back into rotations will only hurt you. I recommend taking it before rotations.

 

[J ROD]

I wish you well and hope you have full recovery after surgery so you can get back to your studies. You made the right decision to take care of your health first and then taken on any other challenges in life. All the best. 🙂

Thanks for the kind words. Means a lot when most folks I know are not so nice. Many folks like to kick you when you are down. Especially when you are trying to do something.

 

[J ROD]

I watched my girlfriend's friends go through a similar situation a couple of years ago. I'm convinced that pushing the exam back into rotations will only hurt you. I recommend taking it before rotations.

I agree for the most part but if you have a light rotation and can get some decent work in then I say go for it.

 

[Brain Bucket]

I watched my girlfriend's friends go through a similar situation a couple of years ago. I'm convinced that pushing the exam back into rotations will only hurt you. I recommend taking it before rotations.

If you're an AMG, I would go with this.