Needing serious advice asap!!!!!!

[drpenny]

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Hello everyone,😉

I am new to the SDN and am seeking tons of info. I stummbled across others saying great things about the Taus study method so I think this may also be the solution for me. I have graduated from med school a few years now and have taken step 1 previously, but have not been successful. I am looking to revamp and try a new method. Any advice will surely be appreciated. Do you think the Taus method will work in my favor---out of med school for a few years. Thanks in advance.

 

[zephyrhills123]

You might need a little longer to review everything (depending on how much you remember) for that first pass through, but my guess is that it should work well enough for you! 🙂

That being said, I haven't taken step 1 yet. (I just wanted to use that random icon, lol)

 

[doc20]

know your first aid cold, and do uworld few times it should be enough

 

[drpenny]

Hey guys thanks for the response as I know everyone is really busy. Cool icon for sure "Z"

Do you guys know anyone who has used the Taus method--after failing Step 1/ or before...Just curious?

Doc20, using UW and mastering FA is that the method you used? Do you think that will be enough for me since I have been out for more than a minute😕 If that is the method you used, were you successful on your 1st attempt at the beast and how long did you study? Sorry for drilling you, but I am really worried about step1 and I really need to pass this time around. Any more advice is welcomed. Thanks in advance.

 

[drpenny]

Oh by the way, do you guys think the 2007 FA is ok to use or should I update???? Are the additions in the FA usually numerous or are there probably just a few?

 

[Instatewaiter]

2007 FA is fine.

I think the question about whether FA will be enough will really depend on what you did the first time and how much you missed passing by.

If you didnt use review books and only missed passing by a few points- FA and UW may be enough. However if you spent months studying and still didnt pass, you need something a bit more indepth.

 

[drpenny]

Thanks Instatewaiter. I will use review books...Taus method, FA '07, and UW. Is UW the only question bank I need? I used Qbank and scored well on questions, but didn't do well at all on the step 1.

 

[Re3iRtH]

Thanks Instatewaiter. I will use review books...Taus method, FA '07, and UW. Is UW the only question bank I need? I used Qbank and scored well on questions, but didn't do well at all on the step 1.

You used kaplan Qbank as scored well? Because that is a very tough
qbank, if you did "well" on that, which I assume means >60% correct,
you should be well into the passing range. Are you comfortable with
the length of the exam, and taking that many blocks in a row?

 

[drpenny]

You used kaplan Qbank as scored well? Because that is a very tough
qbank, if you did "well" on that, which I assume means >60% correct,
you should be well into the passing range. Are you comfortable with
the length of the exam, and taking that many blocks in a row?

Honestly, I know that I have always had issues with standardized exams...freaking out or to be more medical, "Anxiety Attack!" Also one major set back now is that I have been out of school for a bit and the books I have are archaic. UW, FA RR, Goljan audio all seem to be the overall theme, but a few have suggested Kaplan videos and books. One person said I could get it all for $600. I don't know if there is a cheaper package out there...hint, but if so will someone please give me the hook up. Being out for awhile I think for sure I will need some sort of review class, but bcs my funds are...or should I say aren't, I really can't do a live review. Any positive and uplifting advice is always welcomed.

 

[zephyrhills123]

Honestly, I know that I have always had issues with standardized exams...freaking out or to be more medical, "Anxiety Attack!" Also one major set back now is that I have been out of school for a bit and the books I have are archaic. UW, FA RR, Goljan audio all seem to be the overall theme, but a few have suggested Kaplan videos and books. One person said I could get it all for $600. I don't know if there is a cheaper package out there...hint, but if so will someone please give me the hook up. Being out for awhile I think for sure I will need some sort of review class, but bcs my funds are...or should I say aren't, I really can't do a live review. Any positive and uplifting advice is always welcomed.

If the test anxiety is a big negative factor in your performance, you might want to look into ways to reduce it (like breathing techniques or pre-visualizing taking the exam and doing well on it) especially since you're under pressure to do well this time around (which can lead to increasing your anxiety, worsening your performance, etc). If you have access to a free counselor (through school if you're still eligible?) you could make an appointment with them to go over ways to reduce the test anxiety -- there are also plenty of FREE internet and book sources, too!

Here's one that provides some tips: http://www.wvup.edu/Academics/more_test_anxiety_tips.htm

 

[MD-iwish]

Those relaxing techniques are great, thanks for the link!

 

[MountainEM]

Thanks Instatewaiter. I will use review books...Taus method, FA '07, and UW. Is UW the only question bank I need? I used Qbank and scored well on questions, but didn't do well at all on the step 1.

Just make sure you are fixing the errors in First Aid based on their posted errata on the first aid website. Took me like an hour to fix up my FA 2008

d

 

[drpenny]

Hey thanks Z....I will check out that website for sure!!!

dgriss1, thanks for the pointer, I am gonna get on it first thing in the a.m.

What do you guys think about the kaplan video lectures and the new kap books. Is it worth me getting the package....$600 beans?🙁

 

[MountainEM]

no. study your books, do a ton of questions. all of kaplan qbank and try and get into a lot of USMLE world is what most are doing I have talked to...(or vice versa)

you can buy used kaplan books online for $100 if you really want them...

 

[drpenny]

hey, I actually only want the recent video lectures. someone said they can get it for me the most recent stuff plus the books but it will be for 600 bucks. i have the old books but I need the videos. I think I have to watch some sor of a review since I have been out of school for a little while now.