not taking a prep course

[gman33]

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Just wondering about taking a prep course for Step 1.
I don't really feel I need someone else to structure my time, but I don't want to miss out on such an important test.

For people who have already taken Step 1, did you take a prep course?
If yes or no, do you think it was a plus or minus?
If I don't take one, my general plan is to do all of UWorld and let my results guide my studying. ie - spend more time in areas in which I do poorly.
Please give any and all feedback about the +/- of your experiences.

I've heard some good things about doctors in training, so if I do anything it will probably be that.

 

[smiley737]

Just wondering about taking a prep course for Step 1.
I don't really feel I need someone else to structure my time, but I don't want to miss out on such an important test.

For people who have already taken Step 1, did you take a prep course?
If yes or no, do you think it was a plus or minus?
If I don't take one, my general plan is to do all of UWorld and let my results guide my studying. ie - spend more time in areas in which I do poorly.
Please give any and all feedback about the +/- of your experiences.

I've heard some good things about doctors in training, so if I do anything it will probably be that.

Not necessary, and IMO may be detrimental b/c it locks you into using only one source. Instead, use First Aid as your outline, use the best review source out there for each individual topic, and spend lots of time doing question banks.

 

[hanky1982]

I got my results back about a week ago and I got a 230, so whatever I did must have worked to some degree. I did not use a course prep. What I did do was use a modified Taus method. I mainly focused on FA (went through it maybe 6 times, 2 of them being very quickly before the test). I also read through Goljan early in the studying and annotated FA while also adding pg numbers from Goljan for reference later (which I really didn't get back to as much as I would have liked). I also listened to his lectures when I had a chance. I also read micro made rid. simple cover to cover, (though helpful, all you need to know is in FA). I also used some pharmnemonics flash cards (can get off amazon), which were TOO detailed, but I used the pictures to help me remember drugs. All in all, I studied about 2 months (which was about 2 weeks longer than my classmates d/t my lack of focus/quasi-ADD on some days). I also used UWorld, which was pretty money. My advice would be to use a method that works for you. I liked going at my own pace, thus, a review course wouldn't be as beneficial to me as some other students. Make sure to know FA pretty cold, and if it doesn't make sense, first look in Goljan, then turn to a larger book. I think I could do it over again, I would have focused even more on FA and Goljan. So much of the USMLE is FA+Goljan, and if you are strong there, you will do well. Good luck, PM me if you have any further questions.