Official 2008 USMLE/COMLEX Study Plans Discussion

[Doctor Bagel]

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How about we use this thread to talk about when we're planning on taking Step 1 and how we're planning on studying for it. I'll start --

USMLE 1 date: June 16

Goal: 230+

Where I'm at: I'm doing Kaplan Qbank now because I won the 3 month deal here in December and am doing some USMLERx questions. I've also worked through some of the BSS books.

I currently suck at anatomy, biochem, pharm and immunology. I'll start the hard core studying for path and pharm in April/May because we have comprehensive finals for those in mid-May. Then I'm planning to hit everything else until my test. USMLEWorld will be my main qbank then.

Books
First Aid
Kaplan Qbook
Robbins Qbook
Board Simulator Series
High Yield Anatomy and might use BRS for questions, charts, highlighted info
High Yield Neuroanatomy
BRS Brain and Behavioral Science
RR Biochemistry
CMMRS
High Yield Immunology (maybe?)
BRS Pharm (maybe?)
BRS Phys
BRS Path
RR Path
High Yield Molecular Bio

 

[doctorFred]

goal - anything above the mean.

books
first aid 2006 - binding removed, hole punched, annotating all my other sources into here (writing in margins, adding pages, etc.) best advice i ever got on this board.
brs - pathology (not using that much; goljan audio is most of my path prep.)
brs - physiology
kaplan - biochem and mol. gen.
kaplan - behavioral
kaplan - micro and immuno

other
goljan bootleg audio - compiling all the path cases he mentions into one giant word file with the "presentation - diagnosis" format similar to the beginning of each FA chapter. i'll then print them out, hole punch them, and add them to the FA by subject.
kaplan - qbank

as for my study "plan" itself, i'm giving myself about 4 weeks. most plans i've seen out there are 5 or 6 week plans, so i'll have to tweak some things here and there. essentially:
week 1 - NBME 1, compile brs physio + kaplan behavioral into FA
week 2 - NBME 2, compile micro/immuno into FA
week 3 - NBME 3, compile biochem and mol. gen. into FA
week 4 - split my time 50/50 between memorizing FA and doing qbank
day before the test: 18 holes

i haven't figured out the "correct" order of each NBMEs yet. it seems like people take them out of order.

 

[DOCTORSAIB]

I have cousins in ENT, they smoked the USMLE's basically relying on 1st aid, uw, rr..this is what they told me and also adviced me not to underestimate the importance of retaining the knowledge you have incorporated. Your knowledge from a billion books will convolute everything in your head when you take the test. I am not saying stick to this formula..i will be taking my usmle's next year but i been going through bunch of books already to see which one will ultimately help me. I have to say though that i am probably going to stick with these 3 and probably add costanzo's physiology to the mix for reference and qbank for additional practise. In all honesty..my goal is for a solid high 230's so i will be happier to just know those 3 books inside out. Taus put together a nice plan of study..which is not bad at all, before everyone starts their venture just try to figure out what best fits your studying habits. I prefer fewer books more repetition...good luck!!

If your cousins are ENT RESIDENTS, then back when they took Step 1 Kaplan Qbank was what peopled used, not UW. UW started taking over the Step 1 market mostly last year.

So either they're 3rd year MEDICAL STUDENTS "going into ENT" (which means UW was around when they took Step 1) or you meant to say Kaplan Qbank (and they're actually ENT residents).

 

[ShepherdsApp]

I created this schedule/guide last year for the COMLEX & USMLE and a lot of my classmates and other SDN'ers seemed to think it was helpful. I recently edited it and added a FAQ section at the end that should clarify most of the common q's people asked me about it. Go kick some a$$ on the boards.

Taus...This plan is Awesome!! I love that I can adapt it to the time I have (I only have 5 weeks between the end of class and the start of 3rd year in order to take the boards, so I will be working alot while still in class etc...)! I have a quick question or 2... First, what do you think of the BRS path as opposed to the Goljan RR? Second, how did you incorporate the Goljan Audio...Did you just listen as you studied or did you add audio notes to the RR/FA? Lastly, How essential is the Levinson for immuno? In the mean time, thanks again for all the work you put into this...!!!

 

[Taus]

Taus...This plan is Awesome!! I love that I can adapt it to the time I have (I only have 5 weeks between the end of class and the start of 3rd year in order to take the boards, so I will be working alot while still in class etc...)!

Hey, glad you are finding it helpful

I have a quick question or 2... First, what do you think of the BRS path as opposed to the Goljan RR? Second, how did you incorporate the Goljan Audio...Did you just listen as you studied or did you add audio notes to the RR/FA?

They are both excellent, but I think that without the audio RR is harder to swallow then BRS. If you have been using BRS for a while and really feel comfortable w/ it, then you might as well stick with it. Plenty of people do very well w/o RR.

I listened to the audio while following along and highlighting in RR. That made the book much easier to get through the next couple times I read it. I also listened to the audio in the car and while running.

Lastly, How essential is the Levinson for immuno?

Its not essential if what you see in FA makes perfect sense to you and you can apply all of that immuno info. I think its a very nice review of the subject and to top it off....most of the diagrams in FA are from this book.

In the mean time, thanks again for all the work you put into this...!!!:laugh

you're welcome

 

[Powel6016]

This is an interesting thread when incorporating goljan audio w/ RR Path:

RR path and corresponding audio:
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showpost.php?p=5250721&postcount=1

 

[AFDuck]

In regards to Taus' plan, is the 8th edition of Lange Review of Medical Micro and Immuno by Levinson good enough to learn the immuno? I think it was published in 2004, but there has been a new edition published since. Thanks

 

[DivaDoc12]

I have two questions:

1. Is necessary to have the most current edition of first aid in order to study for boards. I have the 2006 version
2. Is Clinical Micro made simple a neccesity for micro, if not is FA sufficient or is there any other sources you would reccommend?

I also have an old edition of Kaplan lecture notes, systems and subject based. Would the micro sections in kaplan be sufficient to study for micro and immunology? Any other suggestion for immuno texts?

 

[lankysudanese]

1. Is necessary to have the most current edition of first aid in order to study for boards. I have the 2006 version
2. Is Clinical Micro made simple a neccesity for micro, if not is FA sufficient or is there any other sources you would reccommend?

please perform a search for recent threads with keywords "new edition FA", "Micro", "MMRS", b/c these are hot topics which have been heavily discussed/debated both recently and in the past. i think that you would get more bang for your buck this way, b/c some people might not post on a topic that they had already expressed their opinion on

how old is your copy of kaplan notes? if it is fairly recent (2005), then you can rest assured that the micro and immuno sections are comprehensive, detailed and well-written.

 

[Taus]

In regards to Taus' plan, is the 8th edition of Lange Review of Medical Micro and Immuno by Levinson good enough to learn the immuno? I think it was published in 2004, but there has been a new edition published since. Thanks

you should be fine w/ the 2004 version....save your $

 

[psychobob]

I've been putting off Step 1 for the past 2 years. Just graduated, so now it's go time:

BRS Patho + Physio
HY Neuro + Micro
FA2007
Kaplan centerprep + Goljan audio
UW

Studying: 4-6hrs day, probably longer approaching test time
Test - Before Sept 1st

I'm not too stressed. I still got enough loan money to last me a while 😎

 

[psychobob]

By the way, great tips and schedule Taus. I've been neglecting molecular bio, but I'm starting to see its importance for the test. Going to have to add HY to my list.

 

[Mr. Freeze]

I'm right at my 90 day window, a little closer actually, and debating buying a qbank tomorrow.

I'm wondering how best to use one, and if I should just start taking blocks of 50 random q's cold, as I haven't begun to review MSI stuff at all. If some review is warranted, is a 90 day subscription worth it? Or do most "review" by missing q's? Currently, I don't plan to specifically look at things from MSI until after May 15th (finals...)

 

[Lamborghini1315]

If your cousins are ENT RESIDENTS, then back when they took Step 1 Kaplan Qbank was what peopled used, not UW. UW started taking over the Step 1 market mostly last year.

So either they're 3rd year MEDICAL STUDENTS "going into ENT" (which means UW was around when they took Step 1) or you meant to say Kaplan Qbank (and they're actually ENT residents).

No they are residents...but i am guessing they implied UW as a good resource but like you mentioned they probably didn't have it available during their prep days. Hope this clears up the confusion...

 

[Taus]

By the way, great tips and schedule Taus. I've been neglecting molecular bio, but I'm starting to see its importance for the test. Going to have to add HY to my list.

thanks, I'm glad that its been helpful to some people

 

[Knicks]

WoW,

you people sure are using a lot of different sources/books.

I thought one of the big recommendations was not to have more than like 2-3 books/series to study from?

Nevertheless, please chime in on what you think of my plan (not gonna go into details about my goal score or how much time I have):

-2006-07 Kaplan books (7-book series) (not gonna even touch Kaplan pathology)

-RR pathology

-FA

-UW

-NBME(s).


Thanx in advance.

 

[TonyDaTigrUprct]

here's my book list/plan - with the most important ones in bold:

First Aid 2008 4x (with annotations from the following books)
RR Path 2x (not using his audio, I never learn well from recordings)
BRS Phys 2x
RR Micro/immuno 1x
RR Biochem 1x
HY Cell and Molec 1st edition (electronic version) 1x
HY Behavioral Science 1x
USMLE Roadmap Neuroscience (my worst subject) 1x
Pathophys for Boards & Wards (time permitting) 1x
Robbins Review questions 1x
Kaplan Qbank 1x
UWorld 1x
NBME forms 1-4

I am an average student, nothing stellar in terms of grades.
Time-frame: 6 weeks
Goal: 230+

Thanks to all that have posted their experiences and advice.. I will be doing the same once I tackle this beast. Good luck!

 

[Jonathan13180]

here's my book list/plan - with the most important ones in bold:

First Aid 2008 4x (with annotations from the following books)
RR Path 2x (not using his audio, I never learn well from recordings)
BRS Phys 2x
RR Micro/immuno 1x
RR Biochem 1x
HY Cell and Molec 1st edition (electronic version) 1x
HY Behavioral Science 1x
USMLE Roadmap Neuroscience (my worst subject) 1x
Pathophys for Boards & Wards (time permitting) 1x
Robbins Review questions 1x
Kaplan Qbank 1x
UWorld 1x
NBME forms 1-4

I am an average student, nothing stellar in terms of grades.
Time-frame: 6 weeks
Goal: 240+

Thanks to all that have posted their experiences and advice.. I will be doing the same once I tackle this beast. Good luck!

All that in six weeks? best of luck (no sarcasm).

 

[TonyDaTigrUprct]

actually.. my time frame is more like 5 weeks now, but I'm planning on getting through as much of it as I can... we'll see what happens. But according to other test takers on this website. FA, UW, and NBMEs are a must.

 

[dingleberry007]

Does anyone have any input considering "Knicks' " study plan. I was thinking of something along these lines as well. I was thinking kaplan will take care of most smaller details (was planning on using vids as well), FA will take care of High Yield and the big picture, and Goljan will take care of path. Maybe throw in that old cell bio book since everyone likes it so much.

thanks for everyone's input... you guys really make a difference

WoW,

you people sure are using a lot of different sources/books.

I thought one of the big recommendations was not to have more than like 2-3 books/series to study from?

Nevertheless, please chime in on what you think of my plan (not gonna go into details about my goal score or how much time I have):

-2006-07 Kaplan books (7-book series) (not gonna even touch Kaplan pathology)

-RR pathology

-FA

-UW

-NBME(s).


Thanx in advance.

 

[Knicks]

^^ yeah, I was "saddened" (not really) by the lack of responses to my post.

Oh well.

 

[lankysudanese]

^^ yeah, I was "saddened" (not really) by the lack of responses to my post.

Oh well.

your choice of resources is good. if you devote enough time in order to optimally use them, then you will have a good chance of doing well. as always, optimal use of a few books is better than skimming through an endless list of references.

 

[Knicks]

^^ the trick is HOW to optimally use them.

 

[TonyDaTigrUprct]

Ok, after much stressing and doing a day to day breakdown, there is no way in hell I'm getting through 50% of what I have typed up previously (see couple of posts above)... so thanks to more SDN research and asking 3rd/4th years... here is my new revised plan...

Kaplan Q-bank... now until Mid-May. (~150 q's every other day)
UWorld - Mid-May till Mid-June (150 q's every day)
NBME 3 and 4
First Aid - memorize the **** out of this book 5x
RR Path - 2x (hopefully get through this twice, w/o using audio)
BRS Phys - 2x
KY - industrial size (bend over once I get to Prometric and hope that the test doesn't feel like it needs to take its frustrations out on me that day)

Date: June 17, 2008
Goal: 230+

 

[meningioma]

hi

Im an IMG and here s my plan..

USMLE Step 1 : early Sep

Books im plannin to use:

FA 2007 5X
Anat: Kap notes
HY CMB 1999
Physio: BRS 2x
Biochem: Kap notes
Lippincotts for reference
Patho: RR goljan 2x+ audio lectures + web path
Micro: kap notes
Immuno: Levinson
Pharm: Kap notes
Katzung for reference
Behav. sci: my weakest sub.
BRS + Kap notes
Biostat: HY biostat.

Regarding Qs:

UW + Robbins Qs +Physio QBank + BSS + NBME form 2 and maybe 4 + some kaplan Qbank (2006 - which i had downloaded from net)

Any suggestions????

i ve finished 5 systems in Physio n Path.. plus read thro pharm once really fast.

Also for genetics any seperate book needed as a frnd of mine got nearly 30 Qs from genetics..

Aim - 240 +

 

[PenguinHead]

Ok, after much stressing and doing a day to day breakdown, there is no way in hell I'm getting through 50% of what I have typed up previously (see couple of posts above)... so thanks to more SDN research and asking 3rd/4th years... here is my new revised plan...

Kaplan Q-bank... now until Mid-May. (~150 q's every other day)
UWorld - Mid-May till Mid-June (150 q's every day)
NBME 3 and 4
First Aid - memorize the **** out of this book 5x
RR Path - 2x (hopefully get through this twice, w/o using audio)
BRS Phys - 2x
KY - industrial size (bend over once I get to Prometric and hope that the test doesn't feel like it needs to take its frustrations out on me that day)

Date: June 17, 2008
Goal: 240+

Thank you! You have essentially the same resources as me. I already had my day to day plan and I was wondering how the heck you were gonna get through them as many times as you had said 🙂 I have 5 weeks starting at the end of April. Until then, when I'm not studying for class, I'm reading RR path and audio, Kaplan biochem, and doing random Qbank questions.

Day 1 : NMBE 1
Week 1: Kaplan Biochem, HY Cell/Molec, BRS Phys, HY Behavioral,
Random UW Q's. Rx and Kaplan Q's on Biochem, Phys, & Behavioral

Week 2: FA Principles (biochem, etc). RR Path 1x, BRS Path cards
UW Random Q's. Rx and Kaplan Q's on Micro, BC, Behav., Phys.

Week 3: FA Organ Systems, BRS Phys (again), HY Behav (again)
NBME 3 at end of week 3
UW Random Q's

Week 4: FA Organ Systems (again), HY Cell/Molec (again), RR path (again)
NBME 4 (or 5 or 6) at end of week 4.
UW Random Q's

Week 5: FA review, RR path (blue notes mostly)
Lots of UW random Q's

Date: June 2
Goal: 231

 

[JavMD]

Goal: 240+
Date: May-June

MATERIALS

• Biochemistry: Kaplan notes. HY CMB 99 ed.
• Physiology: BRS
• Pathology: RR and BRS
• Pharmacology: Kaplan notes.
• Anatomy: HY Gross. Kaplan notes.
• Microbiology: Kaplan notes.
• Immunology: Levinson
• Behavioral science: Kaplan, HY biostatistics and HY beh sci.

In addition I will undoubtedly use FA 2008, FA cases. And Robbins review.

I will take NBME 1 next week, we´ll see how I do.

 

[gotgame83]

Just letting you guys know NBME form 6 is now available with CC. Hopefully someone will take it and let us now how it is. I was going to take form 5 but after so many people said it was too easy I will probably nix it from my schedule

 

[alpha06]

I created this schedule/guide last year for the COMLEX & USMLE and a lot of my classmates and other SDN'ers seemed to think it was helpful. I recently edited it and added a FAQ section at the end that should clarify most of the common q's people asked me about it. Go kick some a$$ on the boards.

Hey Taus ! !

I read your guide and found it extremely helpful. 🙂

I just had two questions....

(1) When you said cut the bind on FA and three-hole-punch it and put it in a binder....the pages of FA are kind of weak. Won't their be a lot of wear and tear, pages fallin out of the binder as you are going through it...?

(2) When you said add charts and tables....it will undoubtedly increase the size of the binder. How do i know which tables or charts I should add without the binder looking like big robbins?

Thanks for your help!! 😀

 

[SirCuneus]

Don't three-hole punch it, get it spiral-bound at your med school's copy center or at your favorite office supply store.

 

[soon2Bmd2005]

oooo...also laminate the covers...then you can use it as a place to put your coffee mug! spiral binding is definitely the way to go. $5 at kinkos

 

[PenguinHead]

Don't three-hole punch it, get it spiral-bound at your med school's copy center or at your favorite office supply store.

oooo...also laminate the covers...then you can use it as a place to put your coffee mug! spiral binding is definitely the way to go. $5 at kinkos

That's actually pretty funny. Made me smile anyway

 

[diosa428]

Don't three-hole punch it, get it spiral-bound at your med school's copy center or at your favorite office supply store.

I thought the point of the 3 hole punch was so you could write notes on loose pieces of paper and add them to the book? Otherwise, what's the point of taking the binding off?

 

[lilzelda2]

Um yeah I got mines three hole punched and I've been adding notes to it. Also for some reason I like reading from a binder rather than a book.

But that was the best advice ever putting it in a binder

 

[Jonathan13180]

Hey Taus ! !

I read your guide and found it extremely helpful. 🙂

I just had two questions....

(1) When you said cut the bind on FA and three-hole-punch it and put it in a binder....the pages of FA are kind of weak. Won't their be a lot of wear and tear, pages fallin out of the binder as you are going through it...?

(2) When you said add charts and tables....it will undoubtedly increase the size of the binder. How do i know which tables or charts I should add without the binder looking like big robbins?

Thanks for your help!! 😀

Im in no way trying to speak for TAUS, but ive talked to him, and read his posts enough to know that when you go through FA, only add tables/charts/notes that help clarify the points made in FA. You can add as many tables as you want, but in my opinion, it will overwhelm you trying to know everything.
best

 

[Taus]

sorry for taking a while to get back to you....being on night-float for ob/gyn has been sucking the life out of me

Hey Taus ! !

I read your guide and found it extremely helpful.


I just had two questions....

(1) When you said cut the bind on FA and three-hole-punch it and put it in a binder....the pages of FA are kind of weak. Won't their be a lot of wear and tear, pages fallin out of the binder as you are going through it...?

yup.....that really pissed me off at first....and as embarrassing as it is to say....you're gonna need to get some reinforcements.....either sit there for an hour and do the whole book or just put em on as you progress through the book......I know that sounds kinda ridiculous but it'll be well worth it when you're flipping through the book over and over again

(2) When you said add charts and tables....it will undoubtedly increase the size of the binder. How do i know which tables or charts I should add without the binder looking like big robbins?

Only add it if its gonna help you understand whats in the corresponding pages in FA or puts it in a more understandable format for you (ie a great diagram from another source, charts you made for pharm, etc). The other major thing I used extra sheets for was to write down the explanations of questions that I got wrong....ie if I got a cardio drug q wrong I'd put that info on a page next to that section in FA so next time I reviewed that subject I'd review why I got a certain question wrong...and never make that mistake again.

This also helps you avoid the common practice of having unreadable scribbles in the margins of FA and having random pages and sticky notes hanging out of your book.

hope that helps

 

[Taus]

Im in no way trying to speak for TAUS, but ive talked to him, and read his posts enough to know that when you go through FA, only add tables/charts/notes that help clarify the points made in FA. You can add as many tables as you want, but in my opinion, it will overwhelm you trying to know everything.
best

lol 👍

 

[alpha06]

sorry for taking a while to get back to you....being on night-float for ob/gyn has been sucking the life out of me

yup.....that really pissed me off at first....and as embarrassing as it is to say....you're gonna need to get some reinforcements.....either sit there for an hour and do the whole book or just put em on as you progress through the book......I know that sounds kinda ridiculous but it'll be well worth it when you're flipping through the book over and over again

Only add it if its gonna help you understand whats in the corresponding pages in FA or puts it in a more understandable format for you (ie a great diagram from another source, charts you made for pharm, etc). The other major thing I used extra sheets for was to write down the explanations of questions that I got wrong....ie if I got a cardio drug q wrong I'd put that info on a page next to that section in FA so next time I reviewed that subject I'd review why I got a certain question wrong...and never make that mistake again.

This also helps you avoid the common practice of having unreadable scribbles in the margins of FA and having random pages and sticky notes hanging out of your book.

hope that helps

Hey thanks Taus for responding!!

Totally a bummer for OB. I heard it was one of the worst clerkships. Thats if you are not going into that specialty...🙄

Yeah, after I read your guide those were my only concerns. Since then tho, I've 3-hole-punched my FA and have been adding ever since. Its a slow start but I'm only at the begininng of my studies.

And cardio pharm is kicking my a**. I keep getting the Qs wrong and I think if I start adding those Qs in that section.....as you said...I won't get them wrong again.

Previously, I was just annotating into my FA and the scribbles and post-it notes were getting out of control....and getting a little frustrating.

My only hang-up tho is that now my FA is going to be harder to carry around. Not as portable as the regular binding, but I think I'll survive.

But adding into FA from my other sources is definately a plus! I hate flipping through 3 or 4 other books just to find an answer or clarification. I know once I finish going thru my resources and adding them to FA, it will be much better.

Thanks again for your guide and advice!!😀

 

[Hayat]

Planned date: Sep-Oct

Goal: 230+

Where I'm at: Almost done with my first read of all books

Books:

• First Aid for Step 1
• Clinical Microbiology MRS
• Physiology BRS
• Pathology BRS
• Behavioral Science HY
• Anatomy Histo Neuro Kaplan
• Biochem Molecular Bio Genetics Kaplan
• Immunology Jawetz
• Pharmacology Kaplan

Q banks:

1. Kaplan Q-Book (study tool)
2. UW Q Bank (study tool)
3. NBMEs
4. CD sample

 

[Taus]

Hey thanks Taus for responding!!

Totally a bummer for OB. I heard it was one of the worst clerkships. Thats if you are not going into that specialty...🙄

no problem....the rotation isn't horrible....the residents are nice and its been kinda cool to deliver some babies....but on the other hand the hours/call blow and seeing a certain body part ripped open and having blood/fluid all over the place are things that I can do w/o

yeah, after I read your guide those were my only concerns. Since then tho, I've 3-hole-punched my FA and have been adding ever since. Its a slow start but I'm only at the begininng of my studies.

And cardio pharm is kicking my a**. I keep getting the Qs wrong and I think if I start adding those Qs in that section.....as you said...I won't get them wrong again.

make sure you spend enough time w/ the explanations to the ones you got wrong...and review the basicsif you need to (ie cardio phys).....you should never get a question like that wrong again

Previously, I was just annotating into my FA and the scribbles and post-it notes were getting out of control....and getting a little frustrating.

My only hang-up tho is that now my FA is going to be harder to carry around. Not as portable as the regular binding, but I think I'll survive.

they just invented this new thing called a backpack....jk

But adding into FA from my other sources is definately a plus! I hate flipping through 3 or 4 other books just to find an answer or clarification. I know once I finish going thru my resources and adding them to FA, it will be much better.

yeah its a pain in the a$$ at first....but once its done and everything is all in one place you'll be happy you did it....makes 2nd/3rd reviews go much much smoother

Thanks again for your guide and advice!!😀

you're welcome

 

[dulop]

Resources I plan on using include:

RR Path
BRS Physio
FA 2008
CMMRS
Step 1 Secrets
Goljan audio
Kaplan Biochem
Kaplan Immuno
QBank/USMLERx/NBME exams as much as I can get through

question i have to the lovely ppl out there:

1) I've never been the type of person who took notes as i read, i find it super time consuming trying to flip around and figure out what to annotate into FA and what not to. That plus the additional time writing slows me down big time. Still, it seems like most ppl do it. How important is it??

2) Should I use HY anatomy/neuro/embryo? Some ppl say FA is enough but its nuts that there are different versions of the test and on that magical day what if you get slammed by a decent number of these questions b/c you got an unlucky draw?

3) VERY curious to hear from others, especially those who've taken the exam and had there hardcore studying time already put in, what the average pace one should expect while going through these books. Should you try to get through 20 pages an hour? is 10 okay? do you need to be close to 30 to cram it all in?? Also, how much time did you end up allocating to get through a book like BRS physio?

long post, but very bewildered poster here...

thanks to all 🙂.

 

[dulop]

bump...srry but could still use advice 😕

 

[alpha06]

question i have to the lovely ppl out there:

1) I've never been the type of person who took notes as i read, i find it super time consuming trying to flip around and figure out what to annotate into FA and what not to. That plus the additional time writing slows me down big time. Still, it seems like most ppl do it. How important is it??

2) Should I use HY anatomy/neuro/embryo? Some ppl say FA is enough but its nuts that there are different versions of the test and on that magical day what if you get slammed by a decent number of these questions b/c you got an unlucky draw?

3) VERY curious to hear from others, especially those who've taken the exam and had there hardcore studying time already put in, what the average pace one should expect while going through these books. Should you try to get through 20 pages an hour? is 10 okay? do you need to be close to 30 to cram it all in?? Also, how much time did you end up allocating to get through a book like BRS physio?

long post, but very bewildered poster here...

thanks to all 🙂.

(1) I just started to annotate into my FA. I 3-hole-punched it and have made some charts on my own and stuck them into the appropriate section. The importance depends on your comfort level. If your comfortable with just going off FA and flipping through your other resources when FA is not enough, then go with it. For me, I much rather have all my info in one spot. Saves me much more time than going through a lot of resources.

(2) This again depends on your comfort level. If you are comfortable in these areas, then I would surmise that FA is enough. Although you have some SDNers that will say it is not. To each his own. If you are weak in these areas or you are just gunning for a 260+, it wouldn't hurt to go though them at least once.

(3) Can't really expound on this. Just started studying recently. But from my understanding you should read as fast as you can comprehend. Whether it be 10/20/30 pages/hr.....just depends on how fast or well you can retain this info. You would be wasting more time to re-read topics you've already read, IMO.

Hope this helps...🙄

 

[alpha06]

Doomsday: June 26th

Goal: 230+

Resources:

• FA 2008 (3-hole punched it and I am adding charts, diagrams, notes, etc. Truly is a great idea!)
• RR Path / BRS Path (I have both. Mainly use RR path and I skim through BRS. A lot of people have used either-or or both. I figure I can’t go wrong either way…)
• Goljan audio/slides (Listen to Goljan every chance I get. Follow along in the text. And review his slides too. Have his notes too but I figure RR Path is enough. Just don’t have the time to go through all the material…)
• BRS Physiology
• RR Biochemistry (One of my weaker subjects. Looked at the other review texts and decided to go with this one. Highly rated and a much easier and more doable read than the others.)
• HY Cell & Molecular Biology ’99 (I would say my weakest subject. But this text is also highly recommended, so I picked it up. Heard there were a lot of errors in this one tho….)
• Pharmacology Recall 2nd ed. w/ audio (I heard FA is enough but I need the extra review.)
• Illustrated Pharmacology Memory Cards: PharMnemonics by Howard Shen (Okay. Kind of silly along the lines of CMMRS, but provides good information. I have two other sets of pharm cards and I liked this one the best.)
• RR Microbiology (Kind of hung-up on this one. I have HY micro too…..read through half the book and did not like it too much…Also have Kaplan Micro, heard it was an excellent text but it just seems too long to go through and I have CMMRS…too long but the diagrams are ok….I guess.)
• Microcards by Sanjiv Harpavat(They are pretty good. Just started them not too long ago. Trying to do 1hr/night at least along with the pharm cards.)
• HY Neuroanatomy (One of my better subjects. Might look into this text if I have time.)
• Lange Review of Medical Micro and Immuno by Levinson (Only for Immuno section. Highly recommended. Another weak subject of mine. Also might use this text as a micro review source…but just use the summary boxes at the end.)
• Kaplan Behavioral Science (If I have time. One of my better subjects; I think I’ll mostly stick with what is in FA.)

Question Banks/Books:

• Kaplan Q-bank (Already used 68%. Average 60%. Subscription expired. Did some annotation into FA.)
• UW (Start today. Plan is to do 50-100Qs/day untimed, unused. In the last 2 weeks, 100-150 Qs/day.)
• Robbins Review of Path (Haven’t got this text yet, but will look into it if I have time.)
• Webpath (Did a few questions. Nice pictures but did not like the question format. And most of the questions were too easy.)

My Plan: 8-week course

• Day 1: Did NBME 1 to assess where I stand. Got a 350/178. Yikes! Am I in trouble here? How hard is it to increase your NBME score 200+ points in 8-weeks? I heard this is really not a good assessment, but it was too late before I knew it wasn’t good.
• Throughout: Listen to Goljan. Follow in RR Path. Review path slides. An hour of micro and an hour of pharm each night. Do 50-100 Qs from UW/day unused, untimed from week 1- week 6. From week 6 – week 8, 100-150 Qs/day unused, incorrect, untimed going over all explanations. Try to put in 8-12 hours of studying (more like 6-8…). 6-8 hrs reading. 3-4 hrs Qs. But definitely in the last two weeks put in close to 12hrs/day!
• Week 1: Read/Compile BRS Physio into FA.
• Week 2: Read/Compile RR Biochem into FA. Read HYCMB. Start to read/compile micro/immuno into FA. At end of week 2 (5/15/08), take NBME 4.
• Week 3: Finish reading/compiling RR Micro, Lange Immuno into FA. Read HYCMB (again). Start reading RR Path for understanding.
• Week 4: Read/Compile Road Map Pharm into FA. Finish reading RR Path. At end of week 4 (5/29/08), take NBME 2.
• Week 5: Read/Compile Kaplan Behavioral Science into FA. Read through FA.
• Week 6: HYCMB (again). RR path (again). FA (again). At end of week 6 (6/12/08), take NBME 3.
• Week 7: RR path (again) and FA (again) following Taus’s method.
• Week 8: RR path (blue notes and boxes) and FA (again) following Taus’s method [Thanks Taus!]. At end of week 8, TAKE STEP 1!

Where I stand:

• It has been a little over a week and I’m just halfway through BRS Physio. I feel I’m off to a slow start. I’ve read through FA, not completely tho. And some of RR Path. For the most part I’ve been trying to stick to at least 50 Qs/day but I feel that since it is still early in my review I would like to read more and do less questions.
• My weakpoints would have to be: biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, immuno and micro. They just kill me. And to some extent pharm too. But I am trying to work on these areas daily so it won’t be soo overwhelming when I get into the middle of my study schedule.
• Sorry my post is long, but I figure if I put my plans out there then I can get some feedback or it will help someone else in their study plans. I just feel studying for step 1 is very challenging and having the support of peers working towards the same goal is extremely motivating. That’s just my take…

 

[megswinter82]

Hey guys,

I just want to thank everyone on this forum. I don't post often, but I definitely have benefited from those that do. I am taking the COMLEX on June 12. Our last day of class is May 22 and I have about 16 days of scheduled study time. I was wondering how to schedule my time.

I am planning on studying 8-12, 1-5, 7ish-11ish. I am planning on doing no more than 2 systems/day (with a day just for pharm and a day just for Micro). Is it enough to spend just 4 hours on each system and then spend the 7ish-11ish time on questions? So my day would be, for example, 8-12 CV, 1-5, RESP, 7-11 Questions.

Oh and I also want to clarify that I have been studying since about January. So I've already been through First Aid once (I 3 hold punched it...what a great idea!!!) and some sections like PHA and MICRO 2x. I've been using Kaplan and listened to most of the lectures plus done some weekend marathon session with the Kaplan teachers, and I've been using Goljan and audio. So the 16 days I'm referring too are truly and mad cram review of everything I've done in the last few months.

Thanks!

 

[kalyanova]

Thanks for your nice study guide.. which I found very similar to mine in many respects..
I have however divided my 2008 FA (which is system-based) into different binders according to systems. so that I could pick the right binder with me rather than having to carry that heavy binder..and it is easier on the pages (I dont need to use as many reinforcements for the holes!).

Each of my binders contain 2 sections :Med essentials where I allowed myself to scribble details on it, but still on a readable manner...and FA which contains the jist of what i need to know..
I am at this point about to use Kaplan Qbank and UW.. but find myself at a loss, and that is why I would like to get your advice and anyone else's for that matter..

Some people urge me to start using both qbanks on ' timed random' mode..and others ' untimed subjectwise tutor mode'...
Both views have valid points.. 'timed random' will prepare me better for the real deal and I will get a real correlating score...
the 'untimed school of thought' says that my purpose is to use the banks as a LEARNING tool..and to get used to those 2 or 3 jump questions.. which seems to take a while to get used to..and not to care about the correlating score.. I was also told that repeating UW twice would be good to check my assimilation of the info.

I myself thought of using Kaplan Qbank first on a subjectwise untimed mode.. and see how i am ingurgitating the new material not found in the litterature.. add it into my FA binders..
study them...
and attack UW with the 'random timed' mode..and repeat UW a second time.. at least repeat the wrong ones..

what do you think? what could you add or alter to this prep...especially about the qbank use?

thanks!

 

[pp007]

date- not fixed

score goal- ???? how much is need for surgery residency?????

books-
first aid
kaplan notes

????????wat else is needed help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Taus]

Thanks for your nice study guide.. which I found very similar to mine in many respects..
I have however divided my 2008 FA (which is system-based) into different binders according to systems. so that I could pick the right binder with me rather than having to carry that heavy binder..and it is easier on the pages (I dont need to use as many reinforcements for the holes!).

Each of my binders contain 2 sections :Med essentials where I allowed myself to scribble details on it, but still on a readable manner...and FA which contains the jist of what i need to know..
I am at this point about to use Kaplan Qbank and UW.. but find myself at a loss, and that is why I would like to get your advice and anyone else's for that matter..

Some people urge me to start using both qbanks on ' timed random' mode..and others ' untimed subjectwise tutor mode'...
Both views have valid points.. 'timed random' will prepare me better for the real deal and I will get a real correlating score...
the 'untimed school of thought' says that my purpose is to use the banks as a LEARNING tool..and to get used to those 2 or 3 jump questions.. which seems to take a while to get used to..and not to care about the correlating score.. I was also told that repeating UW twice would be good to check my assimilation of the info.

I myself thought of using Kaplan Qbank first on a subjectwise untimed mode.. and see how i am ingurgitating the new material not found in the litterature.. add it into my FA binders..
study them...
and attack UW with the 'random timed' mode..and repeat UW a second time.. at least repeat the wrong ones..

what do you think? what could you add or alter to this prep...especially about the qbank use?

thanks!

wow...I'm a little late responding to this one...sorry...I didn't notice this post

Anyway, for you or others with similar questions, I think your methods are excellent. Using questions first in an un-timed, subject-specific manner (right after you study that subject) and then later doing all random-timed questions in blocks of 50 (after you have already gone though all topics at least once) made a lot of sense to me and worked well.

 

[Rad99]

Use Boards Boot Camp. It was on the money.

 

[Taus]

Use Boards Boot Camp. It was on the money.

If taking the COMLEX only and NOT THE USMLE, I would agree w/ that statement.

 

[tigerpaw]

Thank you very much for the nice study guide Taus. I really appreciate it. After looking through it a few times, I had a couple questions to Taus or whoever may have insight on it.

1) For the BRS phys, there's a lot of details in it that's not in the FA for the Neuro section. According to Taus' plan, do we add into FA whatever BRS phys has that FA does not? Please let me know your thoughts on this.

2) When doing the first run through, the guide said to go from weakest to strongest subjects. Do we do all the basic sciences first (weakest to strongest) and then do the systems? Or should we do weakest subject(of both basic sciences and systems)?

Thanks!