Please clarify Kaplan vs FA use

[franceschino]

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Hi guys,

I am a UK grad (2009) and I am reading lots of info on this forum to understand what should I use for Step 1 revision (approx 6 months full time).

Most people recommend FA/Goljan RR+audio/Qbanks, however there are some people who talk about Kaplan books and videos +/- FA + Qbanks.

It might be a silly question but what is the main difference?
Is there a particular use for each according to how much background knowldege you have? Why some people go for one rather than the other (esp considering that Kaplan is much more reading)?
What do you think might be best for me?

Thanks in advance for your answers : )

 

[235009]

seeing as you have 6 months to study for the test you shouldn't leave any stone unturned. you should have plenty of time to us FA + RR + Goljan audio + Kaplan videos + Kaplan Qbank + UWorld QBank. RR is way too dense for step 1 but it's excellent for the pictures and for following along and clarifying things in the audio.

 

[franceschino]

Thank you very much for your reply and advise.

Unfortunately I'm still unclear on the role of Kaplan notes/videos. Are they a replacement for goljian and other books eg brs physio etc? Are they used for revision or for ms1 and ms2?

It seems that fmg use Kaplan and us grads use fa/goljan etc. Why?

Sorry for these ridiculous qs but thanks in advance for your help.

 

[235009]

Thank you very much for your reply and advise.

Unfortunately I'm still unclear on the role of Kaplan notes/videos. Are they a replacement for goljian and other books eg brs physio etc? Are they used for revision or for ms1 and ms2?

It seems that fmg use Kaplan and us grads use fa/goljan etc. Why?

Sorry for these ridiculous qs but thanks in advance for your help.

I don't know any FMGs so I can't comment on that but I know many US students who use Kaplan in addition to FA and goljan. DIT also seemed to be quite popular. No matter who you are you should be using FA ...it would be ridiculous not to. Also goljan teaches primarily to caribbean students so i dont know where you got your statement from.

There's another thread about the usefulness of Kaplan videos where I posted an extensive response. I think Kaplan was overall very helpful. I used FA + RR + goljan audio + Kaplan videos + Kaplan Qbank and UWorld QBank. I also read like 4 chapters in BRS path but I doubt that helped.

 

[Gullain Barre]

From what I've gleaned talking to friends who were born overseas: it seems that Kaplan is better known overseas because of their SAT and GRE prep programs. Think of them as a global American brand like McDonalds.

On the other hand, First Aid, Goljan RR, USMLEWorld are more domestic brands that the typical foreigner would not know of. They don't advertise overseas as much as Kaplan/Princeton Review/etc. do.

I'm US-born and raised so take what I say above with a grain of salt. It may be more true in some countries than others. Ultimately do what's best for you and your level of English proficiency. Since OP is from the United Kingdom, I don't think there's any problem with access.