Please help multiple failures.

[MetroPath]

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Hello everyone,

I failed Step 3 three times. I am not in a clinical residency (I am in pathology). I have done many many questions (thousands) over the course of studying for this exam (years) after repeated attempts. I am many years out after having passed Step 2 (barely passed). I have actually finished residency and am currently a fellow.

My scores (dismal) have been the same over the multiple attempts despite studying day in and day out. Literally studying every waking moment for four years. Any recommendations in terms of how I should change things up since obviously it is not working?

My studying previously consisted of doing questions (and then reading answers, taking notes at the same time) and reading through Kaplan. I just think my memory sucks. I also find that I tend to remember things better if I make a powerpoint presentation of a topic. By reading multiple sources, it helps me understand the material better (understand the concept and reinforces my memory), and hence, I remember things better. It also allows me to organize facts in my head.

For example, I am thinking of printing out articles from uptodate, AAFP site, etc (whatever I can get my hands on) and read about let's say DKA. By reading article after article, it will help me remember and understand the management of DKA. I will then make a powerpoint on it to organize my thoughts. I know these articles go into a lot of detail but this technique is the only way I can remember things. Do you think this is just a waste of time?

Given all the topics tested, I know this will be time consuming but I think this is the only way for me to remember.

I have always had issues with test taking (either that or I just dont know the content because of my poor memory/retention). Whenever taking tests, I always seem to guess on every question. I just never feel like I "know the answer." Whenever I come out of a test, everything just seems like a blur.

I just cannot seem to remember things just by reading a review book like MTB or Kaplan like most of you. This has been a problem for me throughout my medical career. Now being in a non clinical field, I feel like I have an uphill battle ahead of me. I have no clinical experience and so I am basically trying to memorize fact after fact. This may be the last time I take this test. It has been very draining and frustrating.

I have been studying years for this test and nothing seems to help. Again, as a pathology resident with no hands on clinical experience, remembering things is that much harder.

If anyone who is in the same position as me who eventually passed, please let me know. Please constructive advice only. Thanks for any help.

 

[Raryn]

Hello everyone,

I failed Step 3 three times. I am not in a clinical residency (I am in pathology). I have done many many questions (thousands) over the course of studying for this exam (years) after repeated attempts. I am many years out after having passed Step 2 (barely passed). I have actually finished residency and am currently a fellow.

My scores (dismal) have been the same over the multiple attempts despite studying day in and day out. Literally studying every waking moment for four years. Any recommendations in terms of how I should change things up since obviously it is not working?

My studying previously consisted of doing questions (and then reading answers, taking notes at the same time) and reading through Kaplan. I just think my memory sucks. I also find that I tend to remember things better if I make a powerpoint presentation of a topic. By reading multiple sources, it helps me understand the material better (understand the concept and reinforces my memory), and hence, I remember things better. It also allows me to organize facts in my head.

For example, I am thinking of printing out articles from uptodate, AAFP site, etc (whatever I can get my hands on) and read about let's say DKA. By reading article after article, it will help me remember and understand the management of DKA. I will then make a powerpoint on it to organize my thoughts. I know these articles go into a lot of detail but this technique is the only way I can remember things. Do you think this is just a waste of time?

Given all the topics tested, I know this will be time consuming but I think this is the only way for me to remember.

I have always had issues with test taking (either that or I just dont know the content because of my poor memory/retention). Whenever taking tests, I always seem to guess on every question. I just never feel like I "know the answer." Whenever I come out of a test, everything just seems like a blur.

I just cannot seem to remember things just by reading a review book like MTB or Kaplan like most of you. This has been a problem for me throughout my medical career. Now being in a non clinical field, I feel like I have an uphill battle ahead of me. I have no clinical experience and so I am basically trying to memorize fact after fact. This may be the last time I take this test. It has been very draining and frustrating.

I have been studying years for this test and nothing seems to help. Again, as a pathology resident with no hands on clinical experience, remembering things is that much harder.

If anyone who is in the same position as me who eventually passed, please let me know. Please constructive advice only. Thanks for any help.

Don't most states have a 7 year limit between passing step 1 and step 3? You have to be right at said limit...

 

[wc0921]

Hello everyone,

I failed Step 3 three times. I am not in a clinical residency (I am in pathology). I have done many many questions (thousands) over the course of studying for this exam (years) after repeated attempts. I am many years out after having passed Step 2 (barely passed). I have actually finished residency and am currently a fellow.

My scores (dismal) have been the same over the multiple attempts despite studying day in and day out. Literally studying every waking moment for four years. Any recommendations in terms of how I should change things up since obviously it is not working?

My studying previously consisted of doing questions (and then reading answers, taking notes at the same time) and reading through Kaplan. I just think my memory sucks. I also find that I tend to remember things better if I make a powerpoint presentation of a topic. By reading multiple sources, it helps me understand the material better (understand the concept and reinforces my memory), and hence, I remember things better. It also allows me to organize facts in my head.

For example, I am thinking of printing out articles from uptodate, AAFP site, etc (whatever I can get my hands on) and read about let's say DKA. By reading article after article, it will help me remember and understand the management of DKA. I will then make a powerpoint on it to organize my thoughts. I know these articles go into a lot of detail but this technique is the only way I can remember things. Do you think this is just a waste of time?

Given all the topics tested, I know this will be time consuming but I think this is the only way for me to remember.

I have always had issues with test taking (either that or I just dont know the content because of my poor memory/retention). Whenever taking tests, I always seem to guess on every question. I just never feel like I "know the answer." Whenever I come out of a test, everything just seems like a blur.

I just cannot seem to remember things just by reading a review book like MTB or Kaplan like most of you. This has been a problem for me throughout my medical career. Now being in a non clinical field, I feel like I have an uphill battle ahead of me. I have no clinical experience and so I am basically trying to memorize fact after fact. This may be the last time I take this test. It has been very draining and frustrating.

I have been studying years for this test and nothing seems to help. Again, as a pathology resident with no hands on clinical experience, remembering things is that much harder.

If anyone who is in the same position as me who eventually passed, please let me know. Please constructive advice only. Thanks for any help.

MetroPath,

At this point, I think it's more of a test-taking issue than an issue with your general medical knowledge. Some things I would recommend:

Practice, practice, practice. I know this sounds self-explanatory, but it is the most important thing you can do. Do as many questions as you can get your hands on. I would recommend doing USMLE World to teach you the information. Do a block of questions, timed, and thoroughly read and review each question and explanation, whether you answered correctly or not.

Then once you have exhausted USMLE World, then use Combank. This is by far better than Comquest for COMLEX 3. The questions are pretty spot on with the exam in terms of difficulty and concepts tested. Do full blocks under timed conditions to simulate the exam in every way possible. Go through each question, and make sure you know EXACTLY what it is asking. IE Next best step vs best choice vs most specific test vs least invasive. Whatever. Make sure you know what the question is asking. You'd be surprised how much this will save you on those vague questions

Savarese. You need to thoroughly, and I mean thoroughly, read Savarese and understand the basic Osteopathic principles and techniques. IE knowing viscerosomatic reflexes, autonomic innervations, SNS vs PNS, Chapman's points, provocative tests. These are all highly tested and will yield you numerous points on test day. Plus, knowing these cold will also increase your efficiency and allow for more time for when you start to get fatigued and slow down

Stamina. Again, do as many practice questions as you can, under timed conditions to help practice your timing and alleviate anxiety. The more you practice, the more comfortable and prepared you will be. Its just like with any sport. Practice makes perfect. Do all computerized questions, always under timed conditions. Start from 1 block a day of timed questions, then review. Take your time reviewing and make sure you thoroughly understand every question and explanation. Then do 2 sections. Then 3. Get yourself primed for this beast.

Then in the few days before the test, take the COMSAE for your timing. You could choose to view your score or not. That's up to you. But, it's important to make sure your timing is down.

During the test, make sure to take a deep breath and forget about all previous attempts. All exams are different, and this mindset will only shake your confidence. Make sure to enjoy the night before and get a good night's sleep. Bring energy bars with you for food, and sugar-free energy drinks for concentration. Sugar-free is better, as they have less crash. If your timing is down, you should be able to utilize your breaks between sections 2 and 3 and 6 and 7. These little 10 min breaks are extremely improtant and you should absolutely take them. Go to the restroom, take a deep breath, then splash cold water in your face. Go back to your locker, have an energy bar and an energy drink. Rinse, wash and repeat. You will conquer this!

 

[wc0921]

Hello everyone,

I failed Step 3 three times. I am not in a clinical residency (I am in pathology). I have done many many questions (thousands) over the course of studying for this exam (years) after repeated attempts. I am many years out after having passed Step 2 (barely passed). I have actually finished residency and am currently a fellow.

My scores (dismal) have been the same over the multiple attempts despite studying day in and day out. Literally studying every waking moment for four years. Any recommendations in terms of how I should change things up since obviously it is not working?

My studying previously consisted of doing questions (and then reading answers, taking notes at the same time) and reading through Kaplan. I just think my memory sucks. I also find that I tend to remember things better if I make a powerpoint presentation of a topic. By reading multiple sources, it helps me understand the material better (understand the concept and reinforces my memory), and hence, I remember things better. It also allows me to organize facts in my head.

For example, I am thinking of printing out articles from uptodate, AAFP site, etc (whatever I can get my hands on) and read about let's say DKA. By reading article after article, it will help me remember and understand the management of DKA. I will then make a powerpoint on it to organize my thoughts. I know these articles go into a lot of detail but this technique is the only way I can remember things. Do you think this is just a waste of time?

Given all the topics tested, I know this will be time consuming but I think this is the only way for me to remember.

I have always had issues with test taking (either that or I just dont know the content because of my poor memory/retention). Whenever taking tests, I always seem to guess on every question. I just never feel like I "know the answer." Whenever I come out of a test, everything just seems like a blur.

I just cannot seem to remember things just by reading a review book like MTB or Kaplan like most of you. This has been a problem for me throughout my medical career. Now being in a non clinical field, I feel like I have an uphill battle ahead of me. I have no clinical experience and so I am basically trying to memorize fact after fact. This may be the last time I take this test. It has been very draining and frustrating.

I have been studying years for this test and nothing seems to help. Again, as a pathology resident with no hands on clinical experience, remembering things is that much harder.

If anyone who is in the same position as me who eventually passed, please let me know. Please constructive advice only. Thanks for any help.

MetroPath,

At this point, I think it's more of a test-taking issue than an issue with your general medical knowledge. Some things I would recommend:

Practice, practice, practice. I know this sounds self-explanatory, but it is the most important thing you can do. Do as many questions as you can get your hands on. I would recommend doing USMLE World to teach you the information. Do a block of questions, timed, and thoroughly read and review each question and explanation, whether you answered correctly or not.

Then once you have exhausted USMLE World, then use Combank. This is by far better than Comquest for COMLEX 3. The questions are pretty spot on with the exam in terms of difficulty and concepts tested. Do full blocks under timed conditions to simulate the exam in every way possible. Go through each question, and make sure you know EXACTLY what it is asking. IE Next best step vs best choice vs most specific test vs least invasive. Whatever. Make sure you know what the question is asking. You'd be surprised how much this will save you on those vague questions

Savarese. You need to thoroughly, and I mean thoroughly, read Savarese and understand the basic Osteopathic principles and techniques. IE knowing viscerosomatic reflexes, autonomic innervations, SNS vs PNS, Chapman's points, provocative tests. These are all highly tested and will yield you numerous points on test day. Plus, knowing these cold will also increase your efficiency and allow for more time for when you start to get fatigued and slow down

Stamina. Again, do as many practice questions as you can, under timed conditions to help practice your timing and alleviate anxiety. The more you practice, the more comfortable and prepared you will be. Its just like with any sport. Practice makes perfect. Do all computerized questions, always under timed conditions. Start from 1 block a day of timed questions, then review. Take your time reviewing and make sure you thoroughly understand every question and explanation. Then do 2 sections. Then 3. Get yourself primed for this beast.

Then in the few days before the test, take the COMSAE for your timing. You could choose to view your score or not. That's up to you. But, it's important to make sure your timing is down.

During the test, make sure to take a deep breath and forget about all previous attempts. All exams are different, and this mindset will only shake your confidence. Make sure to enjoy the night before and get a good night's sleep. Bring energy bars with you for food, and sugar-free energy drinks for concentration. Sugar-free is better, as they have less crash. If your timing is down, you should be able to utilize your breaks between sections 2 and 3 and 6 and 7. These little 10 min breaks are extremely improtant and you should absolutely take them. Go to the restroom, take a deep breath, then splash cold water in your face. Go back to your locker, have an energy bar and an energy drink. Rinse, wash and repeat. You will conquer this!

 

[dozitgetchahi]

How is it possible for someone to successfully complete a path residency (path being the specialty generally considered to put the greatest emphasis on book learning) and not be able to pass step 3? You've been studying for this day and night for 4 years and yet you haven't been able to muster a pass? Have you taken the path boards yet? Those are supposed to be notoriously hard....

'Not being in a clinical specialty' doesn't make sense to me when the specialty in question is path. You mean to say that you don't grasp the pathophysiology and/or general treatment of DKA when you're a pathologist? Really?

Not trying to be a d-bag, but some of the stories that show up on the SDN forums are simply mind-blowing.

 

[Iwannabeadocto]

MetroPath,

At this point, I think it's more of a test-taking issue than an issue with your general medical knowledge. Some things I would recommend:

Practice, practice, practice. I know this sounds self-explanatory, but it is the most important thing you can do. Do as many questions as you can get your hands on. I would recommend doing USMLE World to teach you the information. Do a block of questions, timed, and thoroughly read and review each question and explanation, whether you answered correctly or not.

Then once you have exhausted USMLE World, then use Combank. This is by far better than Comquest for COMLEX 3. The questions are pretty spot on with the exam in terms of difficulty and concepts tested. Do full blocks under timed conditions to simulate the exam in every way possible. Go through each question, and make sure you know EXACTLY what it is asking. IE Next best step vs best choice vs most specific test vs least invasive. Whatever. Make sure you know what the question is asking. You'd be surprised how much this will save you on those vague questions

Savarese. You need to thoroughly, and I mean thoroughly, read Savarese and understand the basic Osteopathic principles and techniques. IE knowing viscerosomatic reflexes, autonomic innervations, SNS vs PNS, Chapman's points, provocative tests. These are all highly tested and will yield you numerous points on test day. Plus, knowing these cold will also increase your efficiency and allow for more time for when you start to get fatigued and slow down

Stamina. Again, do as many practice questions as you can, under timed conditions to help practice your timing and alleviate anxiety. The more you practice, the more comfortable and prepared you will be. Its just like with any sport. Practice makes perfect. Do all computerized questions, always under timed conditions. Start from 1 block a day of timed questions, then review. Take your time reviewing and make sure you thoroughly understand every question and explanation. Then do 2 sections. Then 3. Get yourself primed for this beast.

Then in the few days before the test, take the COMSAE for your timing. You could choose to view your score or not. That's up to you. But, it's important to make sure your timing is down.

During the test, make sure to take a deep breath and forget about all previous attempts. All exams are different, and this mindset will only shake your confidence. Make sure to enjoy the night before and get a good night's sleep. Bring energy bars with you for food, and sugar-free energy drinks for concentration. Sugar-free is better, as they have less crash. If your timing is down, you should be able to utilize your breaks between sections 2 and 3 and 6 and 7. These little 10 min breaks are extremely improtant and you should absolutely take them. Go to the restroom, take a deep breath, then splash cold water in your face. Go back to your locker, have an energy bar and an energy drink. Rinse, wash and repeat. You will conquer this!

I totally agree with you.

 

[MetroPath]

Thanks for the advice, but I am not a DO. I am taking the USMLE not the COMLEX.

 

[soccerfifa]

Thanks for the advice, but I am not a DO. I am taking the USMLE not the COMLEX.

Hi, it seems this book (
AIM YOUR BRAIN at USMLE Step 1: The Ultimate System for Mastering Multiple-Choice Exams) has a specific system helpful for mastering multiple-choice exams.

 

[NewYorkDoctors]

How is it possible for someone to successfully complete a path residency (path being the specialty generally considered to put the greatest emphasis on book learning) and not be able to pass step 3? You've been studying for this day and night for 4 years and yet you haven't been able to muster a pass? Have you taken the path boards yet? Those are supposed to be notoriously hard....

'Not being in a clinical specialty' doesn't make sense to me when the specialty in question is path. You mean to say that you don't grasp the pathophysiology and/or general treatment of DKA when you're a pathologist? Really?

Not trying to be a d-bag, but some of the stories that show up on the SDN forums are simply mind-blowing.

Over half of the Step 3 MCQs I just took two weeks ago were Family Medicine outpatient based type of questions. These are not things book knowledge really helps all that much with. And much of the inpatient/ICU/ER type questions had to do with simple clinical management (again book knowledge not going to help all that much)

cut the guy some slack.