PPl with below average GPA and high USMLE 1 scores

[DP001]

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Hi, I was wondering if ppl who scored high on their step 1 but had a below average gpa could explain why they think it worked out for them that way? Was it a matter of you didn't try at all till boards were coming up? Was it that you feel ur grades didn't reflect ur knowledge? Haha, to be honest I don't even know what a high board score is... but I'm looking to getting into some sort of specialized surgery (not orthopedics tho)

I'm a 1st year and have not been getting the grades I'd like to. I study more than anyone I know but have been doing only average. I'd like to blame it on the exams themselves and how they test the littlest most insignificant details at times disregarding the big pictures, but everyone else seems to be doing fine. I dunno, I'm feeling dejected now seeing ppl who seem to not understand the material as well as me get better scores. I would like to know that all my hard work will pay off in the end 🙁

 

[MrBigLips]

Keep your chin up DP001. You said that your an MS1 so keep in mind that it takes time to get used to med school. It's a big jump from undergrad and the type of studying differs. Hard work always pays off in the end and don't ever forget that. Try a few group study sessions with some of your colleagues and see what they may be doing different. It's possible that what you might think is important, really isn't. Or maybe it is important, but just isn't tested.

It sounds like you have good study ethic and thats usually the hardest thing to achieve. You can also try talking to your professors. Pay a little bit more attention in your classes. You'll note that teachers tend to stress tested material a bit more. Make a quick note of it and then take extra time to study it once you're outta the classroom.

And like I said before, don't give up hope so fast. It's understandable to get frustrated when average joe schmoe sitting next to you does well on an exam that you studied your butt off for. Trying a different approach to it all may be all you need. Good luck!

 

[fahimaz7]

Study with the people who are doing better than you in class, and figure out where the disconnect is. Often times I meet people who are having trouble applying the knowledge that they know, so they get bogged down in an exam and quickly lose their confidence.

Knowing it is different than being able to apply it. If your tests are anything like mine are (and the Uworld stuff for that matter), it requires you to apply your knowledge to new problems and or clinical scenario's.

Also make sure you eliminate answers on the test! PS. I clear the material at least 5 times for each test. That extra pass or two through the material allows you to catch the small details and it will move you into the realm of an A.