Prepping for USMLE/COMLEX before class even starts

[shibby1111]

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I will be a first year DO student this fall 2013 all guns aimed towards top grades and superb preparation for usmle and comlex in late spring 2015. This means I have nearly 2 years starting today. What is your advice? If you could have been in my shoes, what would be your strategy. I can't do every prep avenue, so what do you think is the best combo? any other advice is greatly appreciated.

Also, I know the whole "enjoy time off while you have it" advice. I am one of those people that can't sit still. I get more satisfaction out of working, learning, etc. than out of chilling, that may be my downfall.

 

[Daodejing]

Lol. Calm down...seriously. No one will give you any specific advice that's going to help because you haven't taken a single class yet. If you're so curious and have "all guns aimed" already, then read through this forum. Search for methods people here have had success with, and when you feel like you want to start, use those resources and schedules fit to your personal needs.

The consensus overall has been use First Aid+some Qbank (usually UWorld), and any other resources on specific subjects you're weaker in (ie. Pathoma). The problem is you won't know what you're weak in until you've had those classes in med school. UG classes don't compare. So yes it will be your downfall if you focus on your boards right from the get-go. Get a firm handle on your classes first. Once you start feeling comfortable, feel free to reach for a boards review book.

Also, I have no idea about COMLEX in particular. But most say prepping for USMLE is the same as prepping for the COMLEX, sans OMM of course.

 

[withrye]

The thing everyone talks about during their study period and after taking the exam is a firm foundation during the first two years. Almost all of the study material out there, including the qbanks, is condensed review material. It doesn't go out of its way to explain itself, and is usually just presented as a giant pile of loosely associated facts. Without a firm basis in anatomy, physiology, and the fundamentals of pathology all of the review becomes memorization without understanding.

There is more than enough time for review later, once you understand the basics first. I don't think anyone here would suggest that you just chill out during your first two years. Rather, use your energy to actually learn what's being taught to you, rather than trying to learn how two exams work two years from now.

 

[tiedyeddog]

do well in your classes and figure out what study style works best for you personally. figure out what review books you like and which ones you might use for the dedicated study period.

 

[Jamiu22]

do well in your classes and figure out what study style works best for you personally. figure out what review books you like and which ones you might use for the dedicated study period.

I concur with what everyone above me has said...I was in same situation as you were when I started medical school... and one thing that I didn't understand at the time was I didn't know myself yet and my study habits when reading high volume material.

You really can't figure out what's best for you until you get there.. most people in medical school typically figure this out during their first year (hopefully earlier than later)...

As everyone has said, stop worrying about the boards for now... focus on 1st and 2nd year and step1 would automatically work itself out. If you absolutely need to study right now... then strengthen your cell bio, basic anatomy, and biochemistry.... once you start first year, just do not fall behind - it's really really really hard to keep up once you fall behind in med school... so just keep up and do not slack off.

If you do all that well... you would have figured out who you are and by mid second year, you'll be ready to worry about step1, with a clear mind, a goal.. and how you as an individual can navigate the scenario in a way that would work best for you.

 

[shibby1111]

Advice well taken and I appreciate it. Can't wait to start this endeavor.