Questions from an incoming MS3: GT, Taus, Step 1, Step 3

[lemonade90]

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Couldn't really find much on these with searching so I am asking:

1-Any sort of GT or Taus like things for Step 2?

2-Useful to remember any of the stuff from step 1?

3-Relationship to step 3? I am asking this last question because I felt like some of the Step 1 questions could have been answered more easily with use of FA CK.

 

[NewYorkDoctors]

Couldn't really find much on these with searching so I am asking:

1-Any sort of GT or Taus like things for Step 2?

2-Useful to remember any of the stuff from step 1?

3-Relationship to step 3? I am asking this last question because I felt like some of the Step 1 questions could have been answered more easily with use of FA CK.

What is this GT or Taus you refer to?

Yes it is helpful to remember things from Step 1. Nothing on genetics, biochem, or cell biology though.
On my real CK exam, there was an xray of osteosarcoma and a path image of it as well. Just one path image in the entire CK
Moreover, there was a question detailing whether you recall the different alpha thalassemias (i guess technically is a genetic question...)

Not too many questions though


Yes you observed very correctly that there were some anatomy (orthopedics and pediatric) questions which one could only answer if one studied for Step2CK or read an extremely dense anatomy textbook.

I do not yet know if there is utility to study for CK using Step 3. I have just started the Step 3 material (I hope to take that test early in my intern year to get it out of the way). If you ever had that much time (doubtful with the stressful nature of MD3), then you could try it I suppose.. but just remember about diminishing returns

 

[lemonade90]

What is this GT or Taus you refer to?

Yes it is helpful to remember things from Step 1. Nothing on genetics, biochem, or cell biology though.
On my real CK exam, there was an xray of osteosarcoma and a path image of it as well. Just one path image in the entire CK
Moreover, there was a question detailing whether you recall the different alpha thalassemias (i guess technically is a genetic question...)

Not too many questions though


Yes you observed very correctly that there were some anatomy (orthopedics and pediatric) questions which one could only answer if one studied for Step2CK or read an extremely dense anatomy textbook.

I do not yet know if there is utility to study for CK using Step 3. I have just started the Step 3 material (I hope to take that test early in my intern year to get it out of the way). If you ever had that much time (doubtful with the stressful nature of MD3), then you could try it I suppose.. but just remember about diminishing returns

GT=Gunner Training...a program of spaced repetition of Step 1 material while one is studying for basic science classes so one doesn't have to cram excessively towards the end. Taus=10 wk study plan in dedicated Step 1 prep. There should be a word document floating around on SDN.

 

[NewYorkDoctors]

GT=Gunner Training...a program of spaced repetition of Step 1 material while one is studying for basic science classes so one doesn't have to cram excessively towards the end. Taus=10 wk study plan in dedicated Step 1 prep. There should be a word document floating around on SDN.

Well I used neither so I cant help you with that question

 

[OveractiveBrain]

Couldn't really find much on these with searching so I am asking:

1-Any sort of GT or Taus like things for Step 2?

www.onlinemeded.org is free resource for clerkships, under construction

The "tau" method is "spend 8 weeks studying the clerkship you are on, then a month reading first aid and doing uworld" (May substitute [Master the Boards] or [Step Up to Step 2] for First Aid.

For Step 2 studying, one month dedicated to studying can get you a 230 (average) by using any one review book + UWorld. You can augment you score slightly by doing two review books (USMLE secrets is a favorite to add). Step 2 and clerkships arent like basic science and Step 1. This stuff starts to actually make sense relative to what you actually do.

2-Useful to remember any of the stuff from step 1?

For board review, no. For being a good doctor, only pathophysiology. The Krebs cycle will not appear again. You might get nostalgic and look in First Aid Step 1 once or twice, but after 3rd year, you will never look into that book again.

3-Relationship to step 3? I am asking this last question because I felt like some of the Step 1 questions could have been answered more easily with use of FA CK.

I got a 252 on Step 2. A year later, I took Step 3, in the beginning of my intern year. I "studied" for 2 weeks, as in weekends and evenings when I got home. Got through 50% of Uworld MCQ and all of the cases. Got a 230 on Step 3. From my personal experience, learning Step 2 CK material well will aid you in not only being a good medical student, but will help you with Step 3 as well.