REAL TALK: How much do I need to study for Step 3?

[IJL]

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I'm an AMG, prelim medicine intern. Step 1 and 2 both >260.

Can I get away with just doing QBANK for like a week or two? Do I need to study for a month? Can I take it cold?


Just trying to get some thoughts

 

[Instatewaiter]

Id brush up on the cases. It's not a tough exam but knowing the software and what they ask is useful

 

[thepretender67]

Hey people. I did OK on step 1 = 230s, but did terrible on Step 2 CK= low 210s....

I didn't study much during 3rd year due to some personal troubles, but I studied for a few months, mainly going through Uworld before the exam. I really felt like my knowledge level was > than my score demonstrates.

Also didn't get much sleep before the exam and had significant trouble with timing during the exam. Was guessing blindly on the last 4-5 questions in each block, one block in particular, must have guessed on at least 8 or 9 questions. My lowest scored sections on Step 2 CK were 1) Pt care Management and 2) Disease Prevention and Surveillance. Also got crushed on OB and GYN sections.


Anyways, I am trying to devise a plan for Step 3. I don't need to demolish the exam, but I certainly do not want a repeat of Step 2. Should I consider revisiting study materials for Step 2 or just gear my prep towards Step 3? Any suggestions?

 

[thepretender67]

I was thinking read MTB-3 and do Uworld + Uworld CCS cases.

Does anyone think it would be better to do the Kaplan Step 3 notes instead given my crappy step 2 performance?

 

[bwmd]

I'm an AMG, prelim medicine intern. Step 1 and 2 both >260.

Can I get away with just doing QBANK for like a week or two? Do I need to study for a month? Can I take it cold?


Just trying to get some thoughts

I'd take some time to familiarize yourself with the case software. How important actual studying would be (like actually using a whole qbank) would largely depend on if you comfortably passed the Steps. If you don't study for it your score will go down, but most people I know haven't lost more than 20 points even with pretty minimal review. My longer thoughts are here.