Rusty with Basic Sciences -- Advice? Should I do DIT?

[colonelmustard]

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It's been about two years since I passed Step 1. I took and passed it on my first attempt and I but didn't do stellar.

I'm an FMG and I'm looking to take Step 2 in late winter or the spring.

My basic sciences is a bit rusty. I'm doing below average on UWorld, which I just started.

Should I do DIT for Step 2?

I have access to the videos and book but I don't know if it's worth it. I've heard mixed things about it. I did the first few videos and it was a good review of things but I don't know if the amount I put into it is worth the results. I can read Master the Boards a few times instead or get through UWorld a whole time around.

My resources are:
-UWorld
-Master the Boards
-Step Up to Step 2
-Step 2 Secrets

Any thoughts/advice on whether or not I should do DIT?

Thanks!

 

[colonelmustard]

Can someone please respond? I would greatly appreciate it.

 

[Esprit00]

It's been about two years since I passed Step 1. I took and passed it on my first attempt and I but didn't do stellar.

I'm an FMG and I'm looking to take Step 2 in late winter or the spring.

My basic sciences is a bit rusty. I'm doing below average on UWorld, which I just started.

Should I do DIT for Step 2?

I have access to the videos and book but I don't know if it's worth it. I've heard mixed things about it. I did the first few videos and it was a good review of things but I don't know if the amount I put into it is worth the results. I can read Master the Boards a few times instead or get through UWorld a whole time around.

My resources are:
-UWorld
-Master the Boards
-Step Up to Step 2
-Step 2 Secrets

Any thoughts/advice on whether or not I should do DIT?

Thanks!

Don't rely on DIT as a primary resource. DIT is great for ppl who have already covered the material once already and understand it and now want to "hear" it again in a succinct manner. I found Kaplan High Yield to be more useful but if you have money to spare, maybe investing in their Classroom Anywhere course is the way to go since it gives you access to live lectures online as well as the Comprehensive video program for Step 2 CK.

UWorld is definitely a good resource. Use MTB 2 for IM and MTB 3 for all the other sections (like OB/GYN, Peds etc.). Step 2 Secrets is good as well but maybe geared towards the end of your study. I didn't use Step up to step 2 but considering the number of errors it's filled with which you have to watch DIT videos to correct, I don't think it's worth it. I'm finding Step Up To Medicine to be a great adjunct to learning IM.

You'll want to review certain things from your basic sciences again. Physiology may be a good topic to review as well as all the drugs and side effects. Also reviewing the glycogen storage diseases and things like that from biochem for peds would be good too. All in all, with that, I think you should be okay.

 

[hepato]

Don't review any basic sciences - it's all clinical. Do UWorld and maybe a couple of those books, and only study what is covered in these resources.

 

[Anastomoses]

the scanty research suggests that students gain the most score improvement from doing the question banks. followed by FA. So, without trying to set up your schedule for you, I'd recommend you do the question bank until you're exhausted and then saturate yourself with audio or video 🙂

 

[tobi44]

Agree with avoiding DIT for step II. I used DIT for Step 1 and I liked it. But I do think that I needed something more substantial at the time. And I hear their STEP 2 preparation is worse then their STEP 1 course.

I now have Kaplan comprehensive course for STEP 2 and I think its better then DIT because it is more complete. If you have the time for the complete course I would recommend it.

 

[Kaputt]

the scanty research suggests that students gain the most score improvement from doing the question banks. followed by FA. So, without trying to set up your schedule for you, I'd recommend you do the question bank until you're exhausted and then saturate yourself with audio or video 🙂

aren't you a second year? please refrain from giving advice in the Step 2 forum if you haven't taken a single USMLE...

OP, if you don't like DIT, there are other supplement audio/video options. You can get the Kaplan Step 2 package, or there is the free Medical Education Online site that has great review videos of Step 2 topics if there are specific areas of weakness.

 

[rkaz]

Don't do DIT if you have any thoughts you might change your mind. They will NOT refund you if you even open the course. Terrible business practices.

Out of personal interest, I'm just wondering if anyone knows if DIT refunds you if you never used their program. I bought the step 2 program, but haven't started the course (I've logged into my dashboard, but haven't actually pressed the start course button). However, I don't think I have time for it now. If I can't get a refund, then I'd probably just keep it and use it as a review for step 3 early in residency (assuming that it won't go away). But if I could get a refund, I'd like that. Just thought I'd ask if anyone knows before I try to contact them.