Step 1 timing

[mariposas905]

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Would you guys say it's more advantageous to write step 1 in year 3 vs year 2 of med school and why?

 

[Rachapkis]

This post may fare better in the med school forum.

 

[Slavic Scot]

Studies have shown those who take step 1 during 3rd year score higher. So I'd take it then. Though if it becomes pass/fail, I'll just start phoning it in from day one.

 

[meronebib]

.

 

[mehc012]

Would you guys say it's more advantageous to write step 1 in year 3 vs year 2 of med school and why?

My school allows people to choose. Most took it between M2 and M3, some partway through M3, and some almost at the end of M3.
Honestly, everyone seems to have had a similar experience. I'm personally a fan of 'partway into M3' for a few reasons, but those are reasons that fit me, not overall recommendations.

 

[Espadaleader]

Taking Step 1 after taking the shelf exams will help you a lot. Just the maturity factor alone. You are used to NBME and anxiety of high stakes exams. It’s better to struggle and get the kinks out on lower stakes shelf exams than the big one. I was also at the absolute bottom of my class preclinical so I just had more time to grow up etc. and I was able to rock Step 1 in les than half of the allotted time (took no breaks). if you are already rocking med school early you can just get it out the way.