USMLE Step 2 CK Mode and Plan

[ru4real1666]

Hey all,

I have a couple of quick questions that have been somewhat discussed in the past, but I'd like a new take from recent test takers regarding the Step 2 CK, if possible. I have second job doing research at the same time (about 4-5 hours per day) so I will be only able to devote 4-5 hours per day to Step 2 CK. With that in mind: my main questions are the following:

1. I only have 4 weeks for dedicated study time (4-6 hours a day, I should be able to increase that the last week by toning some research down) - should I do UWorld in subject mode or do it in timed-tutor/random mode?
2. Will supplementing OnlineMedEd videos with this actually help? I've never used these videos before, but feel that typically gaining a foundation from them wouldn't be a bad idea since I'm 6 months out from any clerkships (currently doing research). Since I have limited time, I'd love to hear from recent test takers if they helped.

I appreciate any and all input!

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[Pseudopyrexia]

I took 2CK recently and got my report back. Just barely failed it (208, pass is 209 now). As a USIMG, my schedule is simply the worst for dedicated study (pretty much year round rotations, plus I've got to make a living), and it shows. I've got to be extremely selective with my study materials. What I have found most helpful are the UWorld QBanks on Untimed Tutor mode and Step Up to Medicine (and much more valuable but hard to be systematic, having conversations about important topics). I've never bothered with timed mode - I'd end up remembering wrong answers because I've thought through the questions and convinced myself one or another is an OK answer. I'd rather see what I've thought wrong, correct my thinking, and move on to the next thing. I'm a learn-on-the-job kind of person, so I like to have the 'case' fresh. I'd just use the self-assessment or timed tests for practising exam conditions the week of.

I did quite poorly on Pediatrics, and I don't really have a good resource for that one. I haven't seen any recommendations for pediatrics except flashcards, which are not my thing.I've bought Blueprints Pediatrics, so we'll see. It gets good reviews on Amazon.

I don't have a heavily natural science background before med (enough to do well on the GAMSAT and MCAT but I struggle with physiology and biochemistry). I found that Dr Najeeb was great for Step 1, and as they say, the best way to do well on Step 2 is to do well on Step 1. To an extent, that is true, but there is a reason the pass mark is so much higher for Step 2CK (pass for Step 1 right now is 192). You don't need to know the molecular genetics of sickle cell disease in order to identify a functionally asplenic patient with an infection.

I hope this is useful to you.

 

[mac90]

How did you do on your step 1?

I took Step 2 CK a month ago and also had 4 weeks of dedicated study time. I was also taking it six months from my last intensive clinical experience and found it to be more than adequate. In hindsight, 3 weeks would have been enough because I definitely wasn't even studying 4-5 hours a day initially. I would stick to doing UWorld questions in the same manner you were doing with Step 1 questions (provided you were satisfied with your score). I did it untimed-tutor mode by subject because UWorld was my primary study resource. I read bits and pieces of MTB 2/3, but didn't find it as helpful as always reading the UWorld explanations carefully.

I think the best way to prepare for Step 2 is: 1) Studying hard during clerkship year 2) Studying hard for Step 1 3) Doing as many questions as you possibly can. I went through UWorld (and went over all my wrong questions again), the UWSA and several NBME assessments. The actual test will also test your endurance so after you've seen ~3000 questions, you get a sense of 90% of the questions the test can throw at you.

 

[Navatek]

How did you do on your step 1?

I took Step 2 CK a month ago and also had 4 weeks of dedicated study time. I was also taking it six months from my last intensive clinical experience and found it to be more than adequate. In hindsight, 3 weeks would have been enough because I definitely wasn't even studying 4-5 hours a day initially. I would stick to doing UWorld questions in the same manner you were doing with Step 1 questions (provided you were satisfied with your score). I did it untimed-tutor mode by subject because UWorld was my primary study resource. I read bits and pieces of MTB 2/3, but didn't find it as helpful as always reading the UWorld explanations carefully.

I think the best way to prepare for Step 2 is: 1) Studying hard during clerkship year 2) Studying hard for Step 1 3) Doing as many questions as you possibly can. I went through UWorld (and went over all my wrong questions again), the UWSA and several NBME assessments. The actual test will also test your endurance so after you've seen ~3000 questions, you get a sense of 90% of the questions the test can throw at you.

would the combination of UW/UWSA/NBME's really cover ~90% of the exam? I have read recent experiences that they only cover around 60% or 70%?! Or is it subjective?

 

[cruCiATE]

would the combination of UW/UWSA/NBME's really cover ~90% of the exam? I have read recent experiences that they only cover around 60% or 70%?! Or is it subjective?

add to that ALL Clinical Mastery Series, as well as Kaplan Qbook, and I am pretty sure you ll cover AT LEAST 85% of the test.

 

[Navatek]

add to that ALL Clinical Mastery Series, as well as Kaplan Qbook, and I am pretty sure you ll cover AT LEAST 85% of the test.

Okay! thanks, cruCIATE!

 

[MDKASH]

Hey all,

I have a couple of quick questions that have been somewhat discussed in the past, but I'd like a new take from recent test takers regarding the Step 2 CK, if possible. I have second job doing research at the same time (about 4-5 hours per day) so I will be only able to devote 4-5 hours per day to Step 2 CK. With that in mind: my main questions are the following:

1. I only have 4 weeks for dedicated study time (4-6 hours a day, I should be able to increase that the last week by toning some research down) - should I do UWorld in subject mode or do it in timed-tutor/random mode?
2. Will supplementing OnlineMedEd videos with this actually help? I've never used these videos before, but feel that typically gaining a foundation from them wouldn't be a bad idea since I'm 6 months out from any clerkships (currently doing research). Since I have limited time, I'd love to hear from recent test takers if they helped.

I appreciate any and all input!

Hey bud, take it from a tutor who has had 40+ students pass with a 22o+, if you only have 4 weeks and 4-6 hours to study, do not waste your time with videos. You need to do as many questions as humanly possible and get your timing down for the exam. A lot of people have been failing by very little recently, don't be a fool.