Step 2 CK - Need help!

[OrthoBod]

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Hello All,
I read numerous posts about step 2 ck but still have questions. So I created one, I would appreciate any kind of help.
I am an in IMG (Intern)
A bit weird thing but here in your interviews, you tend to stand out if you give as many international exams and score high. I plan to sit for Step 2 CK and MCCEE before i appear for my interviews. I am not going to give step 1 or CS.

I have total time of 7 months. But my IFOM Exam (NBME For international schools done as a selection exam prior applying to specialty training) is in 4 months so I am hoping that preparation for step 2 ck will help me prepare for this exam.

My initial plan was:
1. Kaplan LNs quick review then corresponding video together with MTB 2 and 3 review and then USMLE world questions chapter by chapter (2.5 months)
2. Second run of UW (incorrent answers) and Kaplan Q bank (1.5 month)
By this time give my IFOM exam -

3. NBMEs and revision if low score (2 - 3 weeks)
4. Sit for STEP 2 CK
5. Do Canadian Q bank (1 month)
6. Sit for MCCEE

I put a plan and started but it is difficult to put in 3 hours let alone 6 to 7 hours a day as full time work leaves you with minimal energy. I am finding myself without focus and i dont want to waste time.

I then read many posts about DIT and Kaplans HY. I am not sure but may be i might get back to track if i attend an online course?
But does DIT or HY courses suit my situation and they are review courses and probably must be done towards the end of revision?

Now i am thinking:
1. DIT - Finish SUTM and SUTS2ck in a month and freshen my knowledge up (1 month)
2. Then continue my previous plan but it would be then faster than planned.

Main target is to hit IFOM with a very high score.

Keeping in mind i would have daily only about 2 - 2.5 hours at my disposal, is the above plan ok to go ahead?

And is DIT better suited for me or Kaplan HY?
I know it sounds messy and a long post. But any kind of help would be highly appreciated.
Thanks.

 

[Ceusina]

I can't tell from your post: are your trying to get a residency spot in the US? Or are you trying to stay in your current country?

If you want to obtain a residency in the US, you'll need to take USMLE Step 1 (it can be taken after Step 2 if you're an IMG).

In regards to Step 2 studying, most students direct their energy towards UWorld (with the goal of completing it 2x). In my opinion, there's little utility in DIT and Kaplan for Step 2. So much of the test is material you cannot fully prepare for. The questions requires clinical decision making that relies on a "gut feeling," not memorization of random facts, as DIT and Kaplan would make you believe. My advise is to complete UWorld on random (I think timed or tutor are both fine), then either complete a full second pass or just do your marked/incorrects. If you feel like you need to read something, I liked MTB 2 (didn't read MTB 3) much better than Step Up to Medicine/Step Up to Step 2 CK. In my opinion, your time is best spent doing questions, not reading. And again, I do not recommend DIT (or Kaplan, but I have little experience with Kaplan, slightly more experience with DIT as I used DIT for Step 1).

 

[OrthoBod]

Thankyou Ceusina,

I am staying in my country. I am not doing the step 2 ck to get residency in the US.

My motivation and drive is very low. I understand DIT would not be very well woth it.

But in my case im just looking for some direction, someone to force me to study and refresh my knowledge.

i am anyway planning to do Uw twice as i mentioned in my plan above.

What do you think?

 

[medstudent7860]

If I were you I would spend most of your time on UWorld for Step 2. Reading the explanations is the way to refresh your knowledge.