Step 3 before intern year?

[Smegal]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Did anyone take Step 3 before intern year so they could focus on anesthesia textbooks instead of test prep? Any thoughts on taking it right after Med school graduation or is it just worth waiting until intern year to take it ?

 

[GaseousClay]

I would just wait until after internship esp if its a medicine/transitional year where you learn enough medicine to pass pretty easily.

 

[Urzuz]

You have to have graduated med school to register, they confirm with your med school and receive a copy of your diploma. I wanted to take it earlier rather than later, but was not able to register until June or so, for an August date. My class was required to pass it during intern year, so we mainly took it in the fall. The rumors are true; 2 days and a number 2 pencil and you're fine, passing rate is like 98% and score is unimportant. Don't waste a vacation or anything studying, just show up and get it out of the way.

Sorry but this is just flat out bad advice. Maybe the exam has changed significantly in the last 5-10 years, but blowing it off and just "showing up" is a recipe for doing poorly and potentially earning a fail on it. Just like Steps 1 and 2, Step 3 also tests you on rare syndromes and diseases that you will not come across during your intern year. Additionally, not all intern years will teach you the "correct way" to approach a diagnostic work up and treatment plan.

For what it's worth, I know smart people who failed Step 3 who were in excellent intern years. Above all else though, have some pride in your knowledge and abilities and try to do well. Most people in medicine are hovering around type A personalities, and though the score won't matter as much as for Steps 1 and 2 (though fellowships will ask you to submit your scores), I know I certainly wouldn't want a barely passing grade to show up on my permanent transcript.

And also for what it's worth, Step 3 was my worst standardized test percentile that I have ever had by far...and I've done fairly well on most tests (>90th percentile).