Step 3 question for the residents out there.

[mersault]

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Hi everyone,
I know this isn't the best place to ask about Step 3, but the sdn forum is pretty out dated without much specific guidance so I thought I'd pose the question to any residents/new attendings here: any advice on resources to study for this exam, and when do you think is the ideal time to take it?

 

[bonesmd]

USMLE World questions and within 6 months of graduating med school (ie before you forget everything you don't deal with on a daily basis)

 

[gasblaster]

USMLE World questions and within 6 months of graduating med school (ie before you forget everything you don't deal with on a daily basis)

I probably should've taken it during 4th year then....

 

[rsgillmd]

Hi everyone,
I know this isn't the best place to ask about Step 3, but the sdn forum is pretty out dated without much specific guidance so I thought I'd pose the question to any residents/new attendings here: any advice on resources to study for this exam, and when do you think is the ideal time to take it?

Take it as early as possible after graduating, while the general info is still fresh in your head. I took it in September of my intern year (2004 -- but I doubt much has changed since then).

I just did a bunch of questions. I think there is a question book in the NBME series for Step 3. I don't remember exactly. It had good explanations.

Otherwise I was busy with intern year and didn't do anything special. Out of the 3 exams, I did the best on the one that really doesn't matter -- Step 3. Study, pass it, move on.

Take it during your intern/CA-0 year so things are still fresh, and you can focus on anesthesiology when you start your CA-1 year.

Good luck.

 

[Impromptu]

Take it during the intern year. Step 3 is most like what the board exams are supposed to be, take it, show competence by passing it, move on. Whereas steps 1 and somewhat step 2 have been turned into ranking systems to decide your fate. Silly in a way.

I believe I used the "Crush" series book for studying. Focus in on what you don't know or need a refresher on, rather than reading all the stuff you already know. A practice test wouldn't be a bad idea, either.

 

[RussianJoo]

USMLE World is more than enough and like everyone said take it as early as possible, even in your 4th year of med school if you have the time