Step I study time for different schools

[howtofr4y]

---

Members do not see this ad.

I know this section is pre-med, but I thought some people here might know how much time the different DO schools give for board study (finals completely over).

Is the amount of time more important for those planning on taking both sets of boards (even though I hear the content is pretty similar)?

For one specific example, I heard that CCOM only gives 2 weeks...first, is this true? And second, does this negatively affect scores (or does CCOM help prepare you in other ways, like perhaps a light schedule prior to boards)?

On another note, is this period of time something that is even important to consider when choosing schools?

 

[Kuba]

I know this section is pre-med, but I thought some people here might know how much time the different DO schools give for board study (finals completely over).

Is the amount of time more important for those planning on taking both sets of boards (even though I hear the content is pretty similar)?

For one specific example, I heard that CCOM only gives 2 weeks...first, is this true? And second, does this negatively affect scores (or does CCOM help prepare you in other ways, like perhaps a light schedule prior to boards)?

On another note, is this period of time something that is even important to consider when choosing schools?

Isn't this a hard question to answer since not everyone takes the boards at the same time?

 

[howtofr4y]

Isn't this a hard question to answer since not everyone takes the boards at the same time?

Maybe...but you may have misunderstood my question.

When during the year this happens doesn't matter. What does matter is the "free time" between second year and third year that would be used to study. I would assume that most people take the boards slightly before 3rd year rotations start to get maximum study time, especially in those schools (CCOM???) that only have a 2 week break anyway. I'm also pretty sure most or all schools require Step 1 scores before you can start rotations, so there shouldn't be much variation within a school as to when students take this test.

 

[Kuba]

Maybe...but you may have misunderstood my question.

When during the year this happens doesn't matter. What does matter is the "free time" between second year and third year that would be used to study. I would assume that most people take the boards slightly before 3rd year rotations start to get maximum study time, especially in those schools (CCOM???) that only have a 2 week break anyway. I'm also pretty sure most or all schools require Step 1 scores before you can start rotations, so there shouldn't be much variation within a school as to when students take this test.

I see what you are saying, but my roommate is a 3rd year and has done almost 2 full months of rotations and is about to take his step 1. Anyway, Nova's M2's get quite a break before they start rotations for their M3 year.

 

[scpod]

...I thought some people here might know how much time the different DO schools give for board study (finals completely over).

We have a fairly light load in the last semester because people are expected to begin some board study on their own. Last year, Bradenton's final exams were taken in the middle of April. From then, until the last day of "class" in May, board review was held (except ACLS classes were done the last week). In the past they have mostly relied on the Kaplan people to teach the board review but there will likely be more "in-house" teaching done this year because of past scheduling difficulties. IMO, waiting a few months to take the boards is a poor decision. Of the 90+ people who took boards in June last year, nobody failed. In July, two people failed. We start rotations very soon after class is out and people who thought they could study for the boards on their rotations are finding out that it is a bad idea. You can choose to be in the grioup that has that first month off for vacation and study for the boards then, but why not just take it when everything is still fresh in your mind?