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- Jul 26, 2002
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Hi. I received my usmle step 1 score a little while ago, but I didnt post it here. Anyway, I'm posting it now just to let people know that there is an alternative perspective regarding qbank and kaplan, and also to ask a question.
NBME Self Assessment: Form A, 530 (4 weeks before exam). Form B, 600 (4 days before exam).
Qbank: only completed 10-14% of the questions, random, avg 72%.
USMLE Step 1: 249/99.
Now that I have said Qbank is not essential, the question is what do I think is essential in preparing for Step 1? The single most essential thing is simply doing well in your basic science courses so that all of the essential concepts are in your head and many of the details are already there when you start your review. The 2nd key thing is using First Aid because it is tremendously high yield. The vast majority of questions on step 1 can be answered if you understand all of the concepts in first aid, and have memorized a large portion of the details. I didnt really use any other books when studying for the exam. Kaplan? I feel that Kaplan is a waste of time because the material is too lengthy and I wonder how much one really learns from sitting in a lecture hall for so many hours rather than studying on your own for that amount of time. Anyway, that's my perspective on it.
My question: If someone has done well on the step 1, when should the person take step 2? Some people say that if you did well on step 1, you should delay taking the step 2. I don't know too much about this, so I would appreciate it if someone could shed some light on this issue. Thanks.
NBME Self Assessment: Form A, 530 (4 weeks before exam). Form B, 600 (4 days before exam).
Qbank: only completed 10-14% of the questions, random, avg 72%.
USMLE Step 1: 249/99.
Now that I have said Qbank is not essential, the question is what do I think is essential in preparing for Step 1? The single most essential thing is simply doing well in your basic science courses so that all of the essential concepts are in your head and many of the details are already there when you start your review. The 2nd key thing is using First Aid because it is tremendously high yield. The vast majority of questions on step 1 can be answered if you understand all of the concepts in first aid, and have memorized a large portion of the details. I didnt really use any other books when studying for the exam. Kaplan? I feel that Kaplan is a waste of time because the material is too lengthy and I wonder how much one really learns from sitting in a lecture hall for so many hours rather than studying on your own for that amount of time. Anyway, that's my perspective on it.
My question: If someone has done well on the step 1, when should the person take step 2? Some people say that if you did well on step 1, you should delay taking the step 2. I don't know too much about this, so I would appreciate it if someone could shed some light on this issue. Thanks.
