MD & DO Studying for Step2 : is it better to do Uworld by subjects or systems or random?

[stellarartois]

My test is 3 weeks away but after taking some CMS forms, I am realizing that I am particularly weak in surgery. I was thinking about doing random uworld blocks in surgery and combining that with few random blocks that combine all subjects (surgery, peds, medicine etc.). Also will be doing nbme stuff too.

I am wondering what is the best way to approach uworld : system (cardio, GI, rheum etc.) vs subject (peds, obgyn, medicine, etc.) vs completely random that combines everything.

or does it not matter as long as I am reviewing well?

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[eteshoe]

I always go by subject/system. During dedicated I'd mostly stick to 2 subjects or systems per day (helped me be more efficient reviewing). Then last 2 days of the wk I'd do complete mixed blocks.

3 wks out and I'd suggest you do an NBME full length if you haven't already - and adjust your studying as needed. Remember the real deal doesn't have the luxury of CMS forms or shelf exams to go into the nitty gritty over every subject.

 

[Hopeful_medstudent311]

I would do it by subject, and then by system to focus your studies, and then if you can do more broad reviews by subject with all systems, that would be great for recognizing questions from those specialties.

 

[Redpancreas]

With 3 weeks out, I would do random 40Q blocks for several reasons. You need spaced repetition. It seems more overwhelming but you’re making more connections and learning more each day rather than pigeon holing yourself into one system and hoping you were attentive that day. Also, you need to start learning how to take the test and on the real deal you won’t have the luxury of knowing which section you’re doing.

A mistake I made was spend too much time reading the explanations. Just read why the right answer is right and why your answer is wrong, check out a distractor you were stumped by, and then review and retain the learning point. This will allow you to get through 120+ a day.

Make a OneNote file and make tabs like Cardio, GI, GYN, Neuro, Peds and crop important high yield tables and even text you need to review. Don’t sell it.

Also, anytime you are struggling with a concept and struggle to differentiate X presentation from Y

Chat GPT Type: generate 5 questions with an illness script in the form for a Step 2 CK question and for each differential. It’ll make a question for sigmoid volvulus, pseudoobstruction, etc.

You can also ask it to make tables:
Compare menieres, vestibular neuritis, etc.

You can even crop a table and ask it to generate 5 mcq questions on the table.

Leave 4-5 days to spare and buy whatever is the best lecture series out there for Step 2 CK is and spend the last few days doing that to taper.