taking step 1 at end of research year vs. beginning

[AJ2000]

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I will be taking next year off to do research. I was informed that I can take my step 1 anytime before I enter my 3rd year, so I'm wondering -- what are the pros/cons of either taking it 1-2 months after the end of 2nd year versus having an entire year to study and taking it at the end of the research year?

Which would you guys rather do? I am shooting for a 240+ and feel as if my basic sciences are average, so I definitely have a lot of studying to do...

 

[Rogue_Leader]

I will be taking next year off to do research. I was informed that I can take my step 1 anytime before I enter my 3rd year, so I'm wondering -- what are the pros/cons of either taking it 1-2 months after the end of 2nd year versus having an entire year to study and taking it at the end of the research year?

Which would you guys rather do? I am shooting for a 240+ and feel as if my basic sciences are average, so I definitely have a lot of studying to do...

I'd say take it before your research year. The usual studying pattern for Step 1 is to have a month or so of nothing but studying; no classes or rounds or anything. It'll depend on your personality sure, but I'd wager that after spending all day in the lab doing research you aren't going to be all that motivated to study. Plus, spreading your studying out over a year may not be productive, since you're likely to forget the stuff you studied 6 months ago at boards time (If our memory was any good at all, we wouldn't need to study, we'd just remember everything from first year anatomy and physiology, right 😛). I guess what I'm saying is that it doesn't matter when you take the boards so long as you take a month off beforehand to study for it. Whether you take that month off before or after your research year isn't as important, though doing it beforehand will probably be better since you'll have just finished your classes and you can use that momentum into the boards. I know that the MD/PhD students at my school are encouraged to take Step 1 before they begin their research period.

 

[jennyboo]

At the beginning of your research year, or before it starts -- while your basic science is still fresh.

If you are an average student who's had no trouble passing (not necessarily honoring) your classes, I would study for no more than six weeks max. 4 was about the right amount of time for me.

 

[Sina]

what did you decide to do? im in the same predicament, and ive been starting to think that the whole year might be better....

 

[TY06]

i would take it asap and get it out of the way so you can actually enjoy your year off. you will also do better in research cause youll be done.

think about it...get it done and move on. much better.

 

[HamOnWholeWheat]

For the love of god, get it over with ASAP.

I only say that because I was in the exact same position and chose to take it earlier. I'm sooooooooooooo glad I did. Capitalize on the knowledge you have while you have it. It decays so quick, you'd be stupid not to utilize the "fresh outta class" advantage. Its only been 8 mos. since I started research and I'm feeling REALLY rusty. Take it sooner, you'll be doing yourself a favor.

HamOn

 

[mymembernames]

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[mymembernames]

Has anyone here who has done something like this in the recent years taken it at the end of their research year? Did PDs care for residency?

 

[mymembernames]

I guess this isn't really a good thing to do?