Taking Step 3 post-graduation and before next match?

[luckyt66]

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Hi, so I am posting regarding recommendations on studying for Step 3 after I graduate in a month and taking it before the upcoming match cycle. I've seen some posts about Step 3, but nothing recently and as specific to my inquiry, so making a new post on it.

My background is 224 on step 1, and 230 on step 2, both on first try. I don't think my IM background is the strongest as I did my core a while back. And I also know most take it during intern year after their IM months, so I know that will be a bit of a disadvantage, but I'm hoping to make that up by extra studying and questions in my time off right now.

Overall, from last 2 steps, I've realized that I learn most from questions and tests overall. Other than uWorld, any other good qbanks people recommend?? Also, any recommendations for the most comprehensive book to use as a foundation from recent test takers? Any videos people recommend? I studied with MTB for step 2 and liked it overall despite it missing a lot of info (annotated a lot from uWorld). I used secrets too as a supplement and really liked that format and planning to use that again.

With my background, what tips/general recommendations do any recent test takers have regarding study material, time Recommended for me to study, etc?? Especially, if anyone else has been in this scenario of taking step 3 after graduation and before match, I would really appreciate and specifically directed advice from your experience!

Otherwise, Appreciate any advice/tips overall. Thanks!

 

[JamesPhilly]

I took step 3 the weekend before residency started. Just study a bunch from uworld, and work towards whatever the recommended passing score is (60% or something?) In any case if you spend your 4th year studying for it, it's doable. Not really much I can say besides that. Good luck!

 

[JKinSC]

I took step 3 the weekend before residency started. Just study a bunch from uworld, and work towards whatever the recommended passing score is (60% or something?) In any case if you spend your 4th year studying for it, it's doable. Not really much I can say besides that. Good luck!

Out of curiosity, were you able to get reimbursed for it? We've got almost two months between graduation and start of residency, and I've been thinking hard about doing this just to get it out of the way.

 

[JamesPhilly]

Out of curiosity, were you able to get reimbursed for it? We've got almost two months between graduation and start of residency, and I've been thinking hard about doing this just to get it out of the way.

Our program gives an educational stipend yearly in December, and we do not get reimbursed for step 3.

It was a tough expense, but it was worth it to get out of the way. These stupid tests correlated only with the next exam, and not to any measures of clinical performance. They are hoops to jump through. Might as well get it done early, I would say, especially if you ahve two months off (!!). Good luck!

 

[psychattending]

In my mind you are wasting valuable time studying for the exam. If you go through internship and learn the material by doing, there is far less studying to do. Personally, I counsel my residents to take it much later in the year after they have the experience.

 

[FlowRate]

How do people usually schedule Step 3 during residency? Whatever weekend days they have off?

 

[OldPsychDoc]

Our residents usually take academic days. I know that not all programs have these, though.

 

[luckyt66]

In my mind you are wasting valuable time studying for the exam. If you go through internship and learn the material by doing, there is far less studying to do. Personally, I counsel my residents to take it much later in the year after they have the experience.

I didn't specify, but my major motivation behind taking Step 3 NOW, is because I didn't match this year. And the consistent opinion across the board on SDN seemed to be everyone recommending to take Step 3 b4 the next application cycle. (Otherwise, I understand the typical route is during residency, and usually post IM-months for Psych specifically).