Three weeks between classes and Step 1...

[Corker]

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I noticed that some schools end second year spring quarter at the end of May, then requires Step 1 before the end of June. This really only gives about three to four weeks for review (at the most.) Do you think this would be a problem? Anyone else had a challenge like this and done very well? Did you study during breaks throughout the year, etc? I'm looking for a 240+ (minimum) on Step 1, just as a note to put this in context (I mean, aren't we all looking for that? hehe)

Second question is: I didn't take cell bio or molecular bio as an undergrad (and I only took an intro class of biochem, which was not at all comprehensive). Would I be well-served to do a self-study of biochem, cell, and molecular bio this year before I start med school? (I have time, by the way, and I don't mind studying in my "spare time.")

 

[lord_jeebus]

Hi Corker, we meet again (on my turf 🙂)

If you're talking about UCSD, you get 4 weeks. The schedule online may be misleading but it is a full 4 weeks. Many schools offer 6-8 weeks. Opinions differ but I believe it is not necessary to spend so much time on it. I think if you delay too long you lose retention of pathology (and at UCSD, micro) which are very important subjects on the test. You would then need to review those subjects to compensate.

I used 13 days (including 2 days off) and crushed the test (just missed my 270 target). Many people broke 240 using only 2-3 weeks of preparation.

The key is learning all class material very well, and developing a good board strategy based on the successful techniques of others. You can worry about this when you get to your 2nd year.

Self-study of that material will not be useful. Conceptually, it is not difficult. The medical school focus is different from that in undergrad courses, and overall it isn't that bad. If you spend a lot of time on it now you are unlikely to thank yourself later.

 

[Corker]

Great to hear from you. Thanks for your reply. I didn't want to say UCSD for fear they would move my thread to a "class thread" where no one would ever see it. You gave me the exact answer I needed, though. I had noticed that some schools give a lot more time, but yet I know that many of you have killed the boards (congrats on your score, by the way! --- you rock!!!) So I guess four weeks will be enough. Do you take the test right at the end of June, or is there some flexibility? I don't really know how it works, except I know you have to finish it before starting third year.

I hope when I get to that point, I will be able to get more advice on exactly what to study.

Thank you, also, for the advice on the review material for next year. I've been pretty stressed about not being prepared. I can memorize and comprehend a lot of information quickly (like most people in med school), but I was afraid that my lack of these classes in undergrad would put me at a disadvantage. I feel better about it now.

You're definitely my prime info source about UCSD. Thanks again, and I would love to meet you next year.

 

[Law2Doc]

Second question is: I didn't take cell bio or molecular bio as an undergrad (and I only took an intro class of biochem, which was not at all comprehensive). Would I be well-served to do a self-study of biochem, cell, and molecular bio this year before I start med school? (I have time, by the way, and I don't mind studying in my "spare time.")

Absolutely a waste of time to attempt self study before med school. Rest up and plan to hit the ground running when you get there. It is unlikely you will be on target with the focus of the med school course, before med school you won't have a sense of the pace or demands or expectations of med school, and you will simply be doing a lot of wasted effort. Med school will teach you all you need to know and then some. This question has actually been asked and answered dozens of times on the pre-allo and allo boards.

 

[Law2Doc]

I'm looking for a 240+ (minimum) on Step 1, just as a note to put this in context (I mean, aren't we all looking for that? hehe)

And honestly, you need to be more realistic and less cocky at this stage. You presumably haven't even started med school yet, so you have no concept of what kind of student you will be, and what portion of med students will get that kind of score. The majority of your class (doesn't really matter what school) is going to score below a 240; while it's nice to assume you will be in the top chunk of your class, I suggest waiting and seeing if you are in front of the pack or trailing. A good portion of every med school class will find that they transitioned from A students in college to just happy to be average or passing in med school, and usually have board scores to match. Part of the fun of med school is watching how formerly A students deal with mediocrity for the first time in their life. Although info isn't publicized, most med schools are extremely happy to have class averages in the high 220s and, without knowing anything about you, statistically, odds are pretty good you won't be the smartest person in your class. Until you get closer to the boards, have a handful of honors in med school, and actually start taking practice tests, you really shouldn't be talking smack about 240 minimums. Good luck.

 

[njbmd]

I noticed that some schools end second year spring quarter at the end of May, then requires Step 1 before the end of June. This really only gives about three to four weeks for review (at the most.) Do you think this would be a problem? Anyone else had a challenge like this and done very well? Did you study during breaks throughout the year, etc? I'm looking for a 240+ (minimum) on Step 1, just as a note to put this in context (I mean, aren't we all looking for that? hehe)

Second question is: I didn't take cell bio or molecular bio as an undergrad (and I only took an intro class of biochem, which was not at all comprehensive). Would I be well-served to do a self-study of biochem, cell, and molecular bio this year before I start med school? (I have time, by the way, and I don't mind studying in my "spare time.")

I had a honors fellowship between my second and third year that came with the requirment that I take USMLE Step I by the end of the second week in May with our classes ending on April 30th. I was able to review for Step I and take it within this time. There were two things that I feel are imperative for Step I.

First, I had done extremely well in my coursework. That's how I received the honors fellowship in the first place. Second, I used Kaplan's Q-Bank so that I was somewhat familiar with the method in which USMLE tests. The test is integrated and completely covers coursework that would typically be mastered during first and second year.

The single most important factor in my USMLE performance was my performance in my coursework during first and second year. When I was using Q-Bank, I wasn't "learning" anything new but reviewing and putting together things that I had previously mastered in my coursework. I used my breaks during first and second year to either get ahead in my coursework or review things that I knew I would need for upcoming finals. I didn't do any USMLE Step I review at those times.

Review courses are great if you feel that you didn't have good coursework or if you feel that you didn't master your coursework the first time around but make no mistake, if you have a short time to prep for USMLE, you need to have a good knowledge base already in place before you take this exam. You cannot literally sit in three or four weeks and re-learn everything that you need to know for this exam. You also cannot memorize a lecture tape or even a complete course and expect to do well on this exam. This is not a test of memory but a test of application (similar to MCAT in that respect).

The people that I know who did well on USMLE Step I, were solid students heading into the exam, had a solid - not spare time "review" plan and were able to apply the knowledge that they had to the questions on that exam. I scored quite well but I was solidly prepared. If this is not you, then make sure you get your act together and have a solid prep plan. You get one shot at this exam and there are no "do overs".

 

[Corker]

Thank you, njbmd, for your constructive advice. I think it's important to have a "plan" as I enter medical school so I don't wind up behind in my studies as I near the test. Thank you for your advice on this.

Law2doc, as far as being "cocky" about getting a 240+, it's clear that you don't know me at all and have misjudged my comments. I don't think there is any "cockiness" in setting a goal for oneself. I stated very plainly that this was my goal, not necessarily an expectation, which I don't classify as "talking smack." I was also a little taken aback that you said it is "fun" to see A students brought down by mediocrity in medical school. I can't imagine taking pleasure in something like that. Yes, I understand there are people who could use a small dose of humility, but to gloat over it seems inappropriate and immature. I wish success for all of my classmates and hope to be a part of helping everyone do their best in med school.

Thank you again for the comments. I'm just so excited about next year. I've waited a very long time for this and want to do my very best.

 

[Corker]

And honestly, you need to be more realistic and less cocky at this stage. You presumably haven't even started med school yet, so you have no concept of what kind of student you will be, and what portion of med students will get that kind of score. The majority of your class (doesn't really matter what school) is going to score below a 240; while it's nice to assume you will be in the top chunk of your class, I suggest waiting and seeing if you are in front of the pack or trailing. A good portion of every med school class will find that they transitioned from A students in college to just happy to be average or passing in med school, and usually have board scores to match. Part of the fun of med school is watching how formerly A students deal with mediocrity for the first time in their life. Although info isn't publicized, most med schools are extremely happy to have class averages in the high 220s and, without knowing anything about you, statistically, odds are pretty good you won't be the smartest person in your class. Until you get closer to the boards, have a handful of honors in med school, and actually start taking practice tests, you really shouldn't be talking smack about 240 minimums. Good luck.

Hmmm...

 

[Law2Doc]

I was also a little taken aback that you said it is "fun" to see A students brought down by mediocrity in medical school. I can't imagine taking pleasure in something like that. Yes, I understand there are people who could use a small dose of humility,

The bold is what I was saying. You will see that there are folks who show up to med school already with a touch of the attitude/swagger a person shouldn't have until at least well into residency. You can't really know what I mean until you get there, but there are folks who talk an awfully good game long before the first test. (And become deafeningly silent thereafter, once they realize they are just another fish in the new pond). And so sure, while it may not be the most mature thing to relish their fall back into the abyss of reality, most folks will enjoy that guilty pleasure about someone. It's put up or shut up, and these people tend not to put up.

It's fine to have lofty goals, but to articulate that you hope to get a 240+ without even starting first year simply goes too far. (and honestly if you are just throwing out "goal"s, why wouldn't you be shooting for 260+). Start with the single target of honoring your first med school course, and build (or rethink things) from there. Baby steps.

 

[lord_jeebus]

For what it's worth, I think that most people who score 240+ set a goal of scoring that well from an early stage.

You certainly should focus on your coursework and not worry about boards too much at this stage, but I see no problem with being ambitious.

Judging from the apps we get, I really believe that most of the people we accept at UCSD are capable of getting a 240 -- whether they do or not comes down to strategy and motivation.

Being near the top of the class at UCSD is much, much harder than getting a 240. If someone told me they were shooting for that I'd say what Law2Doc said.

 

[Corker]

Thanks again, lord_jeebus. Very true. In all sincerity, I feel it is an honor to be selected to attend UCSD with such a great group of students.

 

[Pinkertinkle]

Fortune favors the bold - Virgil. I think you should aim high and strive to achieve the best. Don't let the competition scare you, they are irrelevant. As lord jeebus said by getting in you've already proven you have the potential, now its all about your own personal motivation.

 

[Corker]

Fortune favors the bold - Virgil. I think you should aim high and strive to achieve the best. Don't let the competition scare you, they are irrelevant. As lord jeebus said by getting in you've already proven you have the potential, now its all about your own personal motivation.

What a great comment! 👍 Thanks for the input!!! Love the name, by the way.😀

 

[Law2Doc]

Fortune favors the bold - Virgil.

Each of us bears his own Hell. - Virgil. I think this quote is more apt when talking about med school boards.😀

 

[joe6102]

And honestly, you need to be more realistic and less cocky at this stage. You presumably haven't even started med school yet, so you have no concept of what kind of student you will be, and what portion of med students will get that kind of score. The majority of your class (doesn't really matter what school) is going to score below a 240; while it's nice to assume you will be in the top chunk of your class, I suggest waiting and seeing if you are in front of the pack or trailing. A good portion of every med school class will find that they transitioned from A students in college to just happy to be average or passing in med school, and usually have board scores to match. Part of the fun of med school is watching how formerly A students deal with mediocrity for the first time in their life. Although info isn't publicized, most med schools are extremely happy to have class averages in the high 220s and, without knowing anything about you, statistically, odds are pretty good you won't be the smartest person in your class. Until you get closer to the boards, have a handful of honors in med school, and actually start taking practice tests, you really shouldn't be talking smack about 240 minimums. Good luck.

That was harsh. The SDN average is around 240, so it's a reasonable goal for anyone here, especially someone in a California school. Sure you need to focus on class grades and not Step 1 during the first year, but there's nothing wrong with setting a goal and making a plan to achieve it.

 

[Law2Doc]

The SDN average is around 240,

ROFL. There is no way. The actual average of folks on SDN, even giving them the benefit of the doubt of being better than the average nationally is going to be in the 220s. There are a handful of outspoken folks on here with 240+ but they are actually a very small minority, even on SDN. If you read the threads, you will find almost as many folks posting about not even passing (multiple times), actually.

 

[Corker]

That was harsh. The SDN average is around 240, so it's a reasonable goal for anyone here, especially someone in a California school. Sure you need to focus on class grades and not Step 1 during the first year, but there's nothing wrong with setting a goal and making a plan to achieve it.

Thanks for the comment, joe6102. After spending time on SDN, I have found that Law2Doc is often harsh and not very encouraging....oh, and he usually has to have the last word.....hmmm......hee hee 😉😉😉

I agree that success begins with a goal (and a plan for achieving it). I also think that my goal for an excellent score on the boards will support my focus on learning during the first two years (as this material directly applies to the boards.) Thanks for the encouragement!😀

 

[Law2Doc]

After spending time on SDN, I have found that Law2Doc is often harsh and not very encouraging....

Lots of people find my posts helpful, but sometimes posters post things for which there needs to be a reality check.
I encourage you to try for a high score-- shoot for the moon. But I don't encourage folks who are still premeds to say they are looking for "a 240+ (minimum)", because that is not realistic for most, and comes off pretty arrogant considering the national average is a 218, and the alleged average for some of the best schools is in the 220s. After two years of med school and solid performance on all the NBMEs maybe you can make your claim. But you are too far off.
Trust me, I am far less "harsh" than the masochists who make up and grade these tests.

Good luck. But baby steps.

 

[tony montana]

Corker

consider yourself lucky, we only get about a week to prep for boards

 

[Corker]

Corker

consider yourself lucky, we only get about a week to prep for boards

Seriously? Do I dare ask which school? This sounds like a counterproductive policy for a school that desires success for its students! Do they compensate in other ways?

 

[tony montana]

Seriously? Do I dare ask which school? This sounds like a counterproductive policy for a school that desires success for its students! Do they compensate in other ways?

Seriously,

I'll probably PM you the name

Well, the previous class had enough prep time, I am not sure what happened with us this year. I do not see any compensation 'till now, we'll just have to do I guess...

 

[tony montana]

Seriously? Do I dare ask which school? This sounds like a counterproductive policy for a school that desires success for its students! Do they compensate in other ways?

Seriously,

I'll probably PM you the name

Well, the previous class had enough prep time, I am not sure what happened with us this year. I do not see any compensation 'till now, we'll just have to do I guess...

 

[Corker]

So sorry, man. Hate it for you. Good luck.