Used UWorld throughout the year once already... get another?

[kl323]

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Hey all,

I've already used 90% of UWorld for all of my 3rd year rotations. I'm currently deciding whether I should go with Kaplan Step 2 Qbank ($169 until test date) or go with DIT Step 2 ($715). With DIT I'll be getting their QBank with the subscription, so that sorta is the bonus...

I'm taking CK July 9th. I intend on having 3 weeks of dedicated studying from June till test date. Since I'm on a light rotation now, I'll be using the next 3 wks for dedicated studying as well.

I can't imaging finishing Kaplan Qbank. I am positive I will run through UWorld in its entirety one more time. So far, I will be using Secrets in conjunction with UWorld. WIth that said, should I get Kaplan for the sake of getting some fresh questions since it's relatively cheap at only $169...

I originally thought of going through UW x2 + USMLE Step 2 Secrets. But everyone left and right is going with either Kaplan or DIT. Peer pressure isn't helpful...

Thoughts?

 

[Transposony]

I originally thought of going through UW x2 + USMLE Step 2 Secrets. But everyone left and right is going with either Kaplan or DIT. Peer pressure isn't helpful...

Most people recommend UWX n & your choice of the book. Kaplan L Notes are very useful. Haven't heard much about people recommending DIT for step 2. My suggestion would be to go with Kaplan L Notes if you have time. DIT is just a recital of the book.
Having said that, UW many times is a must.

 

[kl323]

I really liked the Kaplan notes for the shelf exams.. but they may be too long for me to read in the weeks that I have.

Maybe I'll whip out pestana's notes, those are definitely worth it. Otherwise, what do you think about Master the Boards?

Secrets and MTB have the best ratings on Amazon.

 

[SlaveOfTCMC]

Only do the Kaplan QBank if you

A) have sufficient time

B) Enjoy torture

C) Enjoy learning important facts which you will need to know as a real physician, but not necessarily so for Step 2

 

[totallygone]

Just use UWORLD in 8 blocks daily as a primer for the real exam and see how much information you have truly retained.

 

[512TA]

Only do the Kaplan QBank if you

A) have sufficient time

B) Enjoy torture

C) Enjoy learning important facts which you will need to know as a real physician, but not necessarily so for Step 2

scoring about 59%on kaplan and am 68% through. what indication does it give me in regard to real deal? section like infectious disease and pediatrics are big time killers.

 

[SlaveOfTCMC]

Just for a frame of reference, my first time through UWorld for Step I got a 78% (which according to that regression curve is a 270+... hey I can dream right?)

my first time through Kaplan was about a 65%

take what you will from this information.


I think the benefit of Kaplan is that it trains you to be a real doctor (more so if you are going into Internal Medcine or one of the subspecialties) because many of its questions are of the no clear cut no buzzword no obvious answer type of patient presentation you will likely see in real life. It all comes down to recognizing subtle clinical details and using sound judgment... just like in real life