USMLE Step 1 preparedness; PLEASE HELP!

[Howdoyoudo101]

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Hi all,

I'm taking a research year off this year after my 2nd year. I have not taken STEP 1 yet and am studying. Because I have a history of bad test taking, I decided to take the long approach and read Goljan, Clinical bio made ridic simple, costanzo and USMLE First aid along with Goljan Lectures and Doctors in training online course.

What a big mistake! I spent way too much time (2 months) reading these sources. Now I'm doing USMLE world qbank questions and despite the amount of reading I've done it doesn't show. I should have just started with questions and reading the explanations because IT TAKES A LONG TIME!

What should I do? Should I push the test back? I want to get through the qbank before I take the test. However, I don't want to upset the lab I'm doing research in by taking more time off. This situation sucks, I am freaking out and I don't know what to do. Even if i decide to push the test back, what do I tell my lab PI?

Any advice?

 

[MilkmanAl]

Contrary to popular belief, more sources does not equal better preparation. The sources you picked are good ones (though I tend to strongly recommend against DIT for most people), but if poor testing is your problem, you'd probably do a lot better if you stuck with just FA and UW and nailed those two down cold. If you really get them both, you can add a source. Goljan would be my choice for source #3.

As for pushing your test back, it depends on when you're taking it and how you're currently doing. have you taken a practice test yet? Do so, if not. If you're in danger of failing (say, under 200 on your practice test) and have 2 weeks or fewer before your test, absolutely push that mofo back. Otherwise, I'd study UW and FA like mad and ride it out.

That said, Step 1 is your main priority right now. It is critically important to your future. While pissing off your PI sucks, it doesn't suck nearly as bad as undermining your chances to get the residency you want (or any residency at all, for that matter). Losing a research project means next to nothing, in the long run, unless this is a massively important study with revolutionary results you're involved in. Make sure you kick butt on Step 1 at all costs.