USMLE Step 2 - Need your advise

[jayswame]

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Hello,

I have just completed my USMLE Step 1 Exam and now I'm starting to Study for Step 2 but I'm confused what to do? I have until September 2nd to turn in everything in order to get a residency match and If I don't than my 1 year would be wasted. And on other hand I only have 4 months to finish Step 2 and get my scores. Someone told me It takes long time to get Clinical scroes for Step 2 than Therory part. What do you all recommend, should I take Clinical first or go ahead with Theory part? Do you think I can make it? Is Step 2 exam harder than Step 1? How much time should I put in to study for Step 2 theory exam? And what is the best way to do good in Step 2 clinical part, since I'm new to USA and have hard time communicating and sometime understanding?

Thank you very much for all your feedback. I really appreciate your help.

 

[abbaroodle]

www.usmle.org/examinations/step2/step2cs_reporting.html

From the score reporting website, CS taken from May 24 through Jul 18 will be released Aug 19th to Sept 16th. You can try to take it before May 24th but it might be hard to get a spot on this short notice. I would basically take it as soon as you can (but with enough time to study as well!!!!) since it seems like the earlier in the testing block you take it, the earlier your scores come back. So scheduling CS would be my first priority. It can take a while to get a date.

If you are flexible (ie live in one of the 5 cities where it is offered) you can prepare and then look for an opening the night before if you could go on a minutes notice. I would do that in addition to having a later date just in case it doesnt work!!! And if that wont make you overly anxious!

It takes about 4-5 wks to get the CK back. So I would take it no later than mid July. (Earlier if you are worried about needing to repeat it.)

Step 2 CK is different from Step 1. Most people do a bit better (on average scores are higher). It is more clinically based rather than basic science which I think is easier, but you may not. As for the best way to study, there are lots of threads on that. I liked USMLE-World's question bank, First Aid, and Step2 Secrets (Brockart I think). Others like other books. I think lots of practice q's is the way to go.

Study for CS by reviewing First Aid-CS - knowing the DDx and workup for common CC's. There are some websites with more advice for IMG's that might be helpful. If you can, practice doing an H&P with someone who speaks English well. Also, any time you can spend around English speakers (especially if they will help you!), watching TV, reading the newspaper, etc is great for English. But its really hard it is to be in a foreign country and learn a new lang, so go easy on yourself as well!!!

 

[jayswame]

Thank you abbaroodle, you made my life easier. I will keep you posted how everything is going and if I can make it or not.

Again thank you for taking time to help me.

 

[hj0517]

I'd just like to say abbaroodle that was a really nice post, I've been trawling the forums since '07 here and generally IMG related / language barrier issues are generally handled with a degree of cynicism and apathy.

Kudos to you and best wishes for the future!