to all of you who are planning on a 4-6 week cram for step 1 - are you planning on taking off weekends? I received advice before to not take off a week during the study period, but does anyone think it would be detrimental to take off weekends, or at least just sundays?
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Step I Weekends off during USMLE prep?
Started by kcrd
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I'm just finishing my study-calendar for the 5 weeks or so before I take step-1 and have planned to take 1 day/week off (Sunday). Personally, I know I'll need a day where I can relax and not feel guilty about not studying. 😀 Everyone is different, but I think I'll be less likely to burn out a few weeks in if I take a day off.
I took 1 out of 3 or 1 out of 4 days off while studying and always had at least one weekend day off. I also took off 4 consecutive days the weekend before the exam to drink and party at my best friends wedding. I took 6 weeks total because of numerous breaks, but I fresh and ready to go when the exam came around. I ended up scoring 237, so I wouldn't change a thing.
Make sure to take the day before off, or at least pack up your books by noon. I rented movies and just chilled all night.
Make sure to take the day before off, or at least pack up your books by noon. I rented movies and just chilled all night.
I didn't have set scheduled days off. Instead, if I felt like I needed a break, I'd just take a whole day off. Many, many nights I went out for movies. USMLE study time is also known as movie time!
You should do whatever works best for you. Just be honest with yourself when it comes to planning your study schedule. If you're going to take a few days off, plan for it. Just don't take days off on a whim...you'll fall behind in your schedule and will need to push back the test date.
best of luck.
best of luck.
I took Step 1 in June of last year, and I really regretted NOT taking all of my weekends off. If you think about it, it'll be the only time when all you're worried about is this test--you'll be thinking of residency stuff when you take Step 2 and you'll be IN residency for Step 3. Try to enjoy at least part of it!
