When is the best time to write USMLE step 1?

[HeatherR]

Hi Everyone,

I'm a canadian medical student and therefore don't have to write the USMLE, but I'd like to write it just in case I decide to go to the USA in the future. I've just finished second year of medical school. Would this be the best time to write step 1 (I know this is when american students write it), or would I be better to write it after another year when I have more clinical knowledge? Thanks for your advice,

Heather

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[Jim Henderson]

It's a toss up between taking it at the end of your basic sciences, or sometime during the next year.

Most students take it at the end of their basic science training (end of second year for most.)

At Baylor, where I went, most of us took it 6 months to one year after beginning clinical training. We were told that historically, those of us who took it after a little clinical experience did better. Most of us did have 2 weeks to one month to study for it, however.

I think either of the two above options is ok as long as you make sure you can schedule at least two weeks off.

Also, MAKE ABSOLUTELY SURE you get "First Aid for the Boards: USMLE Step 1" as early as possible to begin preparing: you can click this link to get it: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0838526128/medicalstudentne



------------------
Jim Henderson, MD of MedicalStudent.net
http://www.medicalstudent.net

 

[rjoshi]

Take Your Step 1 when you are best prepared for it as when you come for residency in us your scores will become very important