When to Take Step 3?

[alphaholic06]

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I'm trying to determine what is the best time to take Step 3 during my intern year. I'm thinking that taking it around the time of the in-service would be optimal. Would it be better to take it a month or so before the inservice and use it to begin my prep for the inservice or should I take it immediately after the inservice? Thanks for the advice.

 

[ccfccp]

Either would work. I took mine 2-3 weeks before the inservice as a "general prep" and then studied more EM specific things for the inservice. That seemed ideal to me, but I think the argument was just as valid the other way. The other key factor is what your schedule is going to look like. I would try to take it during and "easier" month, because scheduling it can sometimes be tricky and you may need a little schedule flexibility (I did.)

 

[alphaholic06]

Thanks for the reply.

 

[Powdermonkey]

What do you guys think about studying for a week or three after graduation and getting step 3 out of the way before residency even starts? I've had a few residents recently tell me they wish they would have done that just to get it over with and that intern year really didnt teach them much more for the exam.

 

[ccfccp]

What do you guys think about studying for a week or three after graduation and getting step 3 out of the way before residency even starts? I've had a few residents recently tell me they wish they would have done that just to get it over with and that intern year really didnt teach them much more for the exam.

It's not a bad idea if you want to do it that way. I found there was enough time if planned out adequately. The only thing is that our residency lets you apply your CME money to the cost.

 

[Tornadoman84]

What do you guys think about studying for a week or three after graduation and getting step 3 out of the way before residency even starts? I've had a few residents recently tell me they wish they would have done that just to get it over with and that intern year really didnt teach them much more for the exam.

Taking it after graduation assumes one thing: meeting your state's eligibility for taking Step 3. Some states require at least one year of post-graduate training before taking Step 3.

"Check that you meet the Step 3 requirements. Two sets of requirements are listed: the core USMLE program requirements that all applicants must meet and the state‐specific eligibility requirements (e.g. minimum postgraduate training of the sponsoring board)." taken from http://www.fsmb.org/usmle_apply.html

 

[gutonc]

Taking it after graduation assumes one thing: meeting your state's eligibility for taking Step 3. Some states require at least one year of post-graduate training before taking Step 3.

"Check that you meet the Step 3 requirements. Two sets of requirements are listed: the core USMLE program requirements that all applicants must meet and the state‐specific eligibility requirements (e.g. minimum postgraduate training of the sponsoring board)." taken from http://www.fsmb.org/usmle_apply.html

But you can register to take it through any state, not just the one where you're training, taking the exam or plan to get a license. Connecticut doesn't have a PG training requirement and this is how all those 99/99/99 IMGs without residency slots register to take it. So you can register through CT but take it in (e.g.) CA (or any of the other states where it's offered).

 

[MSTigER]

I was going to take Step 3 in June before internship kicked off, but you must have graduated before registering (I do on May 27). There is like a 3-6 wk processing period after registering, thus making it impossible for me to take it in June.😡

 

[CestaVie]

I took it before intern year and it was fine. Made life so much less stressful during residency.