etcknight
Forum Newbie
Topics: 2
Posts: 10
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Hi everyone,
Please let me know what suggestions you have! :lol:
I recently received my 3rd failing Step 2 score. I have consistently scored ~177/72%. I cannot seem to break this barrier. Perhaps, I just seem to be misunderstanding the questions. The bottom line is I'm not sure what to do now. I feel sick everytime I think about it, b/c in addition, I matched at a good residency in California, and now am facing the prospect that I might have to reapply for the match again, and I am not sure about my chances. :oops: (Does someone have suggestions / experiences?)
In studying for Step 2, I have so far used, Step 2 Secrets, Boards and Wards, QBank, USMLEasy, and A&L Step 2 question books. I cannot say I knew all the information in these books and MCQs; but I thought I knew enough to pass, which apparently was not the case.  What %/score should I look for on QBank &/or USMLE World MSQs?
The next time I am eligible to take Step 2 will not be until December. Does anyone have suggestions about how to manage my time between now and then? :? Also, if I were to take the Kaplan Center Prep, where in my test preparation should I use it (beginning, end, middle)? FYI, IM apparently is my weakest subject, although this was not the case during the Shelf / post-rotation exams.
Thank you for your advice. 
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| usmledoctor1
Forum Junior
Topics: 4
Posts: 77
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i got my result in my step 2 exam. i got 194/79 i m img and i have entered usa because i m married to usa citizen. i m feeling so low because of my scores. please tell me will i be able to get residency in internal medicine
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usmledoctor2@yahoo.com message me on my yahoo messenger anytime.
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| obct_2000
Forum Newbie
Topics: 1
Posts: 2
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I'm dealing with the same thing, I just failed step2 for the 5th time, getting 73 at one piont, I believe for me it's test taking skills and understanding the question being asked. I'm searching for a tutor here in Balti/DC.
This is crazy but hang in there
Sincerely
Shrink
obct_2000@yahoo.com
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| gael
Forum Newbie
Topics: 0
Posts: 18
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i just found out i failed again as well.... close but not enough...
what is your plan of action? i don't know how to start...
i decided to start on Crush step 2 as a refresher... and then start taking notes on kaplan.... and questions questions.....
just know... that you aren't the only one out there.... just keep a positive outlook...
good luck!
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| Rehoboth
Forum Newbie
Topics: 3
Posts: 30
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Hey guys,
Many of us have faced the same thing so keep hope alive.Keep trying and you'll get there sometime...sooner than you think.
If any one can afford Kaplan its a good idea as well as discussion groups especially for repeating the exam.Otherwise let's just keep helping each other. Try studying in a university environment or somewhere you can meet other people studying for the same exam.Planning is also crucial.
I think working together might help.
Rehoboth
___________________
Let us encourage ourselves always :To men it might be impossible but with God all things are possible
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| doc26
Forum Newbie
Topics: 0
Posts: 3
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Hi,
I'm starting afresh my prep for Step2 once again.Failed in my last 2 attempts;the last one being in Aug'04.
Just returned from a vacation 10 days back & I've been trying to study since last week.But i just feel so disheartened when i see the same books again.
I had read from these books in my last attempt:
-Kaplan Notes
-Qbook
-NMS
-Mock Test
-Kaplan Exam CD
-Step2 Made Miraculously Simple.
Will Someone pls tell me if i need to do anything fresh now?
ANy feedback will be highly appreciated.
Thanks,
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doc26
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| ELM
Forum Guru
Topics: 28
Posts: 936
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This time do Kaplan online q bank and UW qs! You will do well!
Good luck!
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ELM
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| doc26
Forum Newbie
Topics: 0
Posts: 3
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Hello:
Thanks ELM for the reply!
Anybody interested in forming an online study group?
We can make a schedule to study & meet online 2-3 times a week for discussions.
Maybe we can even mail each other daily & know wht each one has completed on a day to day basis.That way it'll be like we r accountable to someone & will do the portion we have scheduled.
Thanks,
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doc26
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| tuesday
Forum Senior
Topics: 7
Posts: 207
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doc26,
i just want to know if the books & q's you did, how many x did u read those? I'm asking bec. my test is in 2 wks. & i am also reading same books as you xcept 4 the step 2 made Miraculously (ridiculously?) simple.
Im in w/ the 2-3x/wk discussion. Available all the time.
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| Rehoboth
Forum Newbie
Topics: 3
Posts: 30
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Hi,
I am interested in an online study group.
Let us try starting one.
How about Mondays and Thursdays 9 am or 9pm EST.or your own suggested days.We can all work on some kind of schedule and assign topics?
We could start with IM ,taking it sequentially .
Then Paeds,Surgery,Ob/Gyn,Psy,Prev Med /Ethics etc in whatever order suits everyone.
I think we should start ASAP.
I know when it gets going people will join.
Let me know what u think
Rehoboth
___________________
Let us encourage ourselves always :To men it might be impossible but with God all things are possible
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| doc26
Forum Newbie
Topics: 0
Posts: 3
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Hey Rehoboth,
I've sent u a message;do check ur inbox.Lets start asap.
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doc26
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| JaRyN
Forum Newbie
Topics: 6
Posts: 23
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how does this study group work online?
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| taky
Forum Newbie
Topics: 1
Posts: 16
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Guys I took Step 2 2 months ago and definitely My best advice that I can give to you is Take 3 months course USMLEWORLD.
I took 1.5 months and my strategie was resolve 46 questions then go over the answer, take notes because you can't copy-paste, so I take too many hours throught 1.5 month and Finally when I was doing Step 2 I realized that question focus in the same form as USMLEWORLD.
Kaplan also has terrific question and good explanations but my best learning that I got when was I read explanations inserted ...or looking inside the whole picture of what disease we are talking about...in usmleworld bank..........You understand?..........
I couldn't finish USMLEWORLD Bank.............this is why I think that take 3 months with usmleworld would had have me a better score.
Those are my 2 cents. GOOD LUCK IN YOUR PREPARATION...........
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| patricia2005
Forum Senior
Topics: 15
Posts: 74
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hi
yes it is a good idea to make a study group for step 2
wish luck next time
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patricia
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| etcknight
Forum Newbie
Topics: 2
Posts: 10
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Please see the follow-up at:
etcknight - "4th time's the charm!! =)"
http://www.prep4usmle.com/community/topic16939.ht...
Thanks for all the help and support!
If you have any advice for Step 3 or improving my score on the multiple-choice portion, I'd appreciate it. =)
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| md4me
Forum Newbie
Topics: 0
Posts: 1
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i don't think i'm in any position to give advice; but i want to share my experience mostly to vent, but i'd be happy to help with advice if i can.
I'm a graduating senior at one of the top med schs in the US. Didn't really score too well for step 1 (low 200s) so I was really stressed out during interviews for a very competitive field and I didn't study (effectively) for Step 2 CK (just did a few questions and flipped thru boards and wards) and lo and behold failed by 1 point. Since I found out just before the match, there was no time to retake.
Things went south from there, I had one last categorical interview left, and although they were trying to be nice, to be flat out told that you would not be ranked at all because you are a failure is hard to take. I guess they should have just emailed me or something and save me the trouble of having to travel for the interview.
Anyway I pretty much thought I was out of the running for ANY residency prelim or otherwise not to mention the competitive specialty I was trying for. Was told by my dean to retake asap (even though the scores only came back after the match was done), and to stay in the match. Felt really angry that this pop quiz trivia pursuit of a test is the end all and be all, and so I studied with a vengeance with q bank and first aid and retook the test. Soon came match day, I was jumping up for joy when I got a prelim spot, but of course did not match my specialty. Then came scramble day, and things are sort of still surreal, but between the shame of having to talk about my failed score (the new score still did not come back yet) and pushing myself blindly onward, I somehow got a spot in my competitive specialty. Woohoo.
Now weeks later, I've found out I did pass my retake comfortably in the mean.
This isn't some great revelation or bragging, just my personal experience. I will say that I still don't understand how anyone is supposed to study for the test, some of the questions are fair, but a lot of it is pure trivia with little real clinical relevance, seems like anything under the sun is fair game. There is definitely an element of luck involved with the questions you get. People with a good memory definitely have an advantage.
From what I know, the IMG experience is of course different from mine. being foreign born myself, I am sympathetic to the IMG cause. i think it definitely helps to be from a school the residency director is familiar with. it is of course important to research which residency directors are from the country you trained in; that way your med sch qualifications can be properly evaluated instead of being dumped into the big box of IMGs. I want to say keep the faith and things will work out, in my case they most certainly did, but I am also very mindful of how lucky I am. All I can offer is my best wishes.
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| melonhead
Forum Newbie
Topics: 3
Posts: 15
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Hey, everyone. I am new to this forum, and I figured I would give it a try. I have just received my score for Step 2CK, and I failed it again. I have taken this test 5 times now, with my highest and most recent score being 181/74. I have absolutely no idea what is going on here. I did well on Step 1 the first time around, did well in my rotations and exams, and every indicator says that I should have passed by now.
usmleworld: 60%
Kaplan Q-bank: 70%
NMS: 55-65%
What I am looking for is advice. My school has pretty much turned their back on me since I have already graduated. My friends don't know what to say to me, and I am sitting here banging my head against the wall.
Does anyone have any suggestions? And, am I totally screwed for getting a residency in OB/Gyn? Even with a Masters in Education and great letters of rec. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance for any responses or feedback you might be able to provide.
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| lucky
Forum Guru
Topics: 23
Posts: 505
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guys i just recived my score and i have failed. :cry:
scored 73. i 'm so depressed dont know what to do. :cry:
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| r753_2000
Forum Elite
Topics: 59
Posts: 255
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Lucky,. melonhead, can you describe the type of questions in your exams? maybe we can find a good reivew format together.
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| patricia2005
Forum Senior
Topics: 15
Posts: 74
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hi lucky
i have a q did u practiced qs in exam simulated or just doing qs less than 50 and reading the answers?
do not worry about it just rest a few days then start to do exams in a exam simulated way i mean at least 5 block each day try to rest 1 day before exam and sleep good all of the days u are preparing for it
wish u best luck [-o< =;
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patricia
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| img21
Forum Senior
Topics: 5
Posts: 13
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i have failed too can someone give advice,i did kaplan online Q bank and did kaplan notes.i'm really depressed.i was getting around 65-70% when i was doing q bank.please help.
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| ngoman
Forum Newbie
Topics: 0
Posts: 6
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Everyone. We've got to keep our heads up. You can do it. Believe that you are and will become a great doctor! Go for it, day in and day out. Hard work will take you places.
I have failed twice with a 177/73, then 179/73. I am going to go for it this time. I just scheduled my test for June 28. Pray for me, as I for you.
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| r753_2000
Forum Elite
Topics: 59
Posts: 255
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Ngoman, what study materials did you use from the previous two exams?
What were your scores from the qbank?
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