c_rock
Forum Newbie
Topics: 3
Posts: 17
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Hey guys, I love reading this forum, such a supportive group of people, I figure it can only help if I participated as well 
My background, I just finished basic sciences at a caribbean med school and am planning on taking the Step 1 in June. I was an average student (thus somewhat weak in the basic sciences) but would like to get an above average Step score (say a 240)
Study resources:
Kaplan Home-Study Program, Kaplan WebPrep Lectures, First Aid 2005, Kaplan QBook, Kaplan QBank, USMLE Step 1 Secrets and BRS Path/Physio for reference, Goljan Audio Lectures & 36-Page High-Yield Notes
Study plan:
Feb/Mar/Apr: 10-15 hrs/day, 1 basic science subject/wk (1 week each for anatomy, behav sci, biochem, pharm, micro/immuno; 2 weeks each for physio & path; 3 weeks for review of weak areas), Qbank daily, Kaplan WebPrep Lectures
May/June: 6-10hrs/day, organ-based cumulative review, Qbank daily, Goljan Audio
So there it is...Now guys & gals, tell me what you think I should do differently in terms of my schedule, preparation, etc...I need all the help I can get!
Thanks so much, this forum rocks!
c_rock
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"That man is a success who is happy with himself, who makes the world a better place simply by being a part of it."
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| zokorro
Forum Newbie
Topics: 4
Posts: 29
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Hello. Nice to see you making a diary too, it helps keeping you accountable. I am from the caribbean too. Wish you good luck with your plan!
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| c_rock
Forum Newbie
Topics: 3
Posts: 17
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well day 1 of the studying was a little rough, couldn't really get into the groove yesterday...did some passive reading of cardio and resp anatomy/embryo/histo in kaplan...i don't think too much stuck to memory so i will attempt it again today on top of renal/gi...its really hard to get started with this stuff! the tv is so tempting...gotta force myself to take notes too when i read the material, i think thats the only way it'll somewhat stick for me...
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"That man is a success who is happy with himself, who makes the world a better place simply by being a part of it."
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| KEROCHI
Forum Guru
Topics: 60
Posts: 971
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hi c rock,
i had same problem too but now im focused more w/ my studies so just do few hrs at first until you get into the routine of studying.. Glad to see you starting your diary.. have a happy reading...
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| c_rock
Forum Newbie
Topics: 3
Posts: 17
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Day 2 was about the same in terms of productivity, just read GI & renal anatomy/embryo/histo...today I'm going to read musculoskeletal and try to review what i've done the last 2 days...i need to start taking notes, but am too lazy right now (slowly easing into it like you said)...gotta pick up the pace! how do you guys do it? so many distractions...gym, friends, tv, phone...ah well, i guess this is what they call developing discipline...hopefully today is a more productive day
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"That man is a success who is happy with himself, who makes the world a better place simply by being a part of it."
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| c_rock
Forum Newbie
Topics: 3
Posts: 17
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The week got a little better in terms of productivity...So now I've read through all the Kaplan sections for anatomy. Today's task is to memorize First Aid's anatomy section and finish off with a little QBank. I'm finally starting to warm up to studying!
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"That man is a success who is happy with himself, who makes the world a better place simply by being a part of it."
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| KEROCHI
Forum Guru
Topics: 60
Posts: 971
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hey c rock, i think we're in the same track.. anatomy do you watch kaplan video as well?
Am aiming for april may test date.. join me & the other team members..okay glad that you are done with anatomy.. it took me 1wk & 1/2 w/ interruptions.. have a productive nite..
what will u read next?
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| c_rock
Forum Newbie
Topics: 3
Posts: 17
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guys i didn't do anything today! i'm so disappointed with myself, i watched tv all day and just wasted the day away...i don't know what's wrong with me, i can't get into the groove and yet i'm taking the step in june, i should be freaked out and studying hardcore...i hope i snap out of this, one whole week of unproductivity, ahhhhhhhhhh! any advice guys?
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"That man is a success who is happy with himself, who makes the world a better place simply by being a part of it."
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| KEROCHI
Forum Guru
Topics: 60
Posts: 971
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hey crock.. getting into the groove is really hard at first.. it took me a month and a half to really get going. glad to see you joining our team!
as you've said few months of sacrifice is a lifetime enjoyment & enrichment!! Keep studying ''''''''''''''
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hi c_rock
dont bother...you will get into the groove...just stay motivated...dont get distracted by tv friends etc...if its not possible...go to library.what i do when i feel like this go the library till i feel that now i'm ok with my studies...then i stay at home to study....when you dont feel like studying then do some Questions
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| Moctopod
Forum Elite
Topics: 14
Posts: 422
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Hi c-rock
Welcome to the team.
Yeah, don't worry, you'll get into a routine very soon, and then you'll really be able to get loads done. It takes some time, but if you can find a place where there are no distractions and you can keep focused on why you are putting all this effort in, you'll be flying. Perhaps you can start with a topic you feel comfortable with to help stay motivated.
All the best! :wink:
Moc
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| c_rock
Forum Newbie
Topics: 3
Posts: 17
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finally, got my fire today! cranked out all of first aid histo and read kaplan for any clarification...it feels good to finally have gotten some real work done...tomorrow, embryo shall be covered...it's on like donkey kong!
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"That man is a success who is happy with himself, who makes the world a better place simply by being a part of it."
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got on to the groove!!!keep it up.
happy studying!!!!
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| c_rock
Forum Newbie
Topics: 3
Posts: 17
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another good day! did all of FA embryo w/ corresponding reading in kaplan...tomorrow's task is gross anatomy FA! feels good to get stuff done
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"That man is a success who is happy with himself, who makes the world a better place simply by being a part of it."
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| c_rock
Forum Newbie
Topics: 3
Posts: 17
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ok so took longer than expected, but finally finished all anatomy (histo, embryo, gross, neuro)...i still have to watch the webprep lectures for these areas...this upcoming week will be biochem...
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