ididit
Forum Newbie
Topics: 2
Posts: 7
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This has been a long process, but finally it's finished. I apologize in advance if it's too long, but it might be helpful to some of you. KEEP IT UP.
I wanted to share my experience with all of you, since I know that there are many out there like me, who had to work while studying for the boards, and also perhaps volunteer in a research lab etc.
I did my last year of medical school in 2000-2001. In that year I did 9 months of clinical rotations at the University of Miami and also at Harvard medical School. In the summer of 2001, I took step 1 for the first time...and believe me...I totally underestimated the exam...perhaps I didn't ask the people around the specs of the exam...or how to prepare for it as an IMG. The first time I did terrible like a 38.
I started doing research in the fall of 2001 and studied part time during the week. I had the weekend and 2 weekdays to study. I bought many book reviews that were recommended for american students, thinking that this was going to be enough. My second attempt was in the summer of 2002...sadly I only got a 58. Dissapointed with this results, I decided to start studying for step 2 instead because it's a lot more fun to study for. I borrowed the kaplan books for step 2 and studied at night and wkends for about 6 months and took the exam in the summer of 2003. I got 75. Woww...just enough to pass, but hey...I passed in the first attempt. My suggestions for step 2 are to use the kaplan books and also watch the kaplan webprep videos and do lots of hard, long questions, starting with the Qbank + Qbook and perhaps use the exam master.
It was time to face step 1 again. At this point I realized that I needed major help for this test, and at the same time I realized that almost all of my friends who had scored 85 and above had taken 1-2 years off to study full time in kaplan. Great for the people who have the time and can afford not to work, but I couldn't + I needed to keep my working visa active, so I decided to get a loan and enroll in the kaplan center prep for 4 months in early 2004. I watched almost all of the videos at night and during the weekends, but the truth is that kaplan is certainly designed for people who can study full time, otherwise is not that helpful. I'm not saying that is not good, I'm just saying that if your gonna use kaplan then better get ready to study for at least a year. After those 4 months at kaplan, I read all the kaplan books again + first aid and did questions using kaplan Q bank + Q book + Path Robins. At the end I was scoring between 55-65. I took my year vacation of 3 wks and tried to review my highlights + first aid...and took the exam again in August 2004...Again, this was not enough...Only got 74...I missed it for 1 point!!! Not easy to deal with + I had everything else ready to apply to the match of 2005...meaning that I had my LoRs, statement, publications as co-author. Believe me it was not easy to deal with that result, but hey family and friends are amazing and encouraged me to keep going. I scheduled the exam again for Feb 2005 and at the same time (around Oct 2004), I decided to apply through the ERAS with only the results of my step 2...remember it was only 75. I applied to almost 40 programs and only 1 called me for an interview in January...but hey I'm not complaining I only had step 2. This is where my LoRs, statement and publications helped a lot. Also at this point, I got my first authorship publication accepted.
I started reviewing the kaplan books again in Dec 2004 and took 2 months off from work to study (Jan - Feb). My plan this time was to actively read the kaplan books...meaning really asking myself what I was reading. Also, complementing with the Q bank. I was able to read all the books at least 3 times. Something that helped me a lot was to listen to the audios of Dr. Goljan...men this guy is amazing...He gave a 5 day course of 8 hrs/day...I manged to listen all the audios in 3 1/2 days. It's really good. After the audios I read his book and tried to understand + memorize the tables included in his path book. I could see my scores in path going higher & higher. I took a simulated test every saturday for a total of 5 simulated tests. I used Kaplan simulated test x 2 w/o reviewing the Qs, one saturday I did 7 blocks of the Qbank, and the other 2 x I bought the NBME (these are probably the best Qs...very similar to the exam). I was scoring between 55-59 in the Kaplan sim. test, scoring 65/average in Qbank (after 1000 Qs) and got like 133 in the first NBME and 199 in the last NBME. Improving every week between 6-10%. This is why studying full time is soo important.
At this point, I decided to take the exam in Mid Feb/05 and got 81/199...yes!!!!! Finally!!!!!!!! It may not be a 99, but I did it!!!! Off course I recommend you to try to get above 90 in first attempt and for this you'll need a lot of time stuying full time + using the right materials x U. But like I said, if you have failled...just keep stuying & trying...there is always hope.
I received my test results the thursday before match week, and I had schedule step 2 CS for the Tuesday post-match. While I was taking step 2 CS, my wife + friends + Boss were sending faxes, e-mails and making phone calls for the scramble. When I got out of my Step 2 CS, I had 3 phone interviews with program directors from Massachusetts, NYC and AR. All good programs...on Wednesday post-match I signed a contract in NYC.
Can you imagine my life changed entirely in a matter of 1 week. Obviusly after a lot of hard work & team work. Believe I'm exhausted, but it was totally worth it.
My advise is to keep working hard and study until you're feeling comfortable in the simul. tests scoring above 60-65 if possible and also depending on the simul. test you take. Try not to take your exam until you're really ready...But hey...there is always hope...keep positive. YOU ARE GOING TO MAKE IT!!! GOOD LUCK TO YOU ALL!!!
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| penndoc
Forum Newbie
Topics: 6
Posts: 15
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What a truly amazing job you have done.....Congratulations! You really deserve it..... Seriously, after reading your post I felt so good.....Good luck in all your future endeavors.
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Choose well.
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| Angeles
Forum Senior
Topics: 15
Posts: 145
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Congartulations!!! :icon_salut:
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ALLAH IS SUFFICIENT FOR ME, NONE HAS THE RIGHT TO BE WORSHIPPED EXCEPT HIM, UPON HIM I RELY AND HE IS LORD OF THE EXALTED THRONE.
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| mjl1717
Forum Hero
Topics: 958
Posts: 5,463
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Congrats --but i never heard of a 38 score on step 1 (Is that a mis print, its usually a 2 and 3 digi score)????
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Smell the coffee! "Is That an Osler move??"
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| KEROCHI
Forum Guru
Topics: 60
Posts: 971
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Wow!! Congratulations!! JOB well done.
Like mjl1717 Did you really get a 38? on the two digit score? the first time? If yes I really really admire you for a hard work well done.. Amazing!!!
I wish you all the best in everything!!
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| gbono2
Forum Junior
Topics: 6
Posts: 71
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CONGRATULATIONS
I have failed the thing twice. You have given me additional hope & encouragement.
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| ddd
Forum Newbie
Topics: 1
Posts: 19
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CONGRATS!! It is one inspiring story. Enjoy the fruits of your hard work now!
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| sekus
Forum Junior
Topics: 10
Posts: 28
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you just inspire i`m sure all of us to never give up
hope you succeed in everything you do
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I once shot an elephant in my pajamas, how he got in my pajamas I'll never know-Groucho Marx
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| akhan18
Forum Junior
Topics: 9
Posts: 32
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U MADE ME CRY
CONGRATULATIONS!
IT MAKES ME FEEL THAT I CAN ALSO DO IT
BEST OF LUCK!
ONE QUEST
DID U REALLY GET 38 FIRST TIME IF YES THEN U R THE HERO
PL REPLY THANKAS!
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| ididit
Forum Newbie
Topics: 2
Posts: 7
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Hi,
yes, I did get 38 the first time I took it. It all has been a very important learning experience in my life. It requires discipline and a lot of motivation. Keep your mind and eyes focusing on the price. BEST OF LUCK TO YOU ALL!!!!
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| usmle1
Forum Newbie
Topics: 2
Posts: 9
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you are an amazing person. good job!
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There is a will, there is a way.
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| samuel
Forum Newbie
Topics: 2
Posts: 10
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hi ididit...you mean you failed 3x? if that happen we're both the same situation...i failed 3x already and planning to get my 4 attempt on june...im stiil kinda scary and my feeling is like taking the exam for the fist time...im afraid to get failed again...but you know when i read your story and found out that you got low score then( my 1attempt is 68 then 70 then 74) its like i feel im gonna make it....im still very depressed since jan. when i received my score and missed 2 points...i know i gave all my best despite of problems and stress surround me. Anyway congrats for making it and goodluck for your residency...Godbless!!
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| nikidy
Forum Newbie
Topics: 0
Posts: 2
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to ididit
i really admire u,but i just want to know the chronology of your exams?were u certified at match?when did u take cs?thanks
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| FarEastGrapplerMD
Forum Newbie
Topics: 8
Posts: 29
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this is a wonderful story.
CONGRATS
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| manolok
Forum Elite
Topics: 74
Posts: 236
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That was an awesome post! I recently revcovered from a failure 70, got my results last month. Im over it and now will be tackling the exam again. Im giving myself 3 months and then going to just nail it. Do you think 2 months is enough? My lowest was Phys, Molecular Bio, and gen. Any advice would be appreciated
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| medicinamx
Forum Junior
Topics: 13
Posts: 62
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Hi, even though your lowest scores were in those areas, I think you need to concentrate on the BIGGER subjects, such as pathology,pharm.,physio, and micro/immuno. You are very close to passing.
Have you taken the NBMEs form 1 and 2? If not, I highly recommend taking one after you have rev'd everything once to see where you are...Then take another one a few weeks before your exam.
Do not lost hope, whatever you do. you are so close and you will make it. Have confidence in yourself and do not let anyone or anything stop you from reaching your goal.
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| docshah
Forum Junior
Topics: 20
Posts: 56
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I read your history about the exam and man, I take my hat off to you! YOU THE MAN!!!!!!! AMAZING!!!! The determination and motivation you just gave me with your story is amazing. You probably have no idea but there are so many Future Docs out there that NEED your story to push themselves even in face of an exam that seems like a never ending soap opera! ANyways, Congrats and thanks for the great story . =D> =D>
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| mor
Forum Newbie
Topics: 1
Posts: 10
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Hi ididit,
I appreciate your posting, and wish you the best in your career. with this spirit and this concept you will do great in your career...
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