Mahogany
Forum Junior
Topics: 22
Posts: 48
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 I'm a foreign medical graduate. I've been studying for the USMLE step 1 for a long time now. Not yet a year, but getting there. I had to postpone the exam twice already because my QBank cumulative and simulated exam are just in the 50 to 60 range. I am working hand in hand with a counselor over in Kaplan to study. I've been doing assessement exams again and get like 70s because ofcourse I've already seen them before. I have about 2 more months to go cuz I really plan to take the exam by June. My problem now is, I am so burnt out. I honestly don't know how to motivate myself. I already worked on a schedule with the counselor so my study can be more structured. Have any of you gone through something similar? If so, what kept you going because honestly I am so burnt out. I have been living here in the States for almost a year now, I had to adjust to so many things -- married life, having to cook, clean (I know it sounds like I'm a brat but that's the truth never had to do these things back in my country) and budgeting food expenses (bringing packed lunches to save money), transportation -- everything here is so far from each other. The beach back in my country was not even 30 minutes away. The malls were just 10 minutes away. My husband works full time and is doing his MBA and he really is also trying to do the best he can to support me. He has joked several times that he feels that he is taking the USMLE as well.
Asking for advice.
Mahogany
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| rubensssss
Forum Guru
Topics: 95
Posts: 451
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Do not get frustraded, I was in the same situation before, I could say, it is very often that you get frustrated, but the motivation is that you will be a doctor in this country, You will be doing what you know.
What I do, I get some hours or sometimes i have to get 3 day and sleep well and after that I am ready againd.
You are working for it, you are ready, be positive, faith is our support.
Wish the best.
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Ruben sssss
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| laila
Forum Senior
Topics: 3
Posts: 86
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I agree that u may not wish to sound like a brat but sorry to say that this is what u sound like exactly. I don't wishj t osound harsh either but I know what I am going to say will come out sounding harsh.
If u have read the posts on this froum u wil lrealize that a lot of people di their studies in far more difficult circumstances: with a no supportive and uncooperative husband or unpleasent family circumstances; with a full or part time job; with medical done in a language other than English; with no money for the review books let alone Kaplan course.
U on the other hand are so very lucky to have a very understanding and supportive husband, no need to take up a job during studies, and financial means to take up the Kaplan course. So be thankful to God for all these. Count ur blessings.
I think that if u took a brief respite from studies ( like rubensssss suggested) u would feel rejuvenated and remotivated.
And also remeber that a lot of people are under going the same experience. So u r not alone.
I came to US only six months ago, and I too had a very comfortable life back home. I came here so I can be with my husband whom I love. So what if things are difficult for me now, so what if I find the experience of migration to be traumatic, this is my own choice and I will be responsible for it.
So cheer up and don't let the despair get the better of u. When u feel overwhelemd go vent to a trusted friend. But at the same time try to keep a positve attitude.
All the best
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"A ship in harbour is safe......but that is not what ships are made for."
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| niti
Forum Guru
Topics: 36
Posts: 499
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Hi Mahogany,
I think u r missing all comforts of your home in this alien country....it happens a lot at the time of stress P so, first accept the fact that now,USA is your first country..in sickness & health ..in better or worse D
Now, regarding Q Bank Score...maybe its a conc. problem ( as I can see.. so many things r going on in your mind? ),or u r jumping on conclusions before reading full Qs..as I can say these Qs r really tricky..its not like that u don't know the facts..but,it needs to apply more than knowing facts..so, start doing Qs...in review mode ( not timed)..read all expl..maybe it will take time..but,definitely it will inc your scores.
For motivation..I think..u need to write a journal 8)
It seems u have a sweet & supportive husband..he is from diff. field...still understand a lot ) ..for support ..tell him to buy groceries & dispose garbage once in a wk D ...just kidding..
You can do it in 2 mths...make a strict schedule & keep studying everyday..
With Wishes..
niti
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| Mahogany
Forum Junior
Topics: 22
Posts: 48
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:P Thank you Rubensssss, Laila and Niti for your replies. Believe me, I know I sound like a brat but thank you for your constructive criticism and your advice. I equipped myself with tapes to listen to today before going to Kaplan. I brought along a tape with music that was of my native language. I guess I am just homesick. Music helps me to focus on what I am reading and helps me not to wander off.
I've been browsing through the forum and they really talk about how Goljan's audio tapes help. Have you guys tried them before? Would you guys know where to get them? I looked it up on the net and seems like there really is no official site where it can be bought. Is it safe to buy them from the net from the sellers who post them?
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| laila
Forum Senior
Topics: 3
Posts: 86
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Mahogany I am glad u r copiong well with homesickness and other porblems . I know how hard it can hit u. I too get homesick for so many things, not just my loved ones but even the ghanti of the qulfi wala, and the sales pitch of the sabzi wala take up such special meanings. U can laugh but that is true. But then we have to do what we have to do. And God has made us so adaptable, so that trait helps too.
As for Goljan audio lectures. Those really are very good. U should try and get them. I myself bought them from ebay. What I did was tp keep checking ebay frequently for availablity of Goljan Audio and when I found them I placed the bid, and I had a positive experience in this regard. I paid $ 12.95 for the CD and postage. It was well worth it. Good luck to u.
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"A ship in harbour is safe......but that is not what ships are made for."
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| Mahogany
Forum Junior
Topics: 22
Posts: 48
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 Thanks Laila!! I will look into that. I contacted one of my friends and she said she might have it but she's not sure yet. I'm really glad I got to vent out just a bit to people who have experienced or are still going through the process of taking step 1. It has really really helped me. Big time. Thanks again.
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