Bartek
Forum Senior
Topics: 1
Posts: 64
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Just a few words of summary of my prep:
In the very beginning I was quite optimistic using big reference books. I tried to go through them as if I were a regular student. I had virtually all reference books mentioned on my site http://usmle.strona.pl/materialy_step1course.html plus big Robbins, Langman's Medical Embryology, pre-test series, Guyton and even more. After one year of prep I did not manage to finish reading all this stuff, I made no progress in nbme tests and many pre-tests questions were a kind of nightmare. I decided to change, according to very good advices of so many people!
Then for the last 3 months I focused on a very limited resources: KNotes (biochemistry, anatomy, pharmacology, microbiology, BS) + pathology: Goljan rapid review + physiology BRS Costanzo (although in addition, I've done renal from Guyton), and Goljan lectures along with HY100. This is the only stuff I really recommend, once you are familiar with it, you pass. For 3 months I was spending 6+ hours daily - and twice more on weekends - with it. I finished reading only one big book: big Robbins, which I recommend for reading (not learning by heart) for all those who have graduated years before usmle attempt and do not understand concepts.
I've done a risky thing which I do not recommend: I paid for exam and scheduled it. I tried to do as many tests (explanations) as possible. I had to go in June... My first impression after exam was 'sure I did not fail but WHAT will be the result', as I felt that 1/4 questions were not OK. This was not a very nice time and I did not find myself able to learn a lot for next steps. In the meantime my eldest son passed exams to the very good high school (biology/chemistry profile and I changed my workplace (now in UK). On August 1st., I received a very nice information (232/97), and I immediatly took one weak leave, sent my family for vacation and on last monday I started for step 2 having the stuff mentioned on http://usmle.strona.pl/materialy.html#Step_2_ (well... I could not resist buying also Swartz Textbook of Medical Diagnosis). I will also add UW to my resources (I wish I used it for Step 1). I hope it will not take me 17 months again (wow, no!, even though I had long-living ancestors... ) so I have to avoid being perfectionist which was my biggest mistake in the beginning of my way.
For all of you still in the battle I wish perseverance and ever-lasting, strong motivation and faith. God bless you.
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| keepgoing
Forum Guru
Topics: 71
Posts: 1,818
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congratulations bartek,very well done!!thanks for sharing!!can u please post the same at exam experience forum as well so all could know of it..goodluck for future!!!
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"God be with me "
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| ShweHope99.9998
Forum Fanatic
Topics: 12
Posts: 2,652
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Hi , do not give up hope for 2008 match .
With st 1 97, 232 , one step pass with high marks, according to famous kap teacher, he said better apply with high 90 eg 95 with passing one st only , does not matter st 1 or st 2. You should apply, he said, that prg willa ssume you will do well or even better in next step , your chances of getting interview , prematch are higher if you apply with high one step pass & apply on time Sept 1 all should be in.
He was so upset we got wrong idea , we IMg does not apply with high pass one step pass only in that yr application to get residency next yr.
As far as you can finish CS & CK result on time for let say time of match or some prg might wait for till residency or whatever month the prg will waite , you should apply with st 1 97 for 2008 match especially with your research , publications .. still working in med relat fields now UK , is best time to apply now then next yr .
If in case cannot get CS, st 2 CK on time, nothing to loose, you already get interview experinces, may be 3 to 5 prematch offer , but decline cause your CK , CS not done on time as they expect.
Have friend like that & she got residency this yr after last yr 2--3 prematch offered turned out not working since her unavoidable situation delay her CK exm .
Do not forget to found the AMA old grad club if match in 2008 , since I am still prep for st 1 & I also throw away[ just the expression], put away, cut off the too many small to big so many books I used , & just focus on all essential commonly use HY books Qs.
GL 
summary ....GO Apply for 2008 match on time on Sept 1 this yr with your high st 1... 97 score only if can finish st 2 CK , CS for next yr early month or match time or residency time or etc as the prg allowed .
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