srk2030
Forum Newbie
Topics: 1
Posts: 1
|
Step 1: 234/95
Nbme1: 520/224
Nbme2: 600/240
Hey guys,
I promised myself that if I broke a 230 on the boards I would write a post to share my experience and give some advice to those who are in a similar situation. I'm one of those people who barely got into a US medical school. I was accepted to one school and now here I am with a chance to apply to some top residency programs. Don't get discouraged if you're not a good test taker bc the boards are different from any other exam you've taken. I may have had a pathetic MCAT score but trust me, the boards were doable. I'll tell you what I did and hopefully some of you can use it to guide your studying...
1) I studied for 4 weeks staight. I didn't take weekends off and worked everyday from 9am to 11pm. Of that, I probably took 4 hrs to eat, excercise, and watch tv. I recommend taking only about 4-5 weeks to study because you do start to forget things toward the end.
2) FIRST AID! - At this point, everyone in the world has to told you this is the single most important book for step 1 - and they're right! I read this book cover to cover 4 times. The first time I read it, I took me 2 weeks to get through it. The next few times I read it, it took me 3-4 days.
3) Qbank - obviously. I did all of Qbank within the first 2 and a half weeks. Don't get too obsessed with Qbank score. Use it as a study aid. Take notes on questions you get wrong. Read ALL the explanations.
4) BRS Path, Physio - Read these before reading the corresponding sections in First Aid. Don't get too caught up in details that aren't also mentioned in FA.
5) Get your hands on any Neuro review book. This was actually a tip that I got from someone that may have saved me. I recall at least 15-20 neuro questions that I only got right because I had reviewed it from a source outside of FA. Take maybe a day to skim through one.
6) Lastly, I higly recommend taking at least 2 NBME tests. Although the real test in my experience was a lot harder, somehow you end up getting a similar score. Use the first exam you take to assess your strengths and weaknesses. Work on them for a week and then take another to see if you've improved. Also, I recommend taking them after youve read through first aid twice.
Ok, hopefully some of you will find this helpful or at the very least will feel encouraged that you can do this. Trust me, just a little bit of hard work for a relatively short period of time will pay off. Good luck!
|
| vanshita
Forum Guru
Topics: 26
Posts: 880
|
Congratulation
Thank for valuable advice
GOOD LUCK for your next step
|
| tolito
Forum Fanatic
Topics: 119
Posts: 2,174
|
thanks and congratulations.
you are no average student though!!!!
will keep your advise in mind and concentrate on FA these last days i have.
___________________
It has been a looooong hard journey but I am inches away from my destination...
|
| Cedrick
Forum Fanatic
Topics: 322
Posts: 1,975
|
in that case we are on the right path
|
| Cedrick
Forum Fanatic
Topics: 322
Posts: 1,975
|
I do feel encouraged
|
| keepgoing
Forum Fanatic
Topics: 72
Posts: 1,988
|
Thanx and congratulation!
___________________
"Deh Shiva Var Mohe Ahey ,Shubh Karman Te Kabhun Na Tarun ,Na Darun Arson Jab Jaye Laroon, Nischey Kar Apni Jeet Karoon"
|
| yolanda
Forum Elite
Topics: 18
Posts: 247
|
congratulations!!!
So you are not an IMG right?, are you in second or third year of med school?, I am asking because of the few weeks that you took to prepare, if you are in med school I think you can have the info fresh in your mind, but if you are 5 years out of med school it may take more time. But I agree with you maybe studying for a lesser period of time can help crunch in the data and don't forget it.
Well anyway, congrats again and best of luck for step 2, when are you taking it?
___________________
Recognize that you have the courage within you to fulfill the purpose of your birth. Summon forth the power of your inner courage and live the life of your dreams - Gurumayi Chidvilasananda
|
| MRMAVERICK
Forum Guru
Topics: 42
Posts: 757
|
cograts
|
| klimt
Forum Guru
Topics: 27
Posts: 605
|
Wow, really uplifting!
2 quick q: when u say qbank do u mean the 1 month access kaplan qbank?
What neuroanat book did u use and what did u see most on the exam? Brain lesions, cranial nerves, CT scans?
Thanx for sharing and congratulations!
___________________
Traveler, there are no roads. Roads are made by walking.
|
|
| |
| | | | | | | | | |
