prep4step1
Forum Senior
Topics: 7
Posts: 95
|
Today has been a slow day. There are days when I do not feel like studying for step 1 at all but I know that I must continue. I am planning to finish BRS chapter 14 today with 57 questions from Robbins review of pathology on the same topic.
This week I was suppose to do anatomy but I have been finding it very hard to focus in on anatomy books. I have somehow managed to go through the HY book once but I am not sure if I have retained anything.
Why am I starting this log? Mainly because I think only people who are taking step 1 can truly understand why I keep talking about it, thinking about it, dreaming about it.
My friends have stopped speaking to me because step 1 is all I talk about. Well not exactly but you know what I mean. I am sure you all have had the same experience.
I hope I can find my motivation here on this form. I plan to give the exam in the first week of January.
Thanks all.
___________________
Success = work + work + work + work. Keep working.
|
| aisha2
Forum Guru
Topics: 37
Posts: 414
|
welcome prep4step1 , u will defintly find support and will make good friends as well ....... when startin i think every one goes through this phase , this is how i always do , i push my self very very hard for the 1st 3-4 days ,i read n read even if im not memorizin anything and i even keep my slef from thinkin about any thing else and by the 5th day that becomes like reflex and that what we all need.......... this was my stratigy till i was in med school and with no hubby or kid to look after , things have changed and i try to us every second to study and some to keep my insanity  .
good lcuk
___________________
NEVER GIVE UP IN LIFE, BE PERSISTENT
|
| prep4step1
Forum Senior
Topics: 7
Posts: 95
|
Aisha2 thankyou for your reply. It is true. We just have to habituate ourselves into studying. I have been trying to do so for the past 3 months but can't keep up the momentum.
I gave up on BRS path for now. Had been good with doing questins from robins review of pathology but got stuck so I switched over to Micro for now. Started Micro Kaplan notes yesterday. I am now on page 89. Plan to read till end of important bacteria today at least. Perhaps try to shoot for the fungi aswell. This is my first reading of Kaplan micro notes. Have read first aid part for Micro and also bits and pieces of MMRS. I am just trying to read for now and will try to form more solid understanding in my second reading.
My goal for this upcoming week: Read Kaplan Micro/immunology once
Good luck to you all!
___________________
Success = work + work + work + work. Keep working.
|
| prep4step1
Forum Senior
Topics: 7
Posts: 95
|
Managed to read Micro Kaplan till page 150. Started the immunology part but keep falling asleep. Must keep going. Must finish Kaplan micro this week.
Goal for this month:
14/08 - 19/08: Micro/immunology Kaplan
20/08 - 25/08: Biochem/gentics Kaplan
26/08 - 31/08: Behavioral
Must keep going....
___________________
Success = work + work + work + work. Keep working.
|
| prep4step1
Forum Senior
Topics: 7
Posts: 95
|
Hello journal,
Well yesterday didn't go as planned. I managed to skim over some of immunology and micro but it was as if I was doing it in a haze. I cannot afford to keep skimming over things. I mean I have already been kinda studying for this exam for the past 3 months although I know very little. No matter. No matter.
Today's goal is once more Microbiology. I am trying to follow Zenith's advice and actually really read the stuff. I am trying to understand and retain those damn viruses with their nemonics and everything. I am flying out in two weeks so will loose time then hence want to finish micro and biochem bfr I leave.
Todya's goal is small: Finish medically important viruses. Should start making smaller goals so I actually acheive them. I am thinking of making little notes in a dairy too.
Wish me luck!
___________________
Success = work + work + work + work. Keep working.
|
| plastic_girl
Forum Elite
Topics: 1
Posts: 67
|
I know exactly what you mean when you say "My friends have stopped speaking to me because step 1 is all I talk about".......so true!!!!.....but this is important for us, so were giving it our best or at least trying to.
Keeping a journal helped me a lot, I hope it does the same for you. So, Good Luck to you!!! 
___________________
It aint over till its over, and its only over when you say its over.......and I will NEVER say its over!!
|
| prep4step1
Forum Senior
Topics: 7
Posts: 95
|
So I am really excited cause since I made my goal small for today, I achieved it. So the key people is to take it one step at a time. Anyhow since it is only 7pm where I am at, I think I will also do some path today. I have been stuck on chapter 12 in BRS in terms of doing questions for it from RROP. So I am going to try to finish those 57 questions and read the chapter first ofcourse.
Alrighty, I hope I do this before I fall asleep today!
Plastic girl thanks for your wishes. I wish you the same! Like you say it aint over till its over!
Thanks
___________________
Success = work + work + work + work. Keep working.
|
| prep4step1
Forum Senior
Topics: 7
Posts: 95
|
well, I was able to read BRS chapter 12 again but unable to do questions. I think I am stuck and hence must do them today before moving foward and I will. I watched a movie instead. Bad idea but it was so tempting. Must resist temptation.
Goal for today: rrop chp 14 questions + next chapter in micro
___________________
Success = work + work + work + work. Keep working.
|
| prep4step1
Forum Senior
Topics: 7
Posts: 95
|
well, finally i have done those questions! OMG and what a relief. I didn't do spectacularly on them but this is just my first round. Now on to micro. sigh.
I hope I do that a bit better.
Good luck to all of you!
___________________
Success = work + work + work + work. Keep working.
|
| keepgoing
Forum Guru
Topics: 62
Posts: 1,673
|
hello prep4step1!
yep i agree with u dreams can be shared with the one who understands u and ur dream..and same happens with me also whenever i talk about anything regarding usmle i get same feedback...well u r not alone here we all not only have a dream incommon but i think, perhaps same downsides and same joy after acomplishing small tasks and so many more things as well....so it really good idea to keep a diary and share!
good to see u r doing gr8 and keep it up!.r u giving 1st read?when is ur exam?
best of luck.and keep going!
|
| prep4step1
Forum Senior
Topics: 7
Posts: 95
|
Keepgoing - thanks for your wishes buddy. I am planning on taking my exam in the first week of january. Seems like you are planning for the same? We could push each other towards studying. It can be hard to stay motivated.
Anyhow, lots f drama in my house recently so have not been able to do work. It really does help if one is away from people for this thing. Had planned to finish micro/immuno this week but nope, have not done it yet. It is so hard for me to read Kaplan immuno notes. There is only 200 pages of them. I guess I just have to sit down and get it done. Done a quick skim of micro though.
Goal for next week: Finish Micro/immuno
Today's goal: Immunology 1/2 of kaplan notes
I hope I accomplish my goal today. Good luck to you all!
___________________
Success = work + work + work + work. Keep working.
|
| Musuq
Forum Guru
Topics: 103
Posts: 425
|
Prep4step1, Immuno is hard, abstract concepts to grasp and it's not just memory, you got to understand the whole system of what pathway is being activated plus everything is related at the end. Gosh it took me a whole week to understand all these concepts, using Kaplan, but, everyminute was worth it. I wish you good luck and enjoy going through this interesting topic, learn very well the big job of TH cells, the signal transduction markers and many cases of immunodeficiencies related in each chapter. Now I am doing micro, here yes you need memory, and I plan to do nasty mnemonics so I can remember them, jeje  Keep up buddy.
|
| keepgoing
Forum Guru
Topics: 62
Posts: 1,673
|
hi buddy?hoz doing?how is immuno/micro going on?i have started micro as well u may discuss but its all abt the buggs to cram....i am doing it from MMRS how abt u?
thanks for visiting my journal and i agree its all motivation we lack in and having studymates cud do wonders...li suggest u to make ur study schedule fast if u r to take exam in jan dear and let me know well as for me now im starting anatomy/micro....!
happy studying stay focused and keep going!!
|
| prep4step1
Forum Senior
Topics: 7
Posts: 95
|
Hey all!
In the midst of packing, I was able to make a schedule today. It took me two hours to do it. I have been reading from here and there for the past three months like I said before. So here are my final selections of sources:
Anatomy: HYgross, HYneruo, HYembryo. I am thinking of just sticking to FA for embryo
Biochem/genetics: FA (have read), Kaplan (sticking to mostly kaplan from now on)
Micro/immuno: MMRS (2/3 read), FA, Kaplan (sticking to kaplan from now on)
Pharma: RD&R (mostly read), Lippincot (read 4 course), FA, Kaplan (sticking to kaplan)
Behavioural: BRS (read once), FA
Physiology: BRS (read twice), Kaplan (sticking to kaplan from now on)
Pathology: BRS (read twice), RROP (done 2/3), Robbins as supplement txt.
I am starting my serious reading of kaplan on september 1st. My first serious reading of kaplan will last september and october. I will also complete Q book in these two months and try to do RROP twice. I will follow the following order:
1. Mirco/immuno 2. Biochem/genetics 3. Pharma 4. Anatomy 5. Physiology 6. Behavioral 7. Pathology
In November I will continue my second reading in the same order and do Q bank simultaneously. December the third reading will take place with the repeat of questions from Q book.
I still have last week left over for review from FA. I will be using FA throughout to make notes so that I can review them in the end. I know it is a tough schedule but I am going to stick to it and will not move my exam no matter what. I plan to take NMBE 1 in begining of december and NMBE 2 a week before exam.
This is my schedule and pray that I stick to it.
Thank you all for motivating me especially keepgoing and musuq! I culdn't have done this without u. Little do you know how much ur posts helped me. Thanks buddies. Good luck to you too!
I plan to write the exam on january 3rd.
___________________
Success = work + work + work + work. Keep working.
|
| keepgoing
Forum Guru
Topics: 62
Posts: 1,673
|
Hi prep4step1
good going and an excellent schedule and i am sure u r gonna do it properly...and all the best and start ur schedule asap!happy retstarting on ---> 1st sept
goodluck!
|
| Musuq
Forum Guru
Topics: 103
Posts: 425
|
Prep4step1, your schedule sounds like a good plan to me  go for it!, and try to do the moving stuff asap, when I moved to this house it took me a month, I know, it sucks but just hang in there, and even reading few pages a day will help you to keep thinking as a usmle taker, audios, whatever buddy just hang in there, you got a great plan and we are cheering for you. so keep the fight up. 
|
| prep4step1
Forum Senior
Topics: 7
Posts: 95
|
Thanks for your support Keepgoing and Musuq. I am flying out today. With all the new rules the airlines have in place it's hard to take everything one needs. I always seem to be overweight when it comes to my luggage. It is a long flight but I shall be abck in two- three days. I plan to read BRS behavioral on the plane
FUN FUN
Happy studying you all!
___________________
Success = work + work + work + work. Keep working.
|
| keepgoing
Forum Guru
Topics: 62
Posts: 1,673
|
hi prep4step1!
i agree but no prbs u will be back in two or three days.BS good that subject u will enjoy while flying i read HY psychaitry long time back by barbara fadem &steve that book is good too easy read and concept do read if get some extra time otherwise BRS for BS is perfect acc to reviewer !so enjoy flight and happy journey hope u come and start ur schedule on time!
gl
|
| Musuq
Forum Guru
Topics: 103
Posts: 425
|
Prep4step1, have a nice flight, I hate planes and always get sick up there, sorry to share this jeje, I decided to stick to Daugherty for Behavioral, and for some sort of luck or whatever it is, it seems to work on my tests jeje, did I said that I enjoy my train trips listening to this guy? I am just laughing the whole hour trip to kaplan, people must think I am nuts but who cares, whith all the psychos out there, one more doesn't make the difference 
I really hope you find in this new place a great environment to keep studying hard. hope to see you soon buddy, hang in there with your tools and good luck in your new place
|
| Musuq
Forum Guru
Topics: 103
Posts: 425
|
Prep4step1, here missing you  hope you will be back soon.
|
| keepgoing
Forum Guru
Topics: 62
Posts: 1,673
|
hey prep4step1 where r u buddy?missing u!!!!u were supposed to start study by 1st of sept????and i was thinking to start any subject together...i finished anatomy...starting new subject tomorrow hopefulllly...!pray for me im confused what to start next--neuro/pharma/immuno????
hope u r doing good wherever u hv gone and will come back soonn!!!!!!!!!hv gr8 time dear!
take care buddy!
|
| prep4step1
Forum Senior
Topics: 7
Posts: 95
|
I am sorry to have been gone for soo long. All the moving and then unpacking can take its toll. No matter. I am back. Today I am doing Micro. Goal is to finish Micro and immuno this week. Just got back from lectures. They just finished at 6pm :S So plan to study till 10:30. It's 7:30 right now. Will keep you guys updated and will write more twoards end of the day. Now I must go and get started. I have already lost 3 days :S
You guys are awesome. I am soo glad to have you as friends. Keepgoing and Musuq you rock. Will write in your log book tonight.
Happy studying people!
___________________
Success = work + work + work + work. Keep working.
|
| Musuq
Forum Guru
Topics: 103
Posts: 425
|
Pre4step1, great to see you are back  , I know moving can be a pain in the butt but it seems you are all done right? now get your things ready and study your ass off from now on sweetie. Hope you get the rhythm you had before in no time; really happy that you are back.
As for me, I have been a lil bit depressed about recent bad family news, things I can not do anything about, just be praying to God, hopefully he can hear me soon and make me happy with that miracle I am asking for one of my loved ones. But beside that I am picking up myself, go back to the field and start the fight back, I am currently doing Patho, chapter 9, lil behind but here I come, back and with my batteries charged.
Welcome back prep4step1, you know what is the phrase 
|
| prep4step1
Forum Senior
Topics: 7
Posts: 95
|
I am sorry to have been gone so long again. It's just that school just started again and I am not sure as to which lectures I should attend and which I should skip? Any tips on that old graduates? Do I need to attend all lectures or would my time be better spent studying on my own? I have lectures till 6 pm on most days and I don't feel that I am learning much from all of them.
Now on to the step prep. I am starting biochem and genetics today. Plan to finish the gentics bit and then perhaps read a chapterr in path on genetics. Hopefully I accomplish this. I have been soo bad recently. I cannot continue being bad.
Musuq you are an awesome human being. To encourage others the way you do can only be done by an angel. You truly are my angel. I hope the family thing sorts itself out. There is always something going on. I know you are a fighter and I know you are going to do awesome! Thank you once more for your encouragments.
Also I just broke up with my significant other. We are still friends but it still hurt a little bit hence another reason for me to put studying @ the end of my pirority list. From now on, studying comes first. I shall report back tonight.
Stay well and study hard!
___________________
Success = work + work + work + work. Keep working.
|
| prep4step1
Forum Senior
Topics: 7
Posts: 95
|
Just wanted to share a quote:
"Our future depends on our present choices. To chose between right and wrong choices is easy. To choose a reasonable among two wrong choices and to choose a better among two right choices is what decides our future."
True but tough to do....
___________________
Success = work + work + work + work. Keep working.
|
|
| |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
