huyniid
Forum Elite
Topics: 9
Posts: 195
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I have just done with CK yesterday. I have lost such a long time for prep because I haven't taken step 1.
Now I have to start for my step 1 preps, I dont know if I have enough time. My plan is to take step 1 in the middle of August, or earlier, after taking step 2CS next month.
Now I am reading preps and experiences of IMGs here about the way of studying. I have read Kap notes once, and have none of other resources. I dont know if UW is worthy for self study in step 1 as in step 2 or not.
Anyway, I have to push myself after I am in the cycle of USMLE 
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| new_n_lost
Forum Hero
Topics: 724
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Welcome to the Club Buddy UW has th esame reputation in Step 1 as in Step 2.. 
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"never argue with a fool, they'll bring you down to their level and beat you with experience" FORUM RULES-- Those who believe in telekinesis, raise my hand. I get enough exercise just by pushing my luck --P4U World.." The pure and simple truth is rarely pure and never simple."
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| huyniid
Forum Elite
Topics: 9
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Thanks new_n_lost. I am in now
Today I go to Kap Center, few days left for watching the remaining new DVDs of KAP step 1 (Physiology, Anatomy)
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| huyniid
Forum Elite
Topics: 9
Posts: 195
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I started with Kaplan notes, and listened and read 50 pages of Physiology.
Today will be 50 pages
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| huyniid
Forum Elite
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Yesterday I finished Cardio Physiology in Kap notes, haven't done the Qs yet
Today will be Respiratory and Renal Chapters. A long day 
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| huyniid
Forum Elite
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Yesterday I finished Renal and Resp Physiology. Many concepts and graphs I need to handle well.
Anyway, I am on schedule. Today will be Gastro and Endo.
This is the first time reading. I think I will back to each section after I finish listening all and do Qs
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| huyniid
Forum Elite
Topics: 9
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Finished listening Physiology, today I move to Anatomy.
After reading awhile, I find out that many concepts are correlated with what I should know when I did CK.
Know more about the neural crest defect and Hirsprung and Down Sx, and about the congenital cyanotic heart disease. Quite interesting! I should have read them earlier
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| new_n_lost
Forum Hero
Topics: 724
Posts: 6,393
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lol thats Wht ppl have said when they start their Prep for Step 2 CK n find out the Answers to most of their questions n going Damn this was the Answer.
___________________
"never argue with a fool, they'll bring you down to their level and beat you with experience" FORUM RULES-- Those who believe in telekinesis, raise my hand. I get enough exercise just by pushing my luck --P4U World.." The pure and simple truth is rarely pure and never simple."
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| huyniid
Forum Elite
Topics: 9
Posts: 195
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Finished Embryology and Organic Anatomy
Today is for Neuroscience. I wish I can keep this pace until my exam
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| huyniid
Forum Elite
Topics: 9
Posts: 195
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Yesterday I finished first reading on Anatomy section. Feeling good to go ahead, but I have to back to my CS soon.
I will be back to my step 1 prep after the exam
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| huyniid
Forum Elite
Topics: 9
Posts: 195
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Took step 2CS yesterday, Now I am thinking to start for step 1 preps seriously.
I use Kaplan notes 2006-2007
According to this Forum, I decided to use
- Goljan Rapid Review Pathology 2007
- Robbins and Cotran Review of Pathology 2nd ed 2004
The plan for 1st read
Anatomy 1 wk
Pathology 2wks
Physiology 2wks
Biochemistry 2wks
Pharmacology 2wks
Microbiology 2wk
Genetic 1 wk
Behavioral science 1wk
Will do Qbook, and UW while review
Q bank on the last month
Planning take the exam in mid Aug. Dont know if it is possible!
I have to give it a try within 4 wks
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| huyniid
Forum Elite
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Posts: 195
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Today before I start: Clean up my place :-). It might take a day !
Will try to read something in Anatomy
Edited by huyniid on 07/08/07 - 04:50 PM
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| huyniid
Forum Elite
Topics: 9
Posts: 195
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After I tried in 4 wks, there are some problems
- Anatomy/Cell biology/Histology/Embryology are tough to deal within 2-3 weeks. Anyway I tried all Qs of these fields in UW
- Immuno/Micrology are ok for 2 wks. I am doing Qs and reading the notes
- Start to listen to Goljan Patho. Fall in love with the way he teachs, although I prefer to read than to listen :-(. This might take more time.
I can only study 4-6hrs per day. I don't know if I can fulfill my plan. Just try!
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| acintya
FOCUS on your Goal!
Topics: 7
Posts: 762
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Hi Huyniid,
Welcome back! I just finished watching Physio videos and it is quite a lot to take in, now I have to start with Anat. How long did it take for you to watch Anat? and did you follow with the Kaplan Notes or did you do HY?
Did you do the subject assessments after each subject at Kaplan? I was hoping to do a quick review on my own as soon as I watch the video so I can take the assessment, cos I am not doing any Q's with my first read. But it is taking so long, that I was hoping to do subj tests later. What do you think?
Even I am at the 4-6 hrs per day with zero done on Fri and Sunday. Need to buck up!
Thanks in advance!
Good luck my friend!
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Life is a Mind Game! Remember, obstacles aren't meant to prevent your success; they only slow you down and show you where you must work harder.
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| huyniid
Forum Elite
Topics: 9
Posts: 195
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To Acintya.
Thankyou for your stopping by cause you wake me up. Study study... :-)
I watched anatomy dvd at Kaplan within 1 wk, cause my registeration was going to be ended last month (9 months of no-studying). I liked Dr Seiden verymuch about his lectures, but I was so disappointed on Dr??? on neuroscience and histo. I tried HY but not so hard because it is too short. I am reading Rapid Review Gross and Developmental and Kap note
I didnot do Assessment at Kaplan. I am doing UW in parallel with my reading, cause if they ask about anatomy, they will integrate into clinical vignettes. You can do assessment after 2nd read. If possible, you can try Q book. I will try it soon
Good luck for us
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| huyniid
Forum Elite
Topics: 9
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copyright edie@
I post here to keep reading it
HOW
Megan L. Fix, MD
Medscape Med Students. 2007; ©2007 Medscape
Posted 04/09/2007
Question
How do I prepare for the USMLE?
Response from Megan L. Fix, MD
Chief Resident, Harvard Affiliated Emergency Medicine Residency, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Chief Resident, Brigham and Women's Hospital/Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
My first piece of advice about the United States Medical Licensing Examination (better known as the USMLE) is to accept it with a smile! There is no way to get out of taking these tests (Steps 1 and 2) if you wish to practice in the United States. So, you might as well have a good attitude. Think of it just as it sounds, a "step" on the road to becoming a doctor.
The good news about the USMLE is that there are many resources that can help (see below), and there is no one right way to prepare. The most important thing is to figure out a plan that suits you and then stick to it. I'd like to encourage you to find a personalized study plan that will guide you and keep you smiling through your study experience -- even during the test.
Preparation
First, you need to think about 3 things: which type of learner you are, what environment you study best in (café, library, test prep center), and whether you want to study with partners. Take time to think through these questions before you start.
To determine what type of learner you are, ask yourself: Are you a self-starter or do you like to follow a series of guidelines? If you are a self-starter, you may want to buy a review book and a series of flash cards, and then sign up for a question bank service and outline your own study plan. If you learn better by following instructions, you may want to consider signing up for a test prep course. Although courses can be expensive, the reduced stress of planning may be worth it to you.
Once you know what type of learner you are, you can invest in the right study materials for you. For example, if you are a visual learner, take time to leaf through different review books before you buy, looking for graphics that work best for you.
Next, take time to pick your favorite study spot and note the hours of operation, nearby restaurants, and even proximity to a gym or pool, so that you can take an exercise- or food-related study break.
Finally, you must decide whether you want to study in a group or alone. Be honest with yourself. If you do choose to study in a group, pick only 1 or 2 people as study partners. Agree on a study plan that makes you feel good about yourself and that utilizes your strengths.
Plan
The next thing to do is to make a schedule. You may want to buy a calendar to use solely for blocking out study sessions. Do not skip this step! Studying for these exams takes time, and it is easy to lose motivation if you do not have a plan. Another important step is to review the test materials on the USMLE Web site (see Resources below). This will help you know exactly what you are getting into before you start.
Proceed
When you are studying, be sure to stay on track. It is helpful to take a diagnostic pretest to examine your areas of weakness and strength. Focus on your areas of weakness, because all sections of the test will contribute to your score.
Practice Questions
If there is 1 "rule" for the USMLE, it is to read many practice questions. You may want to sign up for a question service, such as Q-bank (see Resources below). Start reviewing questions from the beginning of your preparation period, and keep going back to them throughout. Do not leave practice questions until right before the test. Dr. Andreas Carl, the author of USMLE Made Ridiculously Simple (Medmaster, Miami, Florida), says a good goal is 100 questions per day, so get started! When you make mistakes, write down the correct answers, and review them at the end of the day to solidify what you learned.
Pamper Yourself
If you allow yourself to feel good during your exam preparation, it is more likely that you will feel good during the exam. So don't forget to pamper yourself! Make sure that you allow for time to eat, exercise, and sleep. You may want to block times to study and play in your calendar so that you have things to look forward to.
Pass!
Remember the basics: Get plenty of sleep both the night before the exam and 2 nights before it. Pack your bag the night before exam day. Bring layers of clothing to adjust to different room temperatures and to stay comfortable. Bring a watch. Bring a lunch. Bring your smile.
Resources:
- USMLE Web site: http://www.usmle.org/
- Kaplan Medical offers some free events
- USMLE Advice (a Web site written by a former student with great links and advice): http://www.usmleadvice.com/
- Medical Mnemonics (a searchable database of mnemonics): http://www.medicalmnemonics.com/
- University of Utah Key Points, a 36-page collection of commonly tested topics: http://www.usmleadvice.com/keypoints.pdf
Disclosure: Megan Fix, MD, has disclosed no relevant financial relationships.
Megan L. Fix, MD Chief Resident, Harvard Affiliated Emergency Medicine Residency, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Chief Resident, Brigham and Women's Hospital/Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
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| huyniid
Forum Elite
Topics: 9
Posts: 195
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I am a self-starter, so just ordered some books
1. Robbins Basic Pathology 2007
2. Basic & Clinical Pharmacology 2006
Don't know if I can catch these stuff up with my time!
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| huyniid
Forum Elite
Topics: 9
Posts: 195
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OK I am back to the track!
No more old, tired, weakness, hopeless
Aim high and head up :-)
I have to back to some comprehensive textbooks, as I read elsewhere unique1 also said. We need the good background for the test
1. Anatomy and Embryology: just supplement to Kaplan, is Rapid Review of Gross Anatomy and Embryology
2. Histology and Cell Biology : BRS Cell Biology and Histology
3. Micro and Immuno: Review of Medical Micrology and Immunology (Levinson, 2006)
I am now on these books, with some last days for Micro. So far, I got first read for Anatomy, Embryo, Immuno, Histo, and Micro.
2 months 3 weeks left. I wonder if my time schedule is too tight, but I have no other choice. Staying out of other things else makes me depressed!
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| unique1
Biochemistry
Topics: 23
Posts: 1,612
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Hi huyniid ,
What a beautiful baby !!!!!!
Your baby attracted me to your journal and I found out that I was missing something by not reading it till now. Your persistance is highly motivational. Keep up the good work . Good luck.
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I can't change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.
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| mytime
Go Marching in!
Topics: 40
Posts: 3,165
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Same here the baby pulled me in. Reminds me of my own! Love the way u have been quickily getting things out of the way. I started out with Step 1 just filled the forms for both 1 and CS. I see u are doing so good. Plz. before buying any books ask........u might get it. I have most of the ones u mentioned above. Wish u all the very best with ur prep and for ur results am so sure u'll do great. Good luck!
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