hanwin
Forum Senior
Topics: 6
Posts: 157
| | 06/23/07 - 05:30 AM
0 of 2 forum leaders found this post helpful
| #1 |
Hi,
I am a silent reader of this amazing forum. I should contribute my exam preparation and experiences.
Background: old graduate, working in medicine for many years.
I have decided to do USMLE after 15 yrs of graduation.Scary.
My preparation is interrupted. My chance of getting US visa is very slim.
Finally, I got 3 months visit visa and I have done my CS in LA in Feb.
I have already passed.
Then, I started preparing stepI.
Again, my oncall is very busy and stressful and no chance of getting leave.
I can take only 10 days leave before exam.That's good for me.
I can't finish my study at all . I was in stress.
I did Kaplan Q bank a yr ago.Before exam, I did only 5 block randomly. My score is around 80%.
I did UW. Quite good.Initially, very depressing because my score is quite low.Questions are very difficult. When I read the forum, most people post their UW score _ 70-80%. I think they are extraoridinary.
I was struggling initilly.But, I could manage to get 65% and 70 percentile finally.I did all in time mode, unused Q. Creating like real exam environment.Switch my mobile and landline off.
My last 10 block, I managed to get > 70%. My highest is 86% and lowest is 44%.I got below average ( this 44%) only once. Most of them and at least 10% above average. last 10 block, 20% above average.Feeling ok.
Took USMLE CD 2 weeks before. I did both 2006 and 2007.
My score is 39,41,40. ( Not bad, I could have done better.)
After UW, CD is much easier.
I didn't do NBME. I didn't finish Kaplan Q book and First Aid Q book.
3 days before exam, I read UW as a second round.I just read the explanation and study objectives.
Very good explanation, but I have no time to finish.
My UW expired on 19th June. On that day I need to finish last 15 block.
I read only incorrect Q.UW expired before I finished my last block.
Because of stress to finish UW for 2nd time, I can't sleep well. I slept 4 hrs for the last 2 days.I tried to sleep but keep waking up.
As u know, in UK, u ll see the light at 3 am. My malatonin were depleted by light and stress.
I travelled to London on 20th. I slept on the train. I jsut pray for Buddha.
After studying for USMLE, I feel like I know a lot more. At the same time, there are so many things I don't know.
I was a bit relax when I arrived London. I really want to have a drink, But I didn't. In Liverppol street station, I sat down and read FA and my notes.Then I tried to buy food for the exam day.I don't really know what to eat. I bought lots of cookie,orange juice,nuts, apple. Heavier than my books.
I visited the exam centre a month ago. It is very near to Cannon street station.
I went back to my hotel at 8. Had dinner. Indian owned hotel, showing Indian channel at the reception.
35 pound/night. Cheap accomodation. Nevermind for one night.
Light is poor and I can't read. I decided not to read. Opened TV.
Watch music channel.I watch Amita Bacham singing and dancing. Mr Bacham is excellent. He is still sexy at his age. I like him. He made me relaxed. I fell asleep . I woke up at 5am. Good 6 hrs sleep.
I left hotel at 7 am. Only 3 station from my hotel.
I went to L'pool street station and had good breakfast.
I arrived Cannon street station at 755.
I have the map but I can't remember where the Clock lane is.
I asked 2-3 people.As usual, nobody knows. My stress was peak.
I don't know what to do . I know it ws very close.
Then, I decided to go to one side.After crossing the road, I found the place.God took me.
I was 5 mins late.
But, so many people are still waiting at the reception.
I am still a bit nervous.
Then my turn arrived, the lady asked me which exam are you taking?
I answerd IELTS. She was surprised. Then I realized I am taking USMLE step I.
See how nervous I was.
My exam started at 830.
1st block -easy.
I took 5 mins break after the block. had some food and juice. Went to wash room.
Block 2 -3-4. OK.
Took break at least 5 mins after every block. It make your brain less fatigue.
What a good system? I really impressed it.
This is the most relaxed atmosphere. You are in charge of your time.
All my food finished between exam. I have lots of energy.
( Before exam, I have decided not to do difficult calculation.After UW, U ll realize if you dont know, don't spend time.Just tick whatever letter.
Otherwise, u ll loose time. Spend more time for easy Q.)
The only problem is Behaviorl sciences.I don't know which one to choose.
Quite a few difficult Biochemistry. But, not too bad.
Not a lot graph and pictures.
They all much easier then UW.
The level of difficulty is same as USMLE CD.
I got at least 10 similar Q form CD.( only 150 Q, u ll get 5-10 similar Q. Not exactly the same. But u ll save time.
XRay are too easy.U can spot on.
Some Q are similar to IQ test.
U just rule out.
Clinical vignette are not too difficult.
I think you just study and do MCQ.
All the materials are good. If u have limited time, stick to Kaplan and UW.
If u have time, read all material.
Score 95 is quite good.
After updating, their lectures are excellent. Better then UW.
U ll be happy because qs ar easy.
For me the best study material is USMLE CD. do it. Based upon their concept, u can study.
Don't try too difficult Q.Dont spend time.
I finished at least 4-5 mins earlier in every block. Last 2 block, 10 mins earlier because i don't spend time for difficult Q.I also got qiute a few 10 sec Q.
I don't know what to expect but I hope I will get decent score.
After this blog, I am going to step II forum. My step II is 30 days to go.
( my friends said, u have plenty of time)( I have two friends, prepare for only 2 weeks, just infont of me,believe me, they don't lie,we stayed together last year. No leave therefore he took sick leave one day and took exam, score 99)Now, in US.said 2 weeks is enough.But , I will be studying hard for one months.
After exam, I arrived back at mid night. I did my busy oncall yesterday.I just smiling when I saw CT of PE,GBM, and GUD.My daily routine job.GBM pt, I transferred to Tertiery Centre.)
I need good sleep.Then , move on to step II.
I ll finished 3 exams (have done CS, stepI) in 6 months time.
No life but I enjoy it.
Bye for now.
I ll come back after getting my score.
( for people like me not enough time to study)
|
| at peace
Forum Newbie
Topics: 1
Posts: 44
|
wow...i'm sure u'll do very well ...after all the hard work u put in...u really deserve an excellent score...i'm taking step 1 in aug first week ...am a recent grad and have taken this year off to only study..your post was inspiring....good luck with everything..
|
| hedieh
Forum Guru
Topics: 47
Posts: 435
|
Congratulations!
Wish you a decent score.Can I ask what is your speciality? 
___________________
Destiny is not a matter of chance, it is a matter of choice.
|
| jaZjaM
Forum Newbie
Topics: 1
Posts: 118
|
U really put in all the hard work..may God bless u with a gr8 score..
thanx fr sharing a gr8 experience..
tc n best of luck..
|
| hanwin
Forum Senior
Topics: 6
Posts: 157
|
Thanks for your support.
|
| hanwin
Forum Senior
Topics: 6
Posts: 157
|
My speciality is endocrine and general medicine.
|
| hanwin
Forum Senior
Topics: 6
Posts: 157
|
Update:
Got score yesterday.
223/93.
I am happy for that.
My UW score is 65% 70 percentile
USMLE CD 80%
No NBME and others. No time.
UW is very predictable.
I am weak in Biochem. In real exam my Biochem is low performance.
My step II is next week. I will come back for detail later.
|
|
| |
| | | | | | | |
