kibumbe
Forum Newbie
Topics: 2
Posts: 4
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Hello My Friends,
I am new to this website with regards to posting. Just found out about this few months back and used it to get some information about which books to use to study for the exam. This is my first post and Im hoping I can get some help.
I am in a dilema right now. I am an old IMG and have given the exam quite a few times over the years with gaps with my lastest few months back which I failed. I decided to pick myself up and study for it again. But now I am serious doubts if this is really meant for me. My family knowing the fact that I have given it b4 and failed and also knowing that after this I have to give STEP 2 AND CSA think I should know seriously say good bye to this chapter and move on with my life. The way things are obviously I cant apply for the 08 match considering I have not passed any exam yet so the only option is the 09 match. By that time I will be 37 and that is not sum young puppy age. My wife thinks that I should still continue and give the exam but honestly im not sure. I know they all care for me dearly and think what is best for me. I can probably get a pretty decent job based on my work experience and additional qualification cos I do have an MBA and have worked in the USA for 7years in a pretty good paying job. But six months ago I left that job cos I was not happy anymore and wanted to give the USMLE another try but then I failed again.
So this is where Im at right now..unemployed for six months failed the exam yet again..needless to say my fourth or fifth attempt..sad I dont even remember how many attempts ive had to date
My mind is rolling like on a LSD trip not that Ive had one in ages but thats how I feel. Part of me wants to move on while the other half wants me to keep on fighting but point is how long can I do this for. Time sure is running by
Give me your thoughts cos I know this is one place where I free my mind and here from you all
Thanks again for reading and your inputs
KB
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| samreena
Forum Junior
Topics: 12
Posts: 68
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Hey kibumbe,
sorry to hear that u didn't achieve passing score in ur attempts....u either win or u learn ..first make up ur mind that u have to do it ..at any cost ..just have only one option in ur mind and stick to it ..like a DO or DIE attitude. .ofcourse u don't wanna die at the age of 35  then the only thing is to DO it....just analyse wat went wrong in all ur attempts ..think about it and try to correct it..was it lack of right material .or lack of doing questions..or lack of self confidence?
so just start with a positive attitude and u can and u WILL do it..remember the finest steel shud go through the hottest fire.. and don't count ur number of attempts ..just focus now as if its ur first and the last attempt ..after u become a doctor no will one will ask u about ur number of attempts or ur score..
Abraham Lincon ..lost elections for 11 times straight ..but he was called as the president of USA ..nothing else..
so keep up the good work doctor ..u can surely do it..
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| bioguy
Forum Guru
Topics: 64
Posts: 949
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its not impossible, but again its not easy! there are many inspiring stories about people giving steps in unimaginably difficult situations, in this forum. you have to analyze what went wrong in your previous attempts. you can take corrective measures. you can take classes from Kaplan or anything similar. you can join study groups in your area. you can hang around this forum, for incredible suggestions from veterans. widen your horizons. talk to people who already gave this exam. this is absolutely not unachievable. but holistically, you still have to firmly decide about your career in relation to your family, your (honest) interests, and financial situation. i said firm decision - no dilly dallying, no taking it easy. firm decision - and hit the bulls eye!!!!!!!
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??/??/CS pass/??/4USlors/Need Visa - ok, i also need a good USMLE score !
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| ShweHope99.9998
Forum Fanatic
Topics: 12
Posts: 2,695
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Definately need to attend some course , my 2 cents is kaplan. But not regular one, sh be the longer one live lecture, 15 week , check their web at kaplanmedical.com
But if can attend center 3 mo b4 the live lecture even better, might be combo better price with center & live.
But make sure you really want it, more difficult road are ahead, worse is intern yr .
But if you enjoy, like it, all tough job in residency means nothing.
Age wise , never old is too old. But alot are trying ranging from school age to much older than you .
But, cannot understand why allow self to fail 4 times , 5 times . One, two, even 3 fail are understandable, like you like to know what exm alike, so try 1st then study abit sit 2nd , then study hard 3rd. But all may not use any good, right books, Q , etc.
Keep in mind , though nothing impossible, fail alot means the residency hard to get.
But nevertheless, with v. good prep this time, aim for 90 & above , high 90 even better that will impress the program. Then do st 2 st 3 in high marks too . Do not let any more fail.
But take kaplan seriously & study with them same time, then go for exm without much long gap after kaplan, study all continuosly .
GL
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| ShweHope99.9998
Forum Fanatic
Topics: 12
Posts: 2,695
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Hi the 15 week live lecture, with 6 mo center access is call kapln medical institude.
GL
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| perfectcube
Forum Newbie
Topics: 1
Posts: 11
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Kibumbe, given the fact that you didn’t succeed four times, there has to be sth wrong with your preparation. So the first step is to locate the problem. A great way to do this is described in aksdoc’s thread.
After locating the problem, you have to estimate the time you have to invest in order to correct it. If you then think that it’s worth it, you can schedule your exam and start the preparation.
Your goal should be >90. Take the NBME tests during the last stages of your study. If they indicate a score above your goal, then take the exam. If not, postpone it and study harder.
Last but not least, promise yourself that this is the last time you take the exam, regardless of the outcome.
Aim high and study as if this is your last chance.
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| P4a99
Forum Fanatic
Topics: 43
Posts: 2,420
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MBA ! wow ... sure you can pass these steps but it looks like there is something wrong with your prep ... if you have told us how you prepared im almost confidant that we would find many mistakes. My humble advice is to read this article:
http://www.prep4usmle.com/forum/thread/34492
Please read it throughly, paragraph by paragraph, line by line and word by word. Its a real eye opener.
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2008 Step 1 Study Plan Discussion ..... I am a moderator not a source for download links. Please do not ask me for any.
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| paheli
It'sAllAboutGoodKarma
Topics: 192
Posts: 2,580
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i agree with p4a99. there's obviously no question about your capabilities, what with an mba and all. but, you need to make a lot of touch decisions, with your feet on the ground. starting from whether you want to take the test again, and how you will go about it this time. you will get an immense amount of support form this forum once you've made up your mind.
gl.
p.s. good to know the newbies are reading up askdoc, eh, p4a99? that's what it's up there for.
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Prepare as if you're the worst, Perform as if you're the best! As you dream, so you manifest. So, DREAM BIG!! When you face hardship, remember, God never gives you more than you can handle. Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadows.
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| acintya
FOCUS on your Goal!
Topics: 7
Posts: 758
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ABSOLUTELY Paheli and P4a99! Paying it forward eh??
Kibumbe: MBA??? COOOL!! So there is no doubt you are one capable person. All you need to do is go through the thread P4a99 mentioned (Titled What to do? Ask ASKDOC) and you will find many answers as to how you can improve your preparation. But the actual decision to go ahead or not...that is totally upto you!! BUT I would still say.... Don't give up....especially if you dream of being a doctor.. and also you have a great support system in place as your wife wants you to keep trying! ....do give it another shot.....after you have rectified modus operandi
Good luck!
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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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| new_n_lost
Forum Hero
Topics: 663
Posts: 6,107
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I will tell U Something That might Shock U. U r an MBA Already right. SO worry abt the Match of 09. Do this exm for urself. Give this exm and Pass it so that later on in life u can alteast say that I gave the Exm and I cleared it.
JUST GIVE the Exm For Ur Own Personal Peace and Commitment In Life Cos then U will surely Know that U have not Quit when it was the hardest.
DO it as a Side Project. And u Will Pass the Exm.
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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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| hedieh
Forum Guru
Topics: 47
Posts: 435
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Why do you think that you r old?When I read the words old IMG, I thought that you r 67 or 77( before you mention that you r 37). I have seen many IMGs who r applying for the exam, they r mostly 35+. So do not even think that you r old. You konw that many diverse factors determine who will be invited for residency interviews, your age does not matter if you have the more important qualifications.
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Destiny is not a matter of chance, it is a matter of choice.
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| P4a99
Forum Fanatic
Topics: 43
Posts: 2,420
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kibumbe ... please reply
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2008 Step 1 Study Plan Discussion ..... I am a moderator not a source for download links. Please do not ask me for any.
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| anuba
Forum Elite
Topics: 6
Posts: 449
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You are sooo lucky you found this forum.. All of us supports each other here. You already found this forum & tell you the truth it keeps me going too. To everyone who responded to kibumbe's q's.. I thank you all. You all have a very good point. Yes ...
it all depend on your own self if you still want to accomplish your dream. it surely is a hard work but if we want it we can achive it!!
Good luck to you & everyone who's been working hard!!
God bless
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| kibumbe
Forum Newbie
Topics: 2
Posts: 4
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Hello All
You all are the greatest bunch of folks I have come across...thanku so much for all your words of encouragement, guidance and support. It means the world to me. No wonder this is such an amazing place where you get so much more than you can ask for. I am so thankful to all of you for being so kind and wonderful to me.
Honestly today I have alot on my plate...its been a rough day. My wife and I have been trying for quite a while to start a family. She did the Clomid course and now had an IUI done and we found out just now that the results were negative yet again. It seems as God has something better planned for all of us but when ur going through so many things in your life at one time...at times you wonder why????But then they always say God works in mysterious ways. Were still blessed to be healthy and grateful for all we have in our lives. I suppose you just gota keep at it.
I have to be very strong in front of her cos I dont want her to get further upset and seeing me down will strongly affect her. I dont want to sound like a crybaby but I think this is only place I can do so without her knowing my real disappointment. Shes the best and I love her to death and it hurts me to see her go through all the ups and downs...but then again such is life.
To tell you the truth I am not going to give up on the USMLE. I put all of askdocs post in one place and it turned out to be 35 page document. I read it twice already and it surely is amazing. Ive already completed all of KLN with the lectures once. My plan is to read the KLN atleast 3-4 times, use FA and do UW. Then I want to progressively do the NBME and see where I stand and with your prayers and my efforts give the exam by years end.
Just today forgive me for being the way I am. At times when you stay strong for so long and hold the fort in place, a gentler wave can sneakby and crash you. Ill be fine soon just writting my thoughts has already made me feel so much better and time is the best healer. Plus I gota get ready for my next round of IUI or IVF whichever one we decide to go with
Thanks again...you all rock and are the best
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| P4a99
Forum Fanatic
Topics: 43
Posts: 2,420
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kibumbe wrote:
My plan is to read the KLN atleast 3-4 times, use FA and do UW. Then I want to progressively do the NBME and see where I stand and with your prayers and my efforts give the exam by years end.
If you stick to that, hopefully you wouldnt ... pass, ... youll do great!
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2008 Step 1 Study Plan Discussion ..... I am a moderator not a source for download links. Please do not ask me for any.
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| unique1
InGodITrust
Topics: 19
Posts: 1,443
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Kibumbe ,as P4a99 said, it is one awesome plan you have. Stay at it.
I am myself an old grad with a huge break in my career . Reading all the material for the very 1st time with an old rusty brain . My youngest one will start her school this fall and I hope to follow a similar plan as yours, as I will have time to study while all my kids will be at school.
Wish you good luck with both the USMLE and the family. Give your wife a hug from me. All our prayers are with you.You will have a happy outcome with God on your side.
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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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| ShweHope99.9998
Forum Fanatic
Topics: 12
Posts: 2,695
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Kib, wish you'll get double win, luck, the baby & the exm.
Make sure restart all as new from all kap LN, dvd together with kaplan Q bank[ also now on sale ] at same time , then UW Q.
Do not forget the FA, Kaplan Med Essential too after each kaplan .
For patho should add on Golj audio with his Rapid Review Patho , recently on sale at amazon for 27$, ie latest 2006-2007 blue pruple color from student consult .
But most importantly, post Q, open journal to post your daily plan then you actually done.
Never shy to ask any Q, concepts, facts, topics, subj , or even social , moral support in your journal & subj wise.
But pm[ private message }, IM [ instant message], e mail some sensitive, personal to any one you will like to ask .
GL 
ps If stay home study go nowhere, consider to take some kaplan live course which can ask any Q to the course teacher at live & after hr of live lecture . Or in center course which come with on line... each chapter end Qs, & other assessment exms & simulated. Most valuable is has huge info, guide, re how to atke exm, answer the Q , study etc , all advice , guide on that We have some , prefer study at course cause that make them study .
If can study home, or at library well then, make sure understand all you're reading in kapLN, dvd, & Qs & etc books Qs you use. Then reivew, review, review till you can recall when doing the Qs .
GL
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| GLO MD
Forum Guru
Topics: 9
Posts: 817
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Dear Kikumbe: I can see in your words that your soul is having a dream...a dream to pass the USMLE's and if you have done it and failed those many times and you still have that same passion I am very sure it is worth the try. Nothing is impossible!! I just saw today for the 10th time I guess... the movie called "Gattaca" (if you have not seen it check it out it is fiction but really inspirational) and what I learn everytime I see it is that the limits are only the ones that you impose to yourself. Do you know how many times Edison tried to make a light bulb before actually achieving it? and do you know how many times Abraham Lincoln runned for president before actually getting there and doing a lifechanging act like abolishing slavery???!! He knew in his heart that he had great things to do and a lot to offer and eventhough nobody could see it he knew that he was capable and kept on going!!! If you have tried it so many times it just means that was not the best way for you to do it, change your approach and try it again this time even harder!! Never retreat...never surrender!! and always remember...dreams are forever!!! And the heart and will have no age. I'm sure that if you were brave enough to share your fillings with us you have that longing in your heart and you will do it in the end and victory is going to be even sweeter!! Good luck my friend and keep on going!!!
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Keep your eyes on the stars, but remember to keep your feet on the ground....Theodore Roosevelt
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| kibumbe
Forum Newbie
Topics: 2
Posts: 4
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You all really rock!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Im doing much better today mentally also and ended up studying for almost 4hours going over the Kaplan Physio notes with the dvd lectures. My next plan is to start subject wise this time round and read the text and do questions. Im planning on starting with Physio one cos I just finished the dvds so its fresh and second its always been tough for me.
Do you guys and gals suggest to do QBank or UW at end of each section or once I have finished going through the book once. I will do the questions at the end of each chapter for sure. Secondly once I finish the book should I go through FA and Kaplan MedEsssential or go section by section.
Thanks for your help...words of encouragement and advice. You might all be all over the universe but very dear and close to my heart
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