iwant99
Forum Newbie
Topics: 1
Posts: 4
|
This is scary...i thought i had my plan figured out. Do Kaplan books, then FA and then QBank/UW. You guys got me thinking.
Has this change been recent? Many have recommended Kaplan books to me.
___________________
Help me get a 99!!!
|
| i_m_legend
Forum Newbie
Topics: 3
Posts: 43
|
Well I think since this late summer,i have observed the change.
|
| kmle1
Forum Newbie
Topics: 4
Posts: 13
|
oh...such a relevant topic for beginners.can anyone give the list for the best study material for different subjects........please.that would be a great help!
|
| youngone
Forum Newbie
Topics: 0
Posts: 35
|
Phys - BRS Phys
Micro - Micro Made Rid. Simple
Robbins (Chapters 2 and 6 and your set...thanks p53!)
Biochem - KAPLAN
Pharm - KAPLAN
Anatomy - High Yield Neuro (HY Gross if you really got time) and WEBPATH!
Path - GOLJAN GOLJAN GOLJAN ...plus WEBPATH
HY Cell and Molecular Biology (1999 edition, new one is overkill, more than enough)
Kaplan still is great. Most of the people I know who used Kaplan plus Goljan
did GREAT. But, if you believe that you are not comfortable or confident enough in
a tried and trusted method. The above mentioned books are your best option.
USMLE WORLD, FA ARE A MUST!
repeat...
USMLE WORLD AND FA ARE A MUST!
Personally, am doing Kaplan plus the books mentioned.
Hope that when I take the test I can shed more light on this subject.
|
| youngone
Forum Newbie
Topics: 0
Posts: 35
|
I mentioned Robbins for Inmuno.
Did High Yield Inmuno (not good) and Kaplan is to long
and less detailed than Robbins.
Chapters 2 and 6 have all the relevant info.
Less than 100 pages. Read up and compare doubters! 
|
| kmle1
Forum Newbie
Topics: 4
Posts: 13
|
hi
thanks a lot youngone.are you talking about the big fat ROBBINS or some review book of Robbins.i know its a silly ques.pardon me for my ignorance.
thanks
|
| youngone
Forum Newbie
Topics: 0
Posts: 35
|
I meant the fat big one.
It's just a couple of pages, 2 columns per page.
So maybe multiply the # of pages by 2.
about 149 pages total. Less than Kaplan.
As you practice USMLE World you cover almost anything
on Inmuno.
Robbins Q Book is also great.
|
| youngone
Forum Newbie
Topics: 0
Posts: 35
|
Chapters 2 and 6.
Thats just me, anybody can correct me if you want.
Don mind.
Just found it great, Robbins gives you a solid background on
a subject one can't just skim because of the complexity.
|
| Feyza
Forum Guru
Topics: 48
Posts: 1,432
|
man ! whats goin on here  Kaplan is surely more than enough if you learn it from cover to cover ,line by line ,and add UW + FA to it again from cover to cover ,line by line... I didnt score high bc my prep was no sufficient but in my exam I didnt tell for ANY of the Qs thet "man ! this was not in kpln or FA ..." I remembered even where it was but couldnt bring it to my mind as I didnt MEMORISE them ...
even pharm...CT...histo and cell bio...seems sooo shallow...even that topic was fine in Kaplan + FA !
Ganong for physio ????????? huuuge book...everything IS in kaplan physio book ...but as I said...MUST BE LEARNED AS CLEAR AS YOU KNOW YOUR NAME WITH THE CONCEPTS IN MIND...plus the Goljan audios will bring you a 90 + ...if you want a 270/99...ok its not enough ! but trust me ...getting drowned in huge books is no use in this exam !
and about ppl who say FA in 2 mo and scored 99...they must not be counting their brilliant backgrounds as to be mentioned b4 this ! or they are just showing off !
best luck to all !!
___________________
O my Lord! Open my chest for me ( grant me self-confidence ) and ease my task for me.Ta-Ha 25-26.
|
| Data
Forum Newbie
Topics: 0
Posts: 16
|
The USMLE certainly has not been made exponentially harder than before, nor has their question bank been altered to render current review books either incomplete or obsolete. The entire purpose of the USMLE for IMGs is to compare their adequacy against American graduates, and the most obvious prerequisite for that is a level playing field. They are well aware of the fact that the significant majority of IMGs take the steps after graduating, whereas AMGs take it right after completing their basic sciences. Injecting the qbank with questions that would require students to read obscure details in heavy textbooks will automatically defeat the purpose of the USMLE by massively disadvantaging IMGs.
The organization certainly updated their Qbank in May. They update all the time. There has been a trend towards a greater degree of clinical-type questions, but anyone who knows the subject matter well will be adequately equipped to tackle a significant number of questions. The exam guidelines and objectives have -not- changed.
Any radical change, no matter how small, is revealed to the public an ample amount of time before implementation. This serves the purpose of letting exam texts modify themselves. They're not trying to suddenly change the exam, and subsequently causing a lot of potentially very good students to flunk to prove some imaginary point. This will harm them just as much as it will harm us. Those of you who have visited the usmle site will recall they put up information regarding audio/video questions well before they were actually included. All this despite a maximum cap of 5 AV questions.
The current books, combined with at least one qbank, are sufficient to score very high in the exam. I know of several people who've taken the exam after the qbank was updated in May, and scored just fine.
|
| P4a99
Forum Fanatic
Topics: 34
Posts: 2,285
|
Well said.
___________________
2008 Step 1 Study Plan Discussion ..... I am a moderator not a source for download links. Please do not ask me for any.
|
| nima
Forum Elite
Topics: 29
Posts: 242
|
This is my route: (review + reference per case only)
Physio : Kaplan + Physiology (Linda Costanzo)
Patho : Goljan + Goljan !
Pharma : Kaplan + Lippimcott
Anat, Embryo, Histo : High yield + net anatomy(Moore)
Immuno : Jawet'z + nothing
Micro : MRS
Behavioral Science : Kaplan + High yield + BRS (just the fine read)
Biochem : Kaplan
100% : First Aid + Qbank + UW
if still hungry : USMLERx + rapid review
___________________
Nothing in this world that's worth having, comes easy...
|
| Doc750
transfer:step 3 prison
Topics: 52
Posts: 636
|
FA + Qbank + UW = 82 % for me
g'luck to the rest of you reading all those books. I honestly don't have the stamina to study for yrs at a time.
___________________
Experience is a hard teacher because she gives the test first, and the lesson afterwards.
|
| new_n_lost
Politically InCorrect
Topics: 653
Posts: 6,083
|
Data wrote:
The USMLE certainly has not been made exponentially harder than before, nor has their question bank been altered to render current review books either incomplete or obsolete. The entire purpose of the USMLE for IMGs is to compare their adequacy against American graduates, and the most obvious prerequisite for that is a level playing field. They are well aware of the fact that the significant majority of IMGs take the steps after graduating, whereas AMGs take it right after completing their basic sciences. Injecting the qbank with questions that would require students to read obscure details in heavy textbooks will automatically defeat the purpose of the USMLE by massively disadvantaging IMGs.
The organization certainly updated their Qbank in May. They update all the time. There has been a trend towards a greater degree of clinical-type questions, but anyone who knows the subject matter well will be adequately equipped to tackle a significant number of questions. The exam guidelines and objectives have -not- changed.
Any radical change, no matter how small, is revealed to the public an ample amount of time before implementation. This serves the purpose of letting exam texts modify themselves. They're not trying to suddenly change the exam, and subsequently causing a lot of potentially very good students to flunk to prove some imaginary point. This will harm them just as much as it will harm us. Those of you who have visited the usmle site will recall they put up information regarding audio/video questions well before they were actually included. All this despite a maximum cap of 5 AV questions.
The current books, combined with at least one qbank, are sufficient to score very high in the exam. I know of several people who've taken the exam after the qbank was updated in May, and scored just fine.
Disagree on 2 points.
1. The Updates in the USMLE testing criteria has not made changes in such a way to benefit any of the 2 categories AMGs or IMGs. The recent changes which have been made and most of the recent exm givers have noticed is that level of stress/ attention paid to the Molecular Biology or related interventions on molecular levels have been increased. The trend of US medicine has gone a further advanced in tht direction so the Central Examination Authorities have taken the same stride. The biggest problem faced by IMGs is that their own medical colleges curriculum has yet to adapt to the recent advances in the Medical Field in relation to Molecular Biology while the US system has already adapted such changes and students r taught in such a way that its relatively easier for them to comprehend. Wht u call reading in obsecure heavy textbooks is apparently the information which has been added to the textbooks of the basics sciences and Kaplan and FA have yet to adapt to that format. For us IMGs that is the only difference which hampers us while we r giving exms.
2. The Updates which r introduced or cited in the USMLE website is focused on the introduction of the Audio/Video items which are rarely troublesome. But the obvious thing which they arent gonna tell or rather they shudnt is that all the recent advancement in details (not minute ones or the very recent ) which have been updated in the core books will be asked.
This exm is all abt the leveling the playing field ( i hope and i presume  ). IMGs do well with clinically oriented questions and have a little tough time with Molecular level stuff and viceversa is with the AMGs. They face toughness in the clinically oriented questions while the molecular level is fine by them. 2ndly the important thing the AMGs seem to forget that its very hard for a graduate to go back and read the basic sciences books while its still fresh in the their minds.
The only Qbank which so far has been in touch with the recent changes is the UW. They really have gotten into the nitty gritty of things while Kaplan and FA ppl seriously need to rethink their strategy.
My 2 cents.
___________________
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."
|
| ScORpiO_80
Forum Senior
Topics: 19
Posts: 72
|
OK, new_n_lost...
So, how can IMGs update their knowledge in molecular biology stuff? which books or websites are useful regarding these updates? or just practising UW only?
___________________
...:::Cast your burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain you:::...
|
| acintya
FOCUS on your Goal!
Topics: 7
Posts: 765
|
Hey guys, this is a very interesting, yet subjective topic. It depends on the individual strengths/ weaknesses to decide what source will fill in the gaps in knowledge.
So let us look around for help/ info and do what works for you. What the USMLE board does or does not do, stay well informed...but let's get back to the books. 
___________________
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.
|
| P4a99
Forum Fanatic
Topics: 34
Posts: 2,285
|
OK, Kaplan LN are not enough, but where EXACTLY are they not enough?
What sources should be used to fill in those gaps?
___________________
2008 Step 1 Study Plan Discussion ..... I am a moderator not a source for download links. Please do not ask me for any.
|
| Negar
Forum Newbie
Topics: 1
Posts: 6
|
Hi
Can anyone please tell me the precise name of the Kaplan Book, recommended on this site..I believe it is the home study program or something similar??
Thank you
|
| new_n_lost
Politically InCorrect
Topics: 653
Posts: 6,083
|
Ok guys in the interest of keeping the original intent of the thread i m gonna shift my and Data's Discussion to another thread. So whtever has been said doesnt boggle ur minds. But the Original posts by Data and me shall be there.
___________________
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."
|
| new_n_lost
Politically InCorrect
Topics: 653
Posts: 6,083
|
For all interested parties this the link of the new thread:- http://www.prep4usmle.com/forum/thread/63503
___________________
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."
|
| new_n_lost
Politically InCorrect
Topics: 653
Posts: 6,083
|
And if u guys think that the 2 posts left behind shud be included to the aforementioned link then do let me know.
___________________
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."
|
| new_n_lost
Politically InCorrect
Topics: 653
Posts: 6,083
|
praying4a99 wrote:
OK, Kaplan LN are not enough, but where EXACTLY are they not enough?
What sources should be used to fill in those gaps?
Do the systems from somwhere else atleast. Endo physio though very good and detailed but leaves out certain things which r covered in again Ganong. Use BRS if u r comfortable with it. Use Lippincott in Pharma as a back up, just add the relevant points or Katzung board review. It all depends wht u can easily handle.
Praying this will interest u and hopefully others. I have had the chance to talk to AMGs and friends have also talked to them and we all almost got the same answer.
AMGs who have scored seriously good in their exms like 240+ had started with Kaplan from the very begining of their med school alongwith the notes and lectures provided to them they have used BRS Physio, Goljan RR ( a minimum 5 reads before exm), Lippincott or Katzung for Pharma and HY. Wht struck me the most was that the resources were similiar it was the amount of time put into the study. Like if we had the chance of studying 2 yrs with Kaplan and alongside our regular studies then surely the Med students will excel. They said whtever Kaplan missed or left out was covered either in their College Lectures or Books. Most of us have visited the other forums especially the AMGs ones to find out the secret trick they have of scoring high and most of us got suprised by the fact they r also questioning tht how is it possible for ppl to 240+ in under 6-8 wks while they have to get the hardwork done in 12 or + wks. The basic key for AMGs scoring 240+ turns out to be nothing but planning and revising the concepts since day one.
IMGs can also score with very high scores like them and have done it in the past but for Graduates the prep time was longer and for students it was easier cos they things fresh in their minds.
So Praying i think wht u r doing is a safe and good bet of succeeding so best of luck in ur endeavours. Plus if u wud like to add things plz do so.
PS The above is not the law of USMLE, its the opinions i have managed to get from different ppl and my personal opinion.
___________________
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."
|
| ShweHope99.9998
Forum Fanatic
Topics: 12
Posts: 2,574
|
Negar wrote:
Hi
Can anyone please tell me the precise name of the Kaplan Book, recommended on this site..I believe it is the home study program or something similar??
Thank you
When saying kaplan books means, the 7 subjects kaplan lecture note print & bind original book with st 1 Q book, all 8 blue or white [ old one] you will get when attending kaplan course center [ will allow to watch all DVD that teach you all the subj in that 7 books ] or live prep [ real person teach you in class at the front of you , instead of you're watching them in DVD on TV screen teaching you ] or online web prep[ [only few hour of the DVD of center prep , with audio only or still DVD play like old time I am not sure on line ] .
Kaplan books are so many, but when we are saying kaplan books without saying any specific , usually means that 7 + 1= 8 books , NOT the home study 4 ?? books .
GL
|
| Winston
Forum Newbie
Topics: 0
Posts: 1
|
Kaplan is excellent....especially for Genetics, Biochem, and Physio....I actually would recommend doing the Brs physio along with Kaplan, because then you will have everything down with physiology. I haven't gone through it myself but I've heard that the Behavioral Science is also really good in the Kaplan notes.......
I haven't done Histo but I plan on just doing the Kaplan notes....don't plan on spending more than 2 days on it (I've heard HY HIsto is good as well)....I used the Kaplan notes for Cell Bio but I also have the HY molecular bio by dudek for review later.....
I do agree that going through all the Kaplan notes is overkill for a person who just finished 2nd year of med school...i just graduated this year so i need to review more detail and annotate FA this way......If i had just finished my 2nd year,...i would probably just do FA and thousands of questions......
I have a bit of anxiety about the exam...taking it in the 1st week of March and I feel I have to pick up the pace in my prep.....
Good luck everyone
|
| DRFP
Forum Junior
Topics: 7
Posts: 100
|
I agree, Kaplan, FA Goljian and then the Q banks NBME tests are what I'm doing and I'm going to pass no matter what! Have to!
___________________
Yea how I feel studying for this test!
|
|
| |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
