plastic_surgery
Forum Junior
Topics: 2
Posts: 135
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My score.. 195/80.. not flattering at all.. but works for me... the reason for putting my exp. here: to motivate others who are thinking of attempting the exam but scared because of stories,, have previous clincial exp. but are not very sure if it helps.. My caveate-- this is my exp.. and may be unique.. take good things from it and learn how to improve your exp.. and also what not to do..
The reason I selected such a title for my post is, my exam exp/journey is very different from most here. My goal to have step 3 was to be eligible for H1 visa (yes, than why is it diff from others) but score was not important as I already had a position.. I just had to pass. I did not have time.. 4-5 weeks from the time I had to decide to go for step 3.. ( for some weird reasons, I was not eligible for J1 visa for my position).. Even during this short time, I was working atleast half time... I think this is enough of praising my self..
My preparation-- only USMLE World, finished appx 1100 questions.. and revised half of them in the last week.. Score 55% timed and untimed during first 3 weeks.. did not have time to read anyting else.. only read U World explanations.. For CCS, I familiarized my self with the software and practiced the cases that USMLE software already had on it.. read half the cases of First aid..
8 days before exam, I gave NBME and got 350,,, it was very scary.. at the same time, I did not have option of cancelling the exam as I have to join my position in January.. So I read the revised the areas that I was very weak on NBME.. I think concentrated studies during last 8 days helped me a lot.. I was betting on basis of my previous clinical exp. 6 years in my home country..
During exam, except for one block on day 2, I finished all blocks on time with few seconds to 2 min. left .. it was a good feeling.. the questions seemed familiar to U world most of the times.. luckily, in CCS all but one case were common clinical problems that you definitely know about..
I think my previous exp. helped me to be able to answer most of the questions.. obviously based on my score many of them must be wrong.. My exp. is in surgery.. so people with exp. in medical branches esp. IM, should not worry at all.. just sit down tight for 6-8 weeks and get over with it..But if you want to score high, it is not going to work,, you will need all that is advised and recommended here.. First aid, Kaplan q bank and notes, U world, Crush..whatever you can finish.. but if you are in crunch.. go for U World finish it, revise it, read the explanations care fully. also finish first aid.. both text portion and CCS cases.. it should help..
And finally, NBME is still a good predictor.. but not as good as for steps 1 and 2ck.. use the NBME score to plan further studies..
My best wishes to all who are preparing for exam..
Congratulations to all who have already finished it...
Envy of all who have got great scores..
Thank you to everybody here who contributes... it helped me a lot going through exam experiences
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| supra
Forum Elite
Topics: 17
Posts: 342
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Congratulations plastic surgery, ,CONGRATS 4 THE MATCH.I HAVE A small question ,do we need to have step 3score in hand b4 applying for ERAS or is it okay to have it b4 the match day for H1 VISA.Pls clarify..
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| medocuk
IM-RES
Topics: 26
Posts: 1,467
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Well I think you have done really well and that you have been so honest about it all really helps people like me. Thanks a ton.Congratulations and good luck with it all. Cheers.
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| SOS
Forum Guru
Topics: 17
Posts: 535
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congratulations
thanks for sharing your experience.it surely helps.
good luck for match
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| arlete
Attending in 2012!!!!!
Topics: 43
Posts: 3,042
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Congrats!
___________________
Que sera sera, whatever will be will be.
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| kity
Certified.............
Topics: 32
Posts: 1,065
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congratulations!!! Thanks for sharing
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NO PAIN .. NO GAIN ..
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| plastic_surgery
Forum Junior
Topics: 2
Posts: 135
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Thank you all... To answer supra- requirement for Step 3 varies by program.. some programs would offer H1 contingent upon you clearing step 3 by the match date or some would like you to have it ready by match submission date (feb)..and some like you to have it ready at the time of interview... You can negotiate for H1 after match if you clear step 3 between interview and match..
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| supra
Forum Elite
Topics: 17
Posts: 342
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Thanks a lot plastic _surgery,I am just wondering ,FOR 2009 MATCH,for H1,is it okay to clear step 3 by september last or october?Also ,what is submission date ,is it in feb? is it not in september?pls clarify,thanks a lot n sorry 2 ask u too many questions.
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| plastic_surgery
Forum Junior
Topics: 2
Posts: 135
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Supra: if you have cleared your step 3 by Sept, obviously it will be transmitted to ERAS when you allow your USMLE transcript..... if you don't appear for exam by that time (rather before submitting your ERAS application), you can choose to transmit the step 3 scores automatically when ready (if you are sure you will pass) or elect to transmit as you choose (not sure of passing, like me) later.. There is not a specific submission date for step 3 score as you can see in my preivous post. Ask again if you still are left with confusion.
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| supra
Forum Elite
Topics: 17
Posts: 342
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thanks a lot plastic surgery,i appreciate .
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