sfk
Forum Elite
Topics: 47
Posts: 300
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Finally, i get to post here. I have no idea how the results will be, but this is an exam experience post, & not a score reporting forum. 
Before i write about my preparation & exam experience, i'd like to mention a few things about myself. I'm an IMG, graduated in 2003, opening those preclinical books after years. I have been a good student throughout, but had a weak basic knowledge in cell & molecular biology, biostats, & behavioural science coz our school didnt lay stress on it. i'm writing all this because i believe everyone starts preparing for this exam with differing advantages & disadvantages, student/ graduate, clinical experience/ research/ PhD etc. So ATTENTION MODERATORS, please encourage people who post here to give a brief overview, so that others can benefit more from these posts.
Materials that i used:
--Kaplan notes (except for anatomy & pathology)
-- Anatomy- HY
--Patho- Goljan & BRS (had read that long back, so i was accustomes to it, u can stick to one source)
So folks, most of the people use the same materials, but i think how u use the materials is more important. Getting all concepts clear is the key. I used text books or review books like Levinson, Katzung whenever in need.
I went through the Kaplan DVD's also, stressing on the weak areas. Daugherty rocks!! Goljan audio is a must!!!!
As for questions, UW is worth the money. Also did Qbank & NBME.
And last but not the least, this forum, web-path, google, wiki...
Total prep time was 5 mths, with lot of hiccups  health problems, family issues... Almost everything came up during these months 
But i got back each time & tried to put in my best.
Now the D- day..
Didnt study the day earlier, anticipating the marathon.
Just made sure everything was in place, the permit, ID, food, beverages. and of course Tylenol. which really helped during my exam.
The proctors were nice, placed me in a nice quiet corner. but the computer screen was pathetic, poor resolution & flickering. But i tried to keep my mind off it, i already had enough anxiety.
Skipped the tutorial, the 1st question was in greek 
2nd also confusing My heart beating faster & louder. 3rd was a piece of cake & so was the next one & the next one... i started feeling better. UW makes the pattern seem very familiar.
Finished the block well in time, went back to the 1st question, it still looked Greek, but the 2nd one wasnt that bad 
Took a Break after the 1st block. going to the rest room & sprinkling some water on my face cost me around 8 min.. Started to worry about the breaktime coz i had walk all the way through the hall, sign out, then the passageway & then the reception where the lockers were.. Did the 2nd & 3rd blocks in a row. Then another break, this time 15 min to grab some snacks & fruit. Finished all the blocks in time & took regular breaks. By the time i reached the last block, was really tired, didnt even want to take the last break & just get over with the exam.
Subjectwise, i think patho was heavily tested. I didnt have much Biochem, just a couple or so. Anatomy was more than i expected. Most of the quesions are not related to a single subject, they may give you a scenario, its patho-phys & u may have to come up with the related anatomy or pharmacology.
Some questions are really twisted & tricky; very few buzz words. i had a patient with symptoms looking like an "ulcerative crohnitis"  but after reading the question very carefully, maybe that was not the case, but they almost made me actually beleive it.
hope i have contributed to this forum by posting my experince here. this forum has been a great help. Big thank you to all my friends, i'm not taking names incase i forget someone.
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| P4a99
Forum Fanatic
Topics: 43
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Its good to know that you are done  . Best wishes on your scores.
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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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| hope4dabest
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All the best for scores
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| milee99
Forum Guru
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thanks for that post
and all the best for the scores !!
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If you really want something, you will find a way. If you don't, you will find an excuse.
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| Ujk
Forum Guru
Topics: 41
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Congratulations & Good Luck!
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“When a person really desires something, all the universe conspires to help that person to realize his dream.”
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| acintya
FOCUS on your Goal!
Topics: 7
Posts: 758
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Thanks for posting your experience, it was helpful to have some preview!
Good luck for your score!
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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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| dr ruman
Forum Elite
Topics: 32
Posts: 369
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hay best of luck SFK
ur exam experience looking good and score wud be great too
now waiting session and hot oasis 100 times a day,ops yup best way to waste time,or u just chill wid family and frnds,u did ur job,result on GOd,hardwork wont let u down
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Living each day as a preparation for the next is an exciting way to live. Looking forward to something is much more fun than looking back at something—so lets do it together
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| dr ruman
Forum Elite
Topics: 32
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hay best of luck SFK
ur exam experience looking good and score wud be great too
now waiting session and hit oasis 100 times a day,ops yup best way to waste time,or u just chill wid family and frnds,u did ur job,result on GOd,hardwork wont let u down
___________________
Living each day as a preparation for the next is an exciting way to live. Looking forward to something is much more fun than looking back at something—so lets do it together
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| sfk
Forum Elite
Topics: 47
Posts: 300
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thanks everyone.
p499, i've always enjoyed reading your posts. when are u taking the test??
hope, milee & acintya: good luck to u, just stay calm & focussed.
ujk: its good to see that u r done, we actually have posted our experience on the same day
ruman: u are right about the waiting part, but as of now, its not on my mind. BTW when should i expect my score, i mean do i have to check oasis or just wait for the email?
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| P4a99
Forum Fanatic
Topics: 43
Posts: 2,420
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Wow  , thanks a lot .
Hopefully this summer. I'm planning on taking the exam in Sep. 2008 (i'm still a student)
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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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good job, now chill and catch your breath!
'ulcerative crohnitis'??!! oh no, robbins doesn't mention that!!
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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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| GoodGirl
Forum Guru
Topics: 102
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Great it is almost over, now just to make the time to fly to see this great score I'm wishing for you !
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Prioritize & simplify.
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| sfk
Forum Elite
Topics: 47
Posts: 300
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paheli wrote: 'ulcerative crohnitis'??!! oh no, robbins doesn't mention that!!
know basic concepts just like your socks, inside out. LOL.
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| anshu001
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good luck.
thanks for the details.
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| seem.bh
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hey grt exam exp.gud luck with ur score buddy
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| asimkmcite
Forum Newbie
Topics: 1
Posts: 4
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Hi sfk
BEST OF LUCK
please tell me, what were your NBME and USMLE WORLD scores, thanks
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| sfk
Forum Elite
Topics: 47
Posts: 300
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thanks anshu001, seem.bh, asimkmcite. pls wait for the result, then i'll write my NBME & UW scores. All i can say that i was satisfied.. I hope the real score is satisfying too.
Seem.bh, what happened to your results??
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| seem.bh
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hai sfk...stil have not got my results.......i don know when i can get it also now???..is it just mine or for all those who wrote aftr dec 1st wk???......hey gud luck for urs too
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| dr_elrifai85
Forum Newbie
Topics: 2
Posts: 38
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thanx 4 information and hope u great score
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| sfk
Forum Elite
Topics: 47
Posts: 300
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thanks dr elrifai.
Its wednesday today & i'm freaking out, no update yet. folks please wish me luck.
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| acintya
FOCUS on your Goal!
Topics: 7
Posts: 758
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Hang in there.....dollop of good luck for ya
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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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| sfk
Forum Elite
Topics: 47
Posts: 300
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thanks acintya for such a quick good luck wish. good luck to you too.
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| sfk
Forum Elite
Topics: 47
Posts: 300
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ok friends, the long agonising wait is finally over. With my hands trembling i opened the report, when i saw the 4 letters PASS, i took a breath Then scrolled down to see I got 263/99. Alhamdullilah!
I'm so happy, just cant beleive it. my hands are still shaky.
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| cutekity
Forum Senior
Topics: 6
Posts: 177
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congrats...awesome scores !!! time for you to celebrate now ...
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where there is will, there is always a way !!
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| seem.bh
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hey congrats sfk...time to celebrate....
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