starbrite520
Forum Guru
Topics: 130
Posts: 428
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Hi there
Now I have been given the oppurtunity to do a live lecture course for step 1. Originally I used to think there was no point as I had the materials for Kaplan and Pass Program.
BUt i realize i need the fast pace of 8-10 hours a day, the strict discipline , as well as fellow students around me.
I was just wondering, everyone preference of Kaplan vs. Pass program.
this is the way i see it.
Kaplan is 8 textbooks. Pass Program is one textbook. I know that Kaplan is well known, alot of students have taken it, and their material is known to be graet.
But, I feel that if i studied using first aid and questions alone i would pass the second time around. I think that using ONE textbook from a course is realistic, but i don't think i have the strength or patience to deal with 8 textbooks.
That is why I am leaning towards pass program. I like the casual approach. I think that it is more worthwhile to know a few sources word for word, then know alot of sources well. I think Pass program has limited information, but the fact that the passing rate is high for it, makes me think it still does justice.
I am just wondering everyone else's opinions.
I have done the kaplan books before, but this was a long time ago. and i can admit that after a week went by from each book, alot of information would fall out, because it overwhelmed me. eventually i just stuck to first aid and goljan and questions for my step 1 test.
Also, there are so many options of how many weeks you can do a course.
My friend took a course for six weeks, but she said that it was about 8 hours of lectures, and only 2-3 hours availble to review, as you neeeded to factor in sleep and being able to breathe a bit.
I think that if i just had time to sit through lectuers, and not have enough time to review everyhting I learnt that day, I would start forgetting. THat is why I think i should do fewer lecture hours daily so I have time to revise and retain.
Everyone please give me your opinions.
I know everyone will promote Kaplan. WHich no doubt is great. I just think it is too overwhelming, all those textbooks. Even if i get to go through them once in class I know , very litte will be retained for me.
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| hottie99
Forum Guru
Topics: 31
Posts: 604
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if u have studied for it once before, and are now doing it for the second time, do the pass program. i took it, i had taken the kaplan courses for step 1, they were good but so much info that i didnt know what was noteworthy and what is not relevant, i felt pass separated that for me, so in all honesty i would use that. i am taking step 1 now in a few weeks and am going thru my pass notes first, and doing goljan patho and doing first aid with my uworld q notes added into it for the next 14 days. if u go down to champaign, the 'study' atmosphere will make for an easier time to study with the other students, yes it can be intense but so will any other program you take for step 1, it is a rough exam. i just recently passed my ck exam, and for that i would take kaplan, but fo step 1, take pass and u'll be good to go. i dont recommend pass for firstimers who have never ever gone thru kaplan even one time, it is way to fast paced and overwhelming, but since u have gone thru before, stick to pass notes/course and do goljan for your patho, and first aid to wrap it up, and u will pass for sure!! good luc! 
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| ShweHope99.9998
Forum Fanatic
Topics: 12
Posts: 2,573
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Kaplan has 500 $ discount end this month , do 14 week one then , if 6 wk is too fast , here the link .
Also can do 14 wk with center combo , so after live , do go to center to study , there with maj city kap center will have small group call 90 above kap staff Qs with discussion every wk with all 3 steps . Now amy b abit break since matching just done .
My favorite one is " retreat " though 6 wk, u will b treat like a queen at hotel with free break fast, lunch with hotel , tuition fees alll inclusive , so best price & mentally good , since all students , taechers will bthere & heard abt teachers especially Dr. White , anatomy , loves to sit at bar ?? , restaurant ?? , lobby ??? not sure where exact , but u can see , so he loves to answer ur qs even , not in class time at his free time .
You already go through all kap LN, dvd , do one more quick review with ur dvd when got new books [ do not write dvd notes on it , write on own note books ] or old one , then go for live retreat or , just live [ will not b chaeper, since retreat including ur hotel stay , brk fast & lunch ] .. sinec not new .. 6 wk will b ok if money is matter to go for teh course .
http://kaplanmedical.com/Medical_Licensing/Step-1...
http://kaplanmedical.com/Medical_Licensing/Step-1...
http://kaplanmedical.com/Medical_Licensing/Step-1...
http://kaplanmedical.com/Medical_Licensing/Step-1...
Then after kaplan 14 wk still needed , do pass dvd at home .
Hope it helps.
I did not get time to go for live, but I wish I could for retreat [ 6 wk but hotel, brk fast , lunch included] or 14 wk extended or delux extended [ with center prep too ] or KMI [ abit pricier ] .
Good Luck 
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| ShweHope99.9998
Forum Fanatic
Topics: 12
Posts: 2,573
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http://kaplanmedical.com/brochure/2008-IMG-Brochu... go to page 5 to compare the courses & , also raed course detail, also when go to links above I post , each course have own link in that page so link to see most deatil re that course on each page course link .
After the couse , some local kap center allow u to sit in center , not using materila but study at their quiet study room , so u can get partner, also can talk to students , staff there when nee dsupport or have qs, or discussion, also can request the center qs small group time to attend since u may enroll the live , better do through local kap center , sinec if not in USA , kap will charge u delivery fees to send u the course books , material unless u enroll through local kap center, so the materila books box will come through local kaplan .
Can enroll now to get 500$ discount but attent abit later after got new vooks , browse quick one time then go for the live one .
Then back in kap center or local library nera kap or university library near kap to study , where bunch of good study partner mainly just done or still in kap center prepper will b at those libraies near local kap center .
GL
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| starbrite520
Forum Guru
Topics: 130
Posts: 428
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thank you everyone SOOOOOOOOOOO very much for such fast and lengthly replies. the links were much appreciated
hmm this is very confusing for me which to choose. i think kaplan is a no brainer as both links suggested, since they give you so much bang for yourbuck and in depth look at each subject.
But again, i am just wayy too nervous to look at so many sources. I plan on taking my exam in JUly. I think if i went to the kaplan 6 week live retreat, I would just be nodding and understanding the live lectures, but I might not have time to go home and read it on my own while at the retreat. That is sort of why i am taking it, to do a live course wehre in that short amount of time i have a good handle on the books for that course.
i would love to have done kaplan, when i first studied for the step 1, before i had taken it. back in the day lol, it would have been a great bonus to have. but now, so far in my leaning process, and so close to the end, i feel like it would just scare me and confuse me more.
so overall, i think i will take pass program. it is going against my better judgement, since kaplan has so much MORE. but pass program is simple, teaches you the main concepts and won't bombard me with too much.
thanks everyone again
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| ShweHope99.9998
Forum Fanatic
Topics: 12
Posts: 2,573
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http://www.prep4usmle.com/comments.php?id=69528 this is same course as link below,
ie. KMI ... kaplan medical institutute , 15 wk with 6 mo center access & after each lecture , u will review it see link below & c/p ........ PERSONAL attention quidance , it's new one , I wish it was there when I start my kap prep , cause at the end you ends up spending almost same money even not, you will done exm in short time .
And Time is Money that Cannot buy for , also ur yr of grd, ur youth etc , any how just to show u why I prefer kap , but after all u kn ur strength , just make sure u choose the rt one.... re of time frame, money wise ........ 2 things we all, me tooo , doing by choosing base on the time, money, instead of efficient good one .
I do saw pass dvd so impress , but after frd let me sit & watch full lecture , it is not my type as it tell randomly . So make sure see pass dvd for full lecture at laest one or 2 dvd , fit u or not b4 enroll , Good Luck
May b u can ask kap to say less price since u will only need live , no center assess .
But the PLS [ personal learning ] is only come with center prep which is excellent with each chpt end Qs... not same as other kap qs with teaching, link to other kap like web prep, KME as needed in the chpt , not every chpt though .
http://kaplanmedical.com/Medical_Licensing/Step-1...
Personal attention and guidance
In addition to small group review after each lecture, you'll also participate in facilitated content review, integrated case review, and a personal review of your simulated exam. This personal attention will give you the focus you need to optimize your score.
› See your small group and personal review schedule.
Good Luck
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| ShweHope99.9998
Forum Fanatic
Topics: 12
Posts: 2,573
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http://kaplanmedical.com/Medical_Licensing/Step-1...
this is 14 wk extended prep, but not seeing or sure will get review after each lecture , ask kap , since it is the one , but better if with after each lecture review session with kap .
It is without center prep, just live so no PLS , but ok too .
GL
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