frustrated
Forum Newbie
Topics: 1
Posts: 2
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Hi, I'm an IMG from Australia.
I just started studying a few days ago.
I'm planning to take usmle 1 mid May, which is about 1.5 months preparation 8-10 hrs/day including weekend.
I've bought princeton review and am planning to get the kaplan qbank and do all.
I've failed my usmle step 2 twice (once i didnt study at all and second one (missed passing score by 2 points) for 2 weeks 3 hours each day). I regret doing this but at that time didn't have much choice - personal problems and can't extend.
My questions are.. do you think it's sufficient time?
I'm worried as I haven't heard anyone used princeton. Anyone with experience with this ? also since everyone seems to be studying for months and months.
I'm a bit rushed with time as have to arrange for wedding, moving countries, etc etc.
What's my chance of getting a residency program next year? I dont think my preference of residency is as competitive. i.e. psychiatry, internal medicine, emergency or family medicine.
Can you please give me some helpful tips or if anything I need to do?
Your prompt reply is very much appreciated.
frustrated
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| cleopatra
Forum Senior
Topics: 3
Posts: 119
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Hi frustareted,i am only going to give you my 2cents here,the best thing one can do is be realistic make realistic goals and strive to acheive them
as for the question how much time do i need i highly doubt anyone but yourself can answer that question because every1 has a different pace of studying and undrestanding the material.
i havent used princeton review so i dont know about that i am only using what majority ppl are using kalplanLN and cd's goljan,FA and uw.
i believe you will be able to make it if you try your best try to review all the materials at least 2-3 times do alot of questions asses your self through nbme then go for it when you are comfortable and feel confident you can pass.
good luck
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| Royaldoc99
Forum Senior
Topics: 11
Posts: 136
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Listen...I would recommend that you get done with the wedding, moving countries etc and all that is coming in your way. Then sit down with a peaceful mind and study for a good 2-3 months untill you feel confidant and then go hit the test. OK? This test is serious. You cannot play around with it and absolutely cannot afford to go take a test without studying as you say you took your step 2. Don't mind my language here but I am only putting the facts straight out as they are. Okay.....Now you have failed Step 2 twice and have two black marks on your application. Now sit down and seriously study for 3 months and try to get a 90+ score on your steps. That could improve things on your application if not correct them. You just got to get the 90s and try your luck applying....if you still want to practise medicine in the US. Otherwise if you feel you can do something else with your life there is plenty of stuff out there like , Public Health, PhD, Pharmacy, Business, computers, finance etc....Don't let yourself down. Just firmly decide if you really want to continue this dry ride of IMGs to practice medicine in the US, STICK to your decision and STUDY HARD. GOOD LUCK. I hope you do succeed.
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| doctor123
Forum Senior
Topics: 12
Posts: 262
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Hai
What i should do?
I am 12 yr old grad. Failed step one 12 yrs back. No wht to do for im?
___________________
ALLAH; guide me to the Path of Success.
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| zubair.bhatti
Forum Newbie
Topics: 1
Posts: 4
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hello frustrated,what i will say is no need to loose hope,if you can afford then you should take the exam,dont worry about the time ,do your best as even you dont pass at least you had done your best and make sure you dont loose hope and dont worry about the material you are using ,as all of the books are the same but do the questions along with the studying.take care
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| frustrated
Forum Newbie
Topics: 1
Posts: 2
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Hi guys...
I would like to say thanks for all your replies and opinions. I really appreciate it.
Study is going well. I'm just going to take my time, pray and see how it goes. If I can do it in 1.5-2 months then great otherwise I'll extend my study time and worry about the rest of the steps later. Hopefully I still have time to apply for the match next year.
zubhair, thank you for the encouragement. I was initially very worried about the time and materials.
Anyway, thanks a lot.
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| lakshya_0_7
Forum Elite
Topics: 24
Posts: 317
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hey frustrated ...........you can do it ..but choose the correct study materials ....
i'd say do
1.First AID
2.UW (usmle world q bank)
3.golijan audios.....
and if you still find time read up kaplan notes.....
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| myna
Forum Junior
Topics: 16
Posts: 29
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Hello Frustrated. I recently started using the Princeton Review myself. I have to say it's pretty good. So far I started with the biochem reading and I understand biochem better than I did from Kaplan. Also their online drills and quizzes keep you motivated. The give you a guideline of what to use in what order. If you feel you need to do the reading, call them up and put your online account on hold until you're ready to use it again. As I go through more subjects I'll get a better idea but so far so good. Go ahead and use it, but 1.5 months is too short. Give it 3 months minimum. Good luck!
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| myna
Forum Junior
Topics: 16
Posts: 29
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Hello Frustrated. I recently started using the Princeton Review myself. I have to say it's pretty good. So far I started with the biochem reading and I understand biochem better than I did from Kaplan. Also their online drills and quizzes keep you motivated. The give you a guideline of what to use in what order. If you feel you need to do the reading, call them up and put your online account on hold until you're ready to use it again. As I go through more subjects I'll get a better idea but so far so good. Go ahead and use it, but 1.5 months is too short. Give it 3 months minimum. Good luck!
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