SurReal
Forum Newbie
Topics: 2
Posts: 4
|
I have been a silent reader for the past few months. I made a promise to myself after I get my results I would give back by imparting what I have learned. So here goes...
I started to study for step 3 after I matched, but at the beginning of March. I was nervous because there was deadline for me to get my results in by the end of April, but since it took forever to get my ECFMG certification, I took the exam on May 7th.
I studied everyday for at least 6 hours solid or if not more. I did my step 2 in July of 2007 and couldn't remember much. I had crush and first aid step 2, which I didn't read either fully. Then to my dismay I heard they were changing the passing grade from 184 to 187, but I had no choice.
I must tell you how absolutely lost I was in the beginning of my studies, I didn't know how to approach this exam. I had a deadline to make and so much pressure riding on this exam, for I needed the H1-B visa. I prayed rigorously, put up a sign to focus on when ever I was staring into space, I put up the sign PASS on my wall and looked it at every day.
I did step 3 UW twice, my average was laughable at the beginning I got 30's and 40's and some 50s. I had a hard time with the rest of the day when I got a bad grade, then I realized it didn't matter what grade I got, I needed to do the question bank two times over and learn from the questions, and wrote out some explanations. Then I decided to read some topics from first aid or crush, like pulmonary, cardio, and so on. I knew nothing was going in if I read without more questions, so I signed up for step 2 UW questions as well. To be honest I did more questions then I did any reading. There were times I was frustrated and felt tired, but I managed to stick to one thing and do that every day. I did at least 100 questions a day, some days more. Then I would do CCS cases from UW, I didn't even complete this. I would read the cases, then guess what I would order and write it out.
I took my exam on May 7th and 8th. I found the questions longer than the step 2 or had a time issue on this exam than on step 2. I found I had like 5 or 6 questions left on 2 or 3 blocks with a 2 minute time remaining. The second day was the worst for me, although the blocks were shorter, I had like 10 questions left and 2 minutes remaining in at least 2 blocks. In UW I always had at least 20 or 15 minutes to spare. Then when the CCS began I knew my first case well it was COPD exacerbation, but time ran out and I didn't get time to write my diagnosis, because I wasn't paying attention to the clock.
I found the CCS a little tricky. I had MS and the patient came presenting with depression and that is what I treated her for, only when the screen told me the patient feels better now, but still complains about tingling and numbness in her leg and arm. Then I did an MRI when I had like 2 minutes left, I diagnosed her, gave her Glatmere acetate I think or Interferon beta. I think I had metabolic syndrome and wrote Hypertriglyceredemia, and only after the case ended I had time to recall the name of the syndrome.
Alhumdulilahi, with the grace of God, I found out I passed this Wednesday. I know that if you focus on questions and try to learn from them and do one thing consistently, that indeed you can pass. If I can do it, surely any of you can. I am so glad to have this exam over with. After every one had matched and were vacationing I was trapped in a room staring at a screen and depriving myself of all fun for 2 months. So with the will of Allah anything is possible, and you too must believe and when your time comes, have faith, and focus and entertain yourself with all that you would do after the exam ends.
My graduation from medical school was this past saturday and I was still uneasy, because I hadn't gotten my results, but I can tell you that now that I have passed, it feels so good to be done with USMLE...and to have made it through my share of multiple choice exams when I don't like them. So I pray for you all, and wish for you all that I want for myself and more. If you have any questions feel free to ask me.
|
| SurReal
Forum Newbie
Topics: 2
Posts: 4
|
By the way I got exactly what I asked for...A pass 191 which is a 77. I am really happy because I have a residency and I am not looking for a fellowship, at least I think at this point. I just wanted to be done USMLE...
|
| yendor
Forum Senior
Topics: 12
Posts: 127
|
good job! congrats!
|
| arlete
Intern in 2009!!!!!
Topics: 38
Posts: 2,660
|
Congrats, thanks for sharing.
___________________
When men make the rules, God decides the exceptions.
|
|
| |
| | | | |
