Recommended schedule for 2010 matching

[DrJaY]

Hi guys,

i'm a newbie with regards to writing in forums so i dont really know how to go about in maximizing being a part of this. forgive me for that, plus im not a techie person...so that doesnt help too.

anyways, i would just like to ask a question. i would want to get an answer from people i believe i would get the best advise from...and that ofcourse would be the people who know everything about USMLE...you guys!

i'm having a hard time deciding how to schedule all my USMLE exams, although i have applied for step 1 from feb-april. i havent decided the exact date yet though. my BIG problem is, i just started reviewing last month bec. after i passed our local boards here in the Phil. last year, i took a few months off to unwind. i just recently decided to take USMLE so right off the bat, i applied for step 1 w/o considering that it takes time to study for it! but since its already done, im just making the most out of what i can absorb as of now and still hopefully i pass it...

going back to my original question, if i want to finish just in time for this year's matching, i would have to be done with Step 1 and Step 2 ck &cs by August, right? do you think it would be possible for me to take step 1 this April, then Step 2 CK&CS June or July??

thanks alot for making time in reading this. i greatly appreciate it, and am hoping you can give light to my dilemma.

Thanks again!

[Sabio]

Frankly speaking, I don't think you'll be able to make it for this match (2010-2011).

Step1 needs lots of preparation as the material is huge. Have a look at this thread
Time needed to prepare for USMLE Step 1

I suspect that you are going to extend your Feb-April eligibility period.

However, there are great students (I know few) who have been able to prepare in such a short time. They basically studied First Aid and did USMLEWorld bank and hit the exam. But, honestly, all of them did not get higher than 95.

You, being an IMG. Must get higher than 95 to secure a match. So I recommend that you spend another year and get high scores better than hurrying up and then end up with low scores which you'll then regret for the rest of your life you don't get matched.

[Ryuunosuke]

I disagree with Sabio,

You can still do it. You just finished your boards and the information is still fresh in your mind.

Do First Aid, USMLERx, and USMLEWorld and you'll be able to get over 95.

Go ahead

[DrJaY]

Hi Sabio,

Thanks for that insight, i really need a wake up call from someone who knows it better. I asked you this coz a few of my friends/batchmates are doing the same thing, we just passed our Board exam last year but they are currently studying for the Step 1 too, and im pretty sure they just started doing that last January...so its not that long ago too! One already took it and she said that she really found it difficult, while the others are still gonna take it this month...How long are they supposed to wait to find out their scores? coz I might be basing my decision to extend my eligibility period on how they are going to do since we are all basically on the same boat...

another question too, can i still extend my eligibility period if u do decide to do that?

Thanks a bunch!!!

[DrJaY]

Originally Posted by Ryuunosuke

I disagree with Sabio,

You can still do it. You just finished your boards and the information is still fresh in your mind.

Do First Aid, USMLERx, and USMLEWorld and you'll be able to get over 95.

Go ahead

Hi Ryuunosuke,

Thanks for the encouragement. I was wondering though, did you do it this way too?
How long did you study for Step 1? and do you really think FA, UW and USMLERx are sufficient sources for me to pass? I have the Kaplan notes and videos and thats what im studying now. Im just going to subscribe to Uworld now...

Thanks!

[Sabio]

Originally Posted by DrJaY

Hi Sabio,

Thanks for that insight, i really need a wake up call from someone who knows it better. I asked you this coz a few of my friends/batchmates are doing the same thing, we just passed our Board exam last year but they are currently studying for the Step 1 too, and im pretty sure they just started doing that last January...so its not that long ago too! One already took it and she said that she really found it difficult, while the others are still gonna take it this month...How long are they supposed to wait to find out their scores? coz I might be basing my decision to extend my eligibility period on how they are going to do since we are all basically on the same boat...

another question too, can i still extend my eligibility period if u do decide to do that?

Thanks a bunch!!!

That's a good idea to benchmark with your mates. They should get their results withing 3-4 Wednesdays after their exam date. Results are reported Wednesday morning (Eastern US Time) every week.
You may find these threads useful in this regard
Time taken for Usmle results to come
and
http://www.usmle-forums.com/usmle-st...-reported.html

As far as extension, yes you can extend your eligibility period but is should be contiguous to your original eligibility period. Which means you can't get if farther than May-July period.

[Ryuunosuke]

Originally Posted by DrJaY

Hi Ryuunosuke,

Thanks for the encouragement. I was wondering though, did you do it this way too?
How long did you study for Step 1? and do you really think FA, UW and USMLERx are sufficient sources for me to pass? I have the Kaplan notes and videos and thats what im studying now. Im just going to subscribe to Uworld now...

Thanks!

I took me three months to finish FA, UW, and USMLERx. My score was 93. If u are reading Kaplan notes you won't finish in three months.