Hi, as per the topic title I am an international medical student (South Africa) and I am currently looking for any/all information regarding the USMLE. I have been reading a lot of the topics here as well as some of the pdf's on the USMLE/ECFMG website. Trying to avoid reading too many more 55 page pdfs so decided to just make a post ^_^
1) Study material
I read the sticky which recommended the "2 methods" namely
Kaplan's notes + FA + videos
or
Individual books that are "the best" in each block ( + review?)
after which you do two different qbanks -> NBME -> take the test
2) Study time
There seems to be a consensus that current students require less time graduates in terms of study time. I'm just not too sure how much this applies to international medical students. Granted we should be covering similar material. What would be a good amount of time to budget for Step 1 during the semester. Should I rather wait until the holidays?
3) Scores
I understand the scores are given as a 3 digit + 2 digit score. As far as I understand, a 75 on the 2 digit score is a pass? It seems the maximum for the 3 digit score is 280? What is the implications of this score. What are "good" scores for Step 1/Step 2/ Step 3 in terms of getting a match for residency
And lastly, can anyone give me a quick run down of what the next steps would be if one was to complete all 3 steps? Are the first 3 steps the easy or are they the hard part
Apologies for all these questions, I have literally just started doing research on the tests and I don't think too many people in South Africa has the experience to answer these q's
Thanks in advance
Obviously any info/advice at this point would be greatly appreciated
1) Study material
I read the sticky which recommended the "2 methods" namely
Kaplan's notes + FA + videos
or
Individual books that are "the best" in each block ( + review?)
after which you do two different qbanks -> NBME -> take the test
2) Study time
There seems to be a consensus that current students require less time graduates in terms of study time. I'm just not too sure how much this applies to international medical students. Granted we should be covering similar material. What would be a good amount of time to budget for Step 1 during the semester. Should I rather wait until the holidays?
3) Scores
I understand the scores are given as a 3 digit + 2 digit score. As far as I understand, a 75 on the 2 digit score is a pass? It seems the maximum for the 3 digit score is 280? What is the implications of this score. What are "good" scores for Step 1/Step 2/ Step 3 in terms of getting a match for residency
And lastly, can anyone give me a quick run down of what the next steps would be if one was to complete all 3 steps? Are the first 3 steps the easy or are they the hard part
Apologies for all these questions, I have literally just started doing research on the tests and I don't think too many people in South Africa has the experience to answer these q's
Thanks in advance
Obviously any info/advice at this point would be greatly appreciated