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Working mom, old IMG passed step 1, experience

9K views 8 replies 8 participants last post by  apple1111 
#1 ·
I was reading this forum for a long time and think that I would share my experience.
I did not get a high score, not even the average one, but I am proud that I passed this exam.
My exam date was December 30, 2013 in Washington, DC.
Center was like any other, they allowed me to take my own ear plugs. There were at least 5-6 other people for USMLE exams, but I guess different steps.
At that time I was 7.5 months pregnant and therefore needed break after every block.
My exam was similar to NBME and UWorld questions, well at least in style, had a lot of neuro questions, and my report showed I scored the lowest in it, well I was not surprised by that LOL
There were definitely many weird questions I had no idea what they were even asking. Few questions were about nutrition, which I did not expect at all, since never saw any of those in practice tests, but went with my guts, although I would narrow down to 2 answers and had hard time choosing between two.
After 4 blocks, I ate my lunch and decided to finish other blocks.
I was very tired, since I am pregnant and sitting in the small room with lack of oxygen, I started to have headache and honestly don't even remember how I finished those blocks, I know that the last block I was just clicking answers. My brain just stopped processing information :toosad:
After the test, I headed home and decided to not even look into FA or any other material to recheck answers I remembered. I was sure I failed it and was not even depressed about it.
My hubby and I agreed that I will try the test and if fail, I will go another route, I already have nice stable job in clinical research, so I could easily continue, I also have some patient interaction and actually never felt I was missing medicine so much, because I am always among medical staff, doctors and patients.

I was actually shocked to find out that I passed. I guess I have no excuse not to continue with other steps.

My preparation: I started In January 2012, read biochem and microbiology books and stopped as I had to look for a job. At that time my baby was 4 months old. I did some volunteer work in the research and in May 2012 I started working full time and we could afford to send my daughter to daycare.
After work I would go to library and study for about 3 hours. It took me 3 months to read KLN and RR Patho (which I think was a waste of time) since I didn’t like the format and did not remember anything.
My work also required me to travel and, we had some crazy weeks that I had to work till late and over the weekend. Almost all Saturdays I would spend in library, but Sundays were reserved for family.
Starting 2013, I took USMLE Rx question bank and was going through it slowly, as it required a lot of time to read those questions and answers, esp. those I did incorrectly. I was tired of that q bank and did not even finish it. So in April I signed up for Uworld and started doing questions, also slowly.
In summer I did not study at all since I had morning sickness. So in September I started going through FA and Uworld questions again, I had to pay for my exam again and for Uworld renewal. Took NBME and failed it, took another one two weeks later and barely achieved passing score. I was very stressed and disappointed.
My eligibility period was through November 30, 2013, and in October I got a new job in the hospital, also in the research. Again skipped couple weeks of my studies. I extended my eligibility period and wanted to take my step before Christmas, but dates were all booked, so I chose the last date that was available. 10 days before exam I took NBME 7 and …. Failed it, cried the whole evening … I wanted to reschedule my exam for February 2014, but it would have been too close to my delivery date and my hubby told me just to take it regardless, because he was tired and sick of my mood and running all errands by himself, also taking care of our 2 year old girl.
Overall, I read KLN 1 time, listened to pathoma 2 times while commuting to work, read FA 3 times and did Uworld 2 times. In the beginning I was scoring between 40-50 % in Uworld, at the end of my prep, after resetting the qbank, my average was 57%, with close to 70% in last few blocks.
I am sure, my experience is not what majority of people would be looking for, but I hope for some other people who are losing their hope and juggling between full time jobs and families, it would be an inspiration.
Conclusion: I still have 2 more steps to go, and I know I will study harder, since now I have a new purpose… to sit for both CK and CS this year.
 
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#2 ·
I was reading this forum for a long time and think that I would share my experience.
I did not get a high score, not even the average one, but I am proud that I passed this exam.
My exam date was December 30, 2013 in Washington, DC.
Center was like any other, they allowed me to take my own ear plugs. There were at least 5-6 other people for USMLE exams, but I guess different steps.
At that time I was 7.5 months pregnant and therefore needed break after every block.
My exam was similar to NBME and UWorld questions, well at least in style, had a lot of neuro questions, and my report showed I scored the lowest in it, well I was not surprised by that LOL
There were definitely many weird questions I had no idea what they were even asking. Few questions were about nutrition, which I did not expect at all, since never saw any of those in practice tests, but went with my guts, although I would narrow down to 2 answers and had hard time choosing between two.
After 4 blocks, I ate my lunch and decided to finish other blocks.
I was very tired, since I am pregnant and sitting in the small room with lack of oxygen, I started to have headache and honestly don't even remember how I finished those blocks, I know that the last block I was just clicking answers. My brain just stopped processing information :toosad:
After the test, I headed home and decided to not even look into FA or any other material to recheck answers I remembered. I was sure I failed it and was not even depressed about it.
My hubby and I agreed that I will try the test and if fail, I will go another route, I already have nice stable job in clinical research, so I could easily continue, I also have some patient interaction and actually never felt I was missing medicine so much, because I am always among medical staff, doctors and patients.

I was actually shocked to find out that I passed. I guess I have no excuse not to continue with other steps.

My preparation: I started In January 2012, read biochem and microbiology books and stopped as I had to look for a job. At that time my baby was 4 months old. I did some volunteer work in the research and in May 2012 I started working full time and we could afford to send my daughter to daycare.
After work I would go to library and study for about 3 hours. It took me 3 months to read KLN and RR Patho (which I think was a waste of time) since I didn't like the format and did not remember anything.
My work also required me to travel and, we had some crazy weeks that I had to work till late and over the weekend. Almost all Saturdays I would spend in library, but Sundays were reserved for family.
Starting 2013, I took USMLE Rx question bank and was going through it slowly, as it required a lot of time to read those questions and answers, esp. those I did incorrectly. I was tired of that q bank and did not even finish it. So in April I signed up for Uworld and started doing questions, also slowly.
In summer I did not study at all since I had morning sickness. So in September I started going through FA and Uworld questions again, I had to pay for my exam again and for Uworld renewal. Took NBME and failed it, took another one two weeks later and barely achieved passing score. I was very stressed and disappointed.
My eligibility period was through November 30, 2013, and in October I got a new job in the hospital, also in the research. Again skipped couple weeks of my studies. I extended my eligibility period and wanted to take my step before Christmas, but dates were all booked, so I chose the last date that was available. 10 days before exam I took NBME 7 and …. Failed it, cried the whole evening … I wanted to reschedule my exam for February 2014, but it would have been too close to my delivery date and my hubby told me just to take it regardless, because he was tired and sick of my mood and running all errands by himself, also taking care of our 2 year old girl.
Overall, I read KLN 1 time, listened to pathoma 2 times while commuting to work, read FA 3 times and did Uworld 2 times. In the beginning I was scoring between 40-50 % in Uworld, at the end of my prep, after resetting the qbank, my average was 57%, with close to 70% in last few blocks.
I am sure, my experience is not what majority of people would be looking for, but I hope for some other people who are losing their hope and juggling between full time jobs and families, it would be an inspiration.
Conclusion: I still have 2 more steps to go, and I know I will study harder, since now I have a new purpose… to sit for both CK and CS this year.
Congrats mum! Very inspiring.:))
 
#3 ·
Thank you for sharing your story!!

Zlatka81,

Thank you so much for sharing your incredibly positive story with us!!!

Congratulation with PASS!!!!!!
You did it!!! Happy-2

Now you just need to change your Steps History from Not Yet to Step 1

Sooo happy for you, and it is always soooo nice to read someone honest story!!!

Congratulation again!! ;)
 
#7 ·
hey

hi how was your step 1 and how r you doing now? i have a similar background and just wondering if this is the right path ivation thanks tonsat all? need mot

I think I am the oldest mom around and only two months to go with horrible prep. I am trying to finish the kaplan dvd lectures but have to finsih FA and start Uworld. I wonder if I shall ever make it!
 
#5 ·
Thank you for sharing your story! You are amazing and it feels great now that I know that I may have a chance :) I have a 2 year old and just about decided to take the 1st step finally. Planning to study full time while taking care of my toddler for step 1 just go back to work while taking step 2 instead. I will always look back to this post every time I am feeling discouraged. Thank you!
 
#6 ·
thank you

thank you for putting up your experiences! definately helps !!!

I was reading this forum for a long time and think that I would share my experience.
I did not get a high score, not even the average one, but I am proud that I passed this exam.
My exam date was December 30, 2013 in Washington, DC.
Center was like any other, they allowed me to take my own ear plugs. There were at least 5-6 other people for USMLE exams, but I guess different steps.
At that time I was 7.5 months pregnant and therefore needed break after every block.
My exam was similar to NBME and UWorld questions, well at least in style, had a lot of neuro questions, and my report showed I scored the lowest in it, well I was not surprised by that LOL
There were definitely many weird questions I had no idea what they were even asking. Few questions were about nutrition, which I did not expect at all, since never saw any of those in practice tests, but went with my guts, although I would narrow down to 2 answers and had hard time choosing between two.
After 4 blocks, I ate my lunch and decided to finish other blocks.
I was very tired, since I am pregnant and sitting in the small room with lack of oxygen, I started to have headache and honestly don't even remember how I finished those blocks, I know that the last block I was just clicking answers. My brain just stopped processing information :toosad:
After the test, I headed home and decided to not even look into FA or any other material to recheck answers I remembered. I was sure I failed it and was not even depressed about it.
My hubby and I agreed that I will try the test and if fail, I will go another route, I already have nice stable job in clinical research, so I could easily continue, I also have some patient interaction and actually never felt I was missing medicine so much, because I am always among medical staff, doctors and patients.

I was actually shocked to find out that I passed. I guess I have no excuse not to continue with other steps.

My preparation: I started In January 2012, read biochem and microbiology books and stopped as I had to look for a job. At that time my baby was 4 months old. I did some volunteer work in the research and in May 2012 I started working full time and we could afford to send my daughter to daycare.
After work I would go to library and study for about 3 hours. It took me 3 months to read KLN and RR Patho (which I think was a waste of time) since I didn't like the format and did not remember anything.
My work also required me to travel and, we had some crazy weeks that I had to work till late and over the weekend. Almost all Saturdays I would spend in library, but Sundays were reserved for family.
Starting 2013, I took USMLE Rx question bank and was going through it slowly, as it required a lot of time to read those questions and answers, esp. those I did incorrectly. I was tired of that q bank and did not even finish it. So in April I signed up for Uworld and started doing questions, also slowly.
In summer I did not study at all since I had morning sickness. So in September I started going through FA and Uworld questions again, I had to pay for my exam again and for Uworld renewal. Took NBME and failed it, took another one two weeks later and barely achieved passing score. I was very stressed and disappointed.
My eligibility period was through November 30, 2013, and in October I got a new job in the hospital, also in the research. Again skipped couple weeks of my studies. I extended my eligibility period and wanted to take my step before Christmas, but dates were all booked, so I chose the last date that was available. 10 days before exam I took NBME 7 and …. Failed it, cried the whole evening … I wanted to reschedule my exam for February 2014, but it would have been too close to my delivery date and my hubby told me just to take it regardless, because he was tired and sick of my mood and running all errands by himself, also taking care of our 2 year old girl.
Overall, I read KLN 1 time, listened to pathoma 2 times while commuting to work, read FA 3 times and did Uworld 2 times. In the beginning I was scoring between 40-50 % in Uworld, at the end of my prep, after resetting the qbank, my average was 57%, with close to 70% in last few blocks.
I am sure, my experience is not what majority of people would be looking for, but I hope for some other people who are losing their hope and juggling between full time jobs and families, it would be an inspiration.
Conclusion: I still have 2 more steps to go, and I know I will study harder, since now I have a new purpose… to sit for both CK and CS this year.
 
#8 ·
I was reading this forum for a long time and think that I would share my experience.
I did not get a high score, not even the average one, but I am proud that I passed this exam.
My exam date was December 30, 2013 in Washington, DC.
Center was like any other, they allowed me to take my own ear plugs. There were at least 5-6 other people for USMLE exams, but I guess different steps.
At that time I was 7.5 months pregnant and therefore needed break after every block.
My exam was similar to NBME and UWorld questions, well at least in style, had a lot of neuro questions, and my report showed I scored the lowest in it, well I was not surprised by that LOL
There were definitely many weird questions I had no idea what they were even asking. Few questions were about nutrition, which I did not expect at all, since never saw any of those in practice tests, but went with my guts, although I would narrow down to 2 answers and had hard time choosing between two.
After 4 blocks, I ate my lunch and decided to finish other blocks.
I was very tired, since I am pregnant and sitting in the small room with lack of oxygen, I started to have headache and honestly don't even remember how I finished those blocks, I know that the last block I was just clicking answers. My brain just stopped processing information :toosad:
After the test, I headed home and decided to not even look into FA or any other material to recheck answers I remembered. I was sure I failed it and was not even depressed about it.
My hubby and I agreed that I will try the test and if fail, I will go another route, I already have nice stable job in clinical research, so I could easily continue, I also have some patient interaction and actually never felt I was missing medicine so much, because I am always among medical staff, doctors and patients.

I was actually shocked to find out that I passed. I guess I have no excuse not to continue with other steps.

My preparation: I started In January 2012, read biochem and microbiology books and stopped as I had to look for a job. At that time my baby was 4 months old. I did some volunteer work in the research and in May 2012 I started working full time and we could afford to send my daughter to daycare.
After work I would go to library and study for about 3 hours. It took me 3 months to read KLN and RR Patho (which I think was a waste of time) since I didn't like the format and did not remember anything.
My work also required me to travel and, we had some crazy weeks that I had to work till late and over the weekend. Almost all Saturdays I would spend in library, but Sundays were reserved for family.
Starting 2013, I took USMLE Rx question bank and was going through it slowly, as it required a lot of time to read those questions and answers, esp. those I did incorrectly. I was tired of that q bank and did not even finish it. So in April I signed up for Uworld and started doing questions, also slowly.
In summer I did not study at all since I had morning sickness. So in September I started going through FA and Uworld questions again, I had to pay for my exam again and for Uworld renewal. Took NBME and failed it, took another one two weeks later and barely achieved passing score. I was very stressed and disappointed.
My eligibility period was through November 30, 2013, and in October I got a new job in the hospital, also in the research. Again skipped couple weeks of my studies. I extended my eligibility period and wanted to take my step before Christmas, but dates were all booked, so I chose the last date that was available. 10 days before exam I took NBME 7 and …. Failed it, cried the whole evening … I wanted to reschedule my exam for February 2014, but it would have been too close to my delivery date and my hubby told me just to take it regardless, because he was tired and sick of my mood and running all errands by himself, also taking care of our 2 year old girl.
Overall, I read KLN 1 time, listened to pathoma 2 times while commuting to work, read FA 3 times and did Uworld 2 times. In the beginning I was scoring between 40-50 % in Uworld, at the end of my prep, after resetting the qbank, my average was 57%, with close to 70% in last few blocks.
I am sure, my experience is not what majority of people would be looking for, but I hope for some other people who are losing their hope and juggling between full time jobs and families, it would be an inspiration.
Conclusion: I still have 2 more steps to go, and I know I will study harder, since now I have a new purpose… to sit for both CK and CS this year.
amazing story!
 
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